1971 Steering Column Finish

[Sheldon S.]

I am interested to know how the steering column looks where it goes through into the engine bay. I think the actual shaft should be natural, the column i beleive would be painted black the same as on the inside of the car lower column area. My car is automatic so there is the shift lever on the engine side of the column. Is that black also and there is a cover that goes over the end of the column held in place with a wire clip. These all black also.
Thanks
Sheldon

[Russ S.]

Re: 1971 Steering Column Finish

All sounds correct to me.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1971 Steering Column Finish

Hi,
I believe on 70-72 cars the lever on the column that operates the interlock cable was typically left natural, not painted black.
Likewise, the 'end cap' was typically natural and the spring clip that holds the cap in place was natural or perhaps phosphate plated.
Regards,
Alan

[Russ S.]

Re: 1971 Steering Column Finish

I believe you are correct Alan. I should have checked closer however I wonder if the levers weren't phos plated as neither of my cars levers have much if any rust on them and the one car was in more severe climate and has considerable rust on the chasiss.

Hi,
I believe on 70-72 cars the lever on the column that operates the interlock cable was typically left natural, not painted black.
Likewise, the 'end cap' was typically natural and the spring clip that holds the cap in place was natural or perhaps phosphate plated.
Regards,
Alan

[Alan S.]

Re: 1971 Steering Column Finish

Hi Russ,
You could be right.
I didn't really see any sign of plating but that doesn't mean there wasn't some when new.
Regards,
Alan