1970 Steering Column (Standard)

[David S.]

Hi All,

I'm looking for an original steering column (standard) for my 70. Does anyone know a good source that may have one?

Also I presume once I buy one, it will need to be restored. Who do you all recommend?

Best,
Dave

[Russ S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column (Standard)

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/4734257980.html

[David S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column (Standard)

Additional to finding one, the date code must be correct for my car. Anything January - June 1970 will work.

I've done some research on how to decode the dates but something is not adding up. I have found two standard columns that have three digits with a space and then another digit. As an example take 194 8. Based on the research I have conducted, this should be the 194th day of 1968. Or the middle of June 1968. This column came out of a low mile, March 1970 car. Both columns I have found are entirely correct for a 1970 Corvette. (accessorial parts, ignition in column, etc and coming out of car supposedly that are untouched). So how do you decode these things...? Is it not a three digit julian date and a one digit date for the year? It seems like an odd coincidence that the two columns I find are like this.

Thanks,
Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column (Standard)

Additional to finding one, the date code must be correct for my car. Anything January - June 1970 will work.

I've done some research on how to decode the dates but something is not adding up. I have found two standard columns that have three digits with a space and then another digit. As an example take 194 8. Based on the research I have conducted, this should be the 194th day of 1968. Or the middle of June 1968. This column came out of a low mile, March 1970 car. Both columns I have found are entirely correct for a 1970 Corvette. (accessorial parts, ignition in column, etc and coming out of car supposedly that are untouched). So how do you decode these things...? Is it not a three digit julian date and a one digit date for the year? It seems like an odd coincidence that the two columns I find are like this.

Thanks,
Dave

Dave------


I can't help with the date coding protocol. I'm a "configuration guy" and not a "dates guy". However, I can tell you that the 1969 and 1970 standard columns were virtually the same. The only difference I know of is the ignition lock key/cylinder code. So, it's possible the column you found is a 1969 column once installed on a very early 1969.

One thing that might tell the difference: check the position indicator groove on the ignition lock. 1969 locks have red paint in the groove. I don't think that 1970 had the red paint (but I could be wrong on this as they may have had it too).

[David S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column (Standard)

Thanks Joe. If the ignition lock has been changed, I gather there is no way to tell between a 69 and 70?

Hoping to get some clarity on the date codes, if anyone else knows?

Thanks!
Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column (Standard)

Thanks Joe. If the ignition lock has been changed, I gather there is no way to tell between a 69 and 70?



Thanks!
Dave

Dave------


No way that I know of.

[Jim S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column (Standard)

Here are the date coding instructions from the 1970 standard (non-adjustable) steering column assembly drawing.

Sometimes the shift code (A, B, or C) is omitted when the plant was only working one shift assembling steering columns.

I should add one more comment. The paper Identification Alpha Code Label is located on top of the steering column jacket. It will be virtually impossible to see the label when the column is installed in the car. However, the label (with its two digit alpha code and part number) is very easily seen when the steering column is the shipping container from Saginaw. The line worker must select a standard (non-adjustable) steering column or a T&T depending upon the build sheet for the car.
Jim