SnoDrgn

Here's the scoop. I bought a 78 tilt/tele colum off ebay not too long ago to replace the standard column in my 74. Unfortunately it came in pieces. I was able to figure out most of it but lack documentation on the telescopic parts. I've already checked corvettefaq but can't find what I was looking for. I need info on how to telescope the column and set it in place. I also need a blow-up diagram for this column with parts list. Are there any sources for column parts if I need any? I think for now I am just going to assembly and repaint the column and put it back on eBay.
Thanks :cheers:

Love My 72 and 77

I think putting that column back on ebay is the wise choice. if you have a 74 you need a 69-75 or 76 column the 76 will need parts to use your steering wheel. 77 columns are one year suckers. the 78 you have isnt really for your car either. if you have been watching columns on ebay you know 69-75 columns arent cheap. You will pay between 300 and even as high as 700 for a good one. i hope this helps.

SnoDrgn

That's kind of the direction I'm going. I know the 78 column will bolt in and I was planning on keeping the switch for the brights on the floor. I was hoping for a cheaper way to add tilt/tele without paying the big $$$. For now I just need to know if all the parts are there since it came in pieces.

Jim Shea

There are two pictures that are posted at http://www.corvettefaq.com that will show you all the parts. Go to Steering and download:

Tilt & Telescoping77-82 Steering Wheel and Horn Parts
Tilt & Telescoping 69-82 Blowup Pic

The blowup pic shows all the parts that Saginaw supplied inside the actual steering column. The only slight problem is that the blowup is of a 69-76 column and does not show the dimmer switch and the lock cylinder finger inhibitor system. But those parts were part of the column.

SnoDrgn

That's the problem. I need that type of blow-up pic but for a 78-82 column. Otherwise if the internals are the same I am missing parts 42, 43, and 40.

Are there any sources for these parts?
I'm still nto clear on how to telescope the column. :confused:

Jim Shea

So far Dr Rebuild is the only company that I have found that offers the parts that you are missing:

78-82 Upper Shaft Lock Rod 6521534 $10.20
69-82 Upper Shaft Locking Wedge 6521176 $11.95
69-82 Shaft Locking Wedge Bumper 6521178 $2.00

I did find the Locking Wedge at GMPartsDirect it is GM # 7809977 (list is $13.74 so unless you can get a discount from a GM dealer, Dr Rebuild is still less expensive). You should be able to purchase it at any GM dealer. The dealer may also be able to find the other missing parts and order them. I am not able to find the other parts by GM part number.

When you rotate the telescope lever on your T&T column, the lever rotates the star screw that is threaded into the Upper Shaft #41. The star screw presses on #40 Lock Rod (6521534) that is inside the Upper Shaft. The lock rod pushes on the #43 Wedge (6521176) and ***** it so that it locks the Upper Shaft to the Yoke #44.

You might also try http://www.columnsgalore.com for your missing parts. However, they haven't been know for their "deals" on steering column parts.


[Modified by Jim Shea, 1:45 PM 7/31/2003]

SnoDrgn

Thanks a TON Jim. :cheers: :cheers: No wonder I can't figure out how to make the tele work since I'm missing all the critical parts :crazy: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :lol: