66 steering column position

[Richard E.]

From the face of the dash (at the odometer location) to a spoke on the steering wheel measures 9.5 inches. Car has stock steering wheel and stock (non-tele) column. Does this dimension sound about right? Seems like the steering wheel should be closer to the dash. If so, can the column location be adjusted? Appreciate all comments and suggestions. Thank you.

[Rich G.]

Re: 66 steering column position

My 66 non tele reads 9.5 like yours. Just measured it.

Rich

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 steering column position

Thanks much for the quick reply Rich. I've been driving a tele column 66 many years and recently drove a standard column car. I noticed the wheel locaton difference right away, probably due to my gravity enhanced mid section over the years! Thanks again!

[Wayne M.]

Re: 66 steering column position

... Car has stock steering wheel and stock (non-tele) column. ... Seems like the steering wheel should be closer to the dash. If so, can the column location be adjusted? Appreciate all comments and suggestions. Thank you.

Richard --- yes, standard (non-tele) columns can be adjusted [at least through 1966].

From '63 Corvette Shop Manual, section 9-7: after having loosened the lower column clamp bolt (firewall side) and loosening the support U-bolts under the dash, "grasp steering wheel and adjust to desired fore and aft steering position. Tighten lower clamp bolt and support U-bolts"

I thought this adjustment was mentioned in the Owner's Manual, but I couldn't find it in my '65.

This adjustment is why the steering shaft has such long splines. It's been a while, but I'm guessing there may be about a total span of 3 inches adjustment possible.

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 steering column position

Thank you Wayne. It looked like at least 2 inches of shaft spline remain outside the steering coupling. Very much appreciate the adjustment details. Thanks again.