Steering Column on 69
My 1970 has an adjustable steering column which is great because I am a big person. Recently, a few months ago, I purchased a 1969 that has a non-adjustable steering column. My question is: is there a way to move the column inward or how difficult would it be to install the adjustable type? thanks for your help................ Fred
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Re: Steering Column on 69
Fred-----
There's no way to adjust the steering column on a non tilt-tele 1969 (or, any other non tele or non tilt-tele Corvette, for that matter).
It's really not a big deal to change the non tilt-tele column in the 1969 for a tilt-tele. The problem is in obtaining such a column that's in good shape. They can be found but they are going to be very expensive. Up to $2,000 or more for an NOS column if you can find one; less for a rebuilt, used column, but still very expensive.
Generally, any 1969-76 tilt-tele column will work from a functional perspective. There may be minor configuration differences from year-to-year, though.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Steering Column on 69
The standard column is fixed and there's no way to adjust it in/out or up/down. The factory solution was to move the seat and/or install the kit of seat back shims that came with the car as required...
Swapping the standard column for a T/T column is a rather easy chore. But, there are two caveats:
(1) Be prepared for sticker shock when you go to price out a hole blood T/T column assy ($1500 is about the center of the price range).
(2) Most used original columns flow from wrecked cars and you can encounter wear/damage that isn't visible from the outside...
On #2, these columns were intended to collapse in a front end collision and you can find the nice used column you've purchased winding up being 'short' when you go to install it and connect everything. The fix is to put the lower shaft back into factory original position.
Also, the T/T column tends to get 'loose' with use/abuse. Many used the steering wheel as a pull assist to hoist their body up/out of the drivers seat. That generates stress on the tilt mechanism's upper housing where it rotates around the steel bearing shafts.
The holes in the upper housing enlongate as a result with the steering wheel tending to be 'sloppy/loose' in the 10:00 to 3:00 direction. The fix is to disassemble and replace the upper housing or have it sleeved at the point of wear...Comment
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Re: Steering Column on 69
The good news is that any 1969 through 1976 Corvette T&T steering column will swap directly into your 1969. Your original steering wheel will work with the T&T. You will need the T&T tilt and turn signal levers.
This blowup shows all of the horn and telescope lock parts that are needed to go with the actual column. More good news is that all of these parts can be purchased from various Vette suppliers (for a price).
If you are concerned about purchasing a steering column that may have been collapsed in an accident, I can supply OEM lengths for the actual steering column jacket to verify that it is good and undamaged.
It is fairly common to find that the actual lower steering shaft has been collapsed into the steering column jacket. If the steering shaft is shortened through mis-handling, the shaft can be pulled back to its original length and used without concern.
One last hint. A lot of people have the misconception that the 1976 steering column is somehow an orphan because of the Vega steering wheel used that year. You will have to purchase most of the steering wheel, horn parts, and telescope lock parts shown on the above blowup. But the actual steering column is the same as 1969-75.
JimComment
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Re: Steering Column on 69
Jim Thank you,
you have been a big help,Comment
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