GUSTO14

Does anyone know if a 1986 column will work in an '84/'85? I know that the '86 column has the VATS key and the 84/85 doesn't, but otherwise...?

Thanks, GUSTO

WVZR-1

If you included the "intermediate shaft" to the rack/pinion - yes/maybe? The mast jacket has a different part # but actually the mast jacket is part #'d differently for an '86 coupe vs. an '86 'vert. I have never done it and I would like to have both side by side to compare but I don't see a reason why not. I would want maybe a coupe column if I had a choice.

I believe that '87 - '89 there was no difference in the mast jackets, they were the same as the '86 'vert.

Do you have an '84 or '85 and you'd like to swap columns? What is wrong with yours if that is what you would like to do?

I could likely research the differences if there were more but I'd want to know "why" before I did.

GUSTO14

Dave, thanks for your response.

It actually involves a customer who's somehow damaged his column and is looking for a replacement. 84-85 columns seem to be in somewhat short supply in our area. We have an '86 parts car and are wondering if it might work. Since his car is not a VATS car and the '86 column is, we thought it might work for him but wanted some other opinions before removing the '86 column only to find it isn't compatible.

I did suggest he check out the C4 parts for sale section here as there seem to be a few available that would work for him, albeit not inexpensive.

Thanks again... GUSTO

WVZR-1

'84 and '85 intermediate shafts are usually in very poor condition anyway so there's nothing except good to come from the change. If his intermediate shaft is in good condition I wouldn't toss it. What is actually wrong with his? You might want to investigate. Most everything is available and if it's something in the top of the column it can be done "in the car". I'd be checking.

ray1979

I put a column from an 86 in my 84 about 20 years ago. Only difference was I had to file the ignition a little since its longer in the vats column unless you have keys for the other car

GUSTO14

Thank you, I will pass that on...

GUSTO