68 telescopic questions............... : (

[Terry F.]

Hi, I am trying to go through a 68 telescopic column that I have had for a number of years. I was using the overhaul manual which failed to mention a thing or two.

The manual refers to seals located inside the mast jacket and to replace them as needed by gluing new one's in????? I don't see any seals in there (Buba?). Also, on the bottom end of the main shaft about 6 inches up I found a flanged ring. It seems to have no purpose and it is not shown in the diagram in the overhaul manual. It does appear to locate itself uncomfortably to the back side of the lower bearing and in that way it acts as a back stop to the lower shaft spring. But the fit just does not seem right. Could it be the remnant of an inner race from a previous lower bearing? Also, I believe the manual is showing a 67 column, not a 68. It said you could just slide the lower two piece shaft apart but it failed to mention that you needed to drive out a role pin before doing that in the center of the shaft.

The mast jacket is not colapsed but I suspect it is slightly bent. Any suggestions there?

It needs a lower bearing for sure maybe a mast jacket if this one is trashed. Too nice to throw away. If anyone has experience with the 68 tele, appreciate any comments. Thanks in advance, Terry

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: 68 telescopic questions............... : (

My '67 had those seals too, they are just thick felt pads glued in place to keep junk out of the bearings. Mine were pretty disintegrated, you can find them Dr. Rebuild's catalog I believe. That roll pin is to shear in case of impact, mine is plastic. With out seeing the mast jacket, (do you mean the wire mesh at the bottom of the column), it's hard to say how you can work it back out.

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 telescopic questions............... : (

A long time ago I took apart a non-tele and I remember a white plastic thing that was there to shere if the column colapsed. I didn't notice anything like that in this one. The main shaft has the two sections. About half way down there was a hole and in it there was a role pin but it looked too short.....hmmm. It might have been shered off or it was put there by Bubba. I am thinking there should be a white plastic button in that region that sheres when colapsed, hmmmmmm. I was told it was never, etc, etc, etc. I will take any ideas. I wonder if you can replace the plastic button or if the shaft is considered a unit and the button is fused in place when manufactured? Thanks, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 telescopic questions............... : (

The mast jacket appeared ok when I first looked at it but looking closer down the bore (when looking for the seals) I noticed that it looked off center a bit. That's when I started to look even closer. I have everyone's catalog except Dr's. I will have to have them send me one or check there online catalog for parts. I need to find out for sure what is up with this thing before I soak money into it. It has everything else in nice condition. I will have to send you a picture of that flange thing near the bottom of the main shaft. So...should a large felt washer go around the shaft next to that flange and then it buts up against the lower bearing? I need to do the work thing today but I will try to send pictures or post some. How do yo post pictures to the board?
Sorry for the mass of questions. Best regards, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 telescopic questions............... : (

Scott, was yours a telescopic steering column? Terry