1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

[Jason P.]

OK, so I have been banging my head against the wall looking for better documentation and pictures to see how the steering column and the Cowl Vent Ratcheting Regulator Arm Assembly get mounted/installed in my 58 Vette.

I finally ran across a picture somewhere that shows a part under the instrument cluster that I am missing.

I don't think I have the area I outlined below in red.
58-Cowl-vent-handle-assembly-fit-issues-CorvetteForum-Chevrolet-Corvette-Forum-Discussion.jpg

Here is what it looks like under the steering wheel/column area. See the part I outlined in red is missing and I think that is the part both the cowl vent assembly and steering column attach to. Are my assumptions correct?

Is this part a section of fiberglass that is missing on my car? Can I purchase this part anywhere? I looked but haven't had any luck yet.

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Thanks for any input as I have been struggling with this for months now and could really use some help in what direction I need to go.

If it helps I could take the instrument cluster off and take better pictures.

The AIM may call it the Support Instrument Cluster Panel.

Screenshot 2024-02-20 103133.jpg

Appreciate any help here.

Jason

[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

Here is a pic of what my instrument cluster area looks like. Notice the missing section.

Anyone have any ideas on this?
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[Garry M.]

Re: 1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

From your pics it looks like you are missing the support that mounts on the bottom side of the dash fiberglass. See section 12 sheet 12 of your AIM.

[Howard H.]

Re: 1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

Jason
This bracket connects to the left door hinge area metal by two bolts and on the right to a more or less flat reinforcement metal bracket that is installed in front of the speaker hole in the center dash. This is then connected to the left side of the grab bar by two bolts. The right end of the grab bar is then bolted to the right hinge area metal, providing structural support. I don't think anyone is reproducing this part but should be found at a used parts supplier. You might want to check if you have the center dash support. You definitely need this to mount the steering column and the bracket for the vent.
Howard Hiller (46797)

[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

Can you buy that piece from places like Corvette Central? I can't find that part.

[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

What should I be looking for to see if I have the center dash support?

[Ian G.]

Re: 1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

Hi jason, My car is apart but hope these pics help you with how it goes together. Corvette Central used to sell it, but looks discontinued "temporarily". They have discontinued a lot of stuff since being bought out by private equity it seems. I cannot find one on ebay or other vendor sites. You might post on corvette forum WTB, or wait for one to show up on ebay. I see them now and again.
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[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

Thanks so much for the info.

Ian, can you share the link to the page on Corvette Central's website that has this part, even though it says discontinued?

I have been looking all over the place for this and was never able to find it shown on corvettecentral.com.

Thanks,
Jason

[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 C1 Steering Column Install Question

Thanks everyone!! I was able to find the part in one of my father's storage sheds.

Appreciate all the time everyone took out to help me with this.

Jason