T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

[Jim S.]

I am rebuilding a 1969-76 T&T steering column. Upon teardown, I have found that the entire upper end of the jacket assembly is fatigued and broken. It is the part the holds the upper head, extends down through the dash, and has a welded bracket (with aluminum capsules) that the two vertical bolts hold up into the dash. Does anyone have information as to who, where, what person or supplier might be able to provide this part. I have tried a lot of the usual suppliers with no luck.

BTW, Jacket assemblies before 1969 and anything after 1977 will not work. Correct part numbers would be 7815690 or 7805697.

Jim (36737)

[Lynn H.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Jim,
I believe most of the parts for this column have been discontinued from GM (Joe L. would probably have more information on that), and from my own experience some can be rather hard to find and expensive. I would suggest watching ebay, and scanning the Driveline, as I have seen them available in those places from time to time. I do not know if anyone is reproducing any of the parts for these columns, but if so I would be interested myself in knowing who that is. Maybe someone else will chime in if they know of them out there from one of the parts houses, or if anyone in particular that specializes in these steering columns, and parts.
Lynn

[Jim S.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Lynn,
I am sure that nobody is reproducing the jacket assembly. GM may have had some available for service in the middle 80s. We would be very lucky to find those service parts still around.
Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Lynn,
I am sure that nobody is reproducing the jacket assembly. GM may have had some available for service in the middle 80s. We would be very lucky to find those service parts still around.
Jim

Jim-----

GM #7805697 was discontinued in October, 1976 and replaced by the GM #7815690. The latter part was discontinued without supercession in May, 1986. Finding an NOS example of one of these will be like finding a needle in a haystack----in fact, maybe a lot harder than that.

A few suggestions:

1) try to find a good used column on eBay and cannibalize it for parts. The 7815690 was also used for 1973 Chevelles (with floor console) and Camaros (with auto trans). So, those might represent possible column "donors" that not a lot of folks are looking for;

2) contact Corvette Steering Service (www.corvettesteering.com). They may have used parts available;

3) contact Columns Galore (www.columnsgalore.com). They may have used parts available.

The problem with (2) and (3) is that if they have used parts like these, they probably would want to keep them for their own rebuilding services. But, who know?

[Lynn H.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Joe,
Good info on the boneyard columns, I will be keeping an eye out for the ones you listed. I do have a box full of NOS T&T column parts, but I went through them and I do not have the part Jim is looking for. I do have most of all the other NOS upper parts for the T&T column. Including a couple of cover assys. with the lock housing, and the upper shaft bearing housing (bowl). Are most (or all) of the parts for this column discontinued, and difficult to find NOS?
Lynn

[Joe L.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Joe,
Good info on the boneyard columns, I will be keeping an eye out for the ones you listed. I do have a box full of NOS T&T column parts, but I went through them and I do not have the part Jim is looking for. I do have most of all the other NOS upper parts for the T&T column. Including a couple of cover assys. with the lock housing, and the upper shaft bearing housing (bowl). Are most (or all) of the parts for this column discontinued, and difficult to find NOS?
Lynn

Lynn-----


All of the major parts are discontinued and difficult to find. As I recall, a few of the smaller internal parts are still available. Dr. Rebuild has an excellent inventory of steering column parts, but usually not the major pieces.

[Joe L.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Joe,
Good info on the boneyard columns, I will be keeping an eye out for the ones you listed. I do have a box full of NOS T&T column parts, but I went through them and I do not have the part Jim is looking for. I do have most of all the other NOS upper parts for the T&T column. Including a couple of cover assys. with the lock housing, and the upper shaft bearing housing (bowl). Are most (or all) of the parts for this column discontinued, and difficult to find NOS?
Lynn

Lynn-----


I didn't mean to imply that the entire 73 Chevelle and Camaro steering columns are the same as Corvette, just that the 7815690 piece that GM was interested in was also used in those columns. There may be other parts that are also common with the Corvette column, but, at the moment, I don't know what they are.

[Jim S.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Joe,
The C3 Corvette steering columns (either the standard non-adjustable or the T&T) were the only Saginaw columns that had a welded bracket (with the aluminum breakaway capsules) to the jacket. The design of a welded bracket allowed the capsules to be located below the centerline of the steering column. All other columns had brackets that bolted onto weldnuts that were part of the jacket. This bolt-on design dictated that the capsules had to be on or above the centerline of the column. I doubt very seriously that a Camaro or Chevelle jacket could interchange. I will try and contact somebody at Saginaw and try to find out more on this interchange subject.

One other thing, Camaros and Chevelles were only available with tilt columns. I am positive that you could not just take a tilt column and bolt a T&T head on it.

BTW, I have already called Steering Columns Galore and Steering Column Services. Both specialize in rebuilding older steering columns. They could not help me.

A lot of the small T&T head parts are available through numerous Vette suppliers. But the steering shaft, backdrive tube, and jacket assembly are nearly impossible to find.

Merry Christmas everybody,
Jim

[Edward M.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Jim;

I have a box of old T/T parts, including some of the bigger parts. Not sure what is in there, but I will check it and let you know if I have what you are looking for. Stay tuned....

[Jim S.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

I am not in the steering column rebuild business. I was trying to do a favor for a guy by "tuning up his 1976 T&T". Upon disassembly I find the very reason why I don't want to be in this business. Parts are missing, the jacket is fatigued and broken. I don't have a library of parts to be able to rebuild the wreck.

Beside the jacket itself (which is very, very difficult to find) I need a locking bolt, grasshopper spring (that funny looking spring that pushes the lock bolt and also preloads the plastic sector), the tiny screw with a large head that holds the grasshopper spring to the bearing housing, and the key buzzer switch is broken (new tooled part has recently become available). The lock cylinder it broken (but a replacement is readily available with new keys.)

I am not complaining as much as stating the obvious. The type of rebuilding required on this T&T column is best left to the higher volume vendors who have a library of parts through obtaining cores and selectively saving parts.

The good news is that a lot of C2/C3 columns probably just need a "tuneup" and some screws tightened. The bad news is that you can't really determine the extent of some of the problems until you actually disassemble the column.

BTW, I really could use a spare locking bolt, grasshopper spring, and the small screw if you happen to have them laying around.

Jim

[Lynn H.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Lynn-----


I didn't mean to imply that the entire 73 Chevelle and Camaro steering columns are the same as Corvette, just that the 7815690 piece that GM was interested in was also used in those columns. There may be other parts that are also common with the Corvette column, but, at the moment, I don't know what they are.

Joe,
I understood your comments, or at least thought I did at the time (now I know I did). I realize the columns you mentioned were in NO WAY totally interchangeable with the Corvette columns, and that they may just contain some common parts. I enjoy your posts on the board immensely, and I find them to be what I consider "well researched", and informative. I am guessing you to have the "vast cornucopia" of reference material, as everyone seems to seek information from your "overflowing fountain of knowledge". I commend and thank you sincerely for sharing this information with us, as I have met my fair share of individuals over the years (not necessarily in this organization), that prefer to "hoard" their knowledge like it was some type of buried treasure.
For that reasons you stated (common parts) I will still be looking for the columns you mentioned, as from the jest of this thread, there are some parts that can be very difficult to find in them that are common to the Corvette columns. My bet is nobody is giving away the Chevelle and Camaro parts, as some of the desirable ones (such as tit columns), can be just as expensive as the parts are for the Corvette these days. You have to be first posses the knowledge of where to find the parts, so that you can then "keep your eyes open for them". You never know what "deal' is around the next corner, but most times you have to be looking to find them, and you have to know what to look for to be looking.
I realize I am getting of subject with the intent of this thread, but I just wanted to give you my personal THANK YOU. I believe everyone who uses the TDB for it's intended purpose owes members like yourself, a debt of gratitude that can most likely never be returned. This really comes to mind at this time of year to myself, who finds the holiday season a time to be THANKFUL for the good things in our lives such as friends and family, as I truly hate the commercial part of it. I know I have not really been seriously interacting on the board for very long, but I have already come to think of you and some of the others as FRIENDS, even though we have never met. Hopefully we will one day get that opportunity. This is truly what this organization is all about. I know I have read it in the publications many times, and as the years go by I find it to be truer with every passing day, and event that I attend. The cars are just the common denominator.
Lynn Houk

[Joe L.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Joe,
The C3 Corvette steering columns (either the standard non-adjustable or the T&T) were the only Saginaw columns that had a welded bracket (with the aluminum breakaway capsules) to the jacket. The design of a welded bracket allowed the capsules to be located below the centerline of the steering column. All other columns had brackets that bolted onto weldnuts that were part of the jacket. This bolt-on design dictated that the capsules had to be on or above the centerline of the column. I doubt very seriously that a Camaro or Chevelle jacket could interchange. I will try and contact somebody at Saginaw and try to find out more on this interchange subject.

One other thing, Camaros and Chevelles were only available with tilt columns. I am positive that you could not just take a tilt column and bolt a T&T head on it.

BTW, I have already called Steering Columns Galore and Steering Column Services. Both specialize in rebuilding older steering columns. They could not help me.

A lot of the small T&T head parts are available through numerous Vette suppliers. But the steering shaft, backdrive tube, and jacket assembly are nearly impossible to find.

Merry Christmas everybody,
Jim

Jim------


I agree; there's no way that most T/T column parts will interchange with standard column parts.

However, GM says that the GM #7815690 jacket assembly was applicable to 1969-76 Corvettes with T/T column as well as the 1973 Chevelle and Camaro applications I mentioned. That could be an error, but that's what they say. I have no personal familiarity with this part so I can't say anything from experience.

The GM #7805697 was the predecessor part number applicable to 69-76 Corvettes with T/T column. However, I cannot say, for sure, that part was also applicable to the 73 Chevelle and Camaro applications.

[Tom L.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

BTW, I really could use a spare locking bolt, grasshopper spring, and the small screw if you happen to have them laying around.

Jim

Paragon sells these parts. I would guess that Zip probably does also.

[Jim S.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Update on the 1976 T&T column rebuild.

So far we have been able to weld the upper end of the jacket back together. This is the major part that I have not been able to find. It would have been best to find a NOS part or even a used part but a MIG welded repair will have to suffice.

This column has verified my worst fears and has further convinced me that I don't need to start a second career. I accepted a steering column from a member fairly close by in Michigan (therefore no shipping problems). He thinks that all it needs is a minor "tuneup" and a new lock cylinder. Take it apart and the jacket is fatigued and broken. Lock bolt and other misc parts are missing. I have no library of parts to draw from.

After two weeks of searching the internet, calling suppliers and salvage yards; it goes together Saturday with the welded jacket, no lock bolt, no grasshopper spring, and a new lock cylinder. The rest of the parts will be lubed, reassembled, and all bolts torqued correctly.

Most likely the column will have an easy life, function normally, and serve its purpose for the next 30 years. The member will be happy but I am not really satisfied that the column was brought back to anywhere near its original state. This type of situation will only get worse in the future.

Hint! Don't lean on your steering wheel while getting in and out or your Vette.
Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: T&T Strg Column Jacket Needed

Update on the 1976 T&T column rebuild.

So far we have been able to weld the upper end of the jacket back together. This is the major part that I have not been able to find. It would have been best to find a NOS part or even a used part but a MIG welded repair will have to suffice.

This column has verified my worst fears and has further convinced me that I don't need to start a second career. I accepted a steering column from a member fairly close by in Michigan (therefore no shipping problems). He thinks that all it needs is a minor "tuneup" and a new lock cylinder. Take it apart and the jacket is fatigued and broken. Lock bolt and other misc parts are missing. I have no library of parts to draw from.

After two weeks of searching the internet, calling suppliers and salvage yards; it goes together Saturday with the welded jacket, no lock bolt, no grasshopper spring, and a new lock cylinder. The rest of the parts will be lubed, reassembled, and all bolts torqued correctly.

Most likely the column will have an easy life, function normally, and serve its purpose for the next 30 years. The member will be happy but I am not really satisfied that the column was brought back to anywhere near its original state. This type of situation will only get worse in the future.

Hint! Don't lean on your steering wheel while getting in and out or your Vette.
Jim

Jim-----


As you've found, repairing these columns can be a nightmare due to parts availability. As I mentioned, most of the parts are long-since discontinued and extremely difficult to find. In fact, I don't know how these column rebuilders like Corvette Steering and Columns Galore can do it. The only way I can think of is if they have a "stash" of NOS parts they are drawing on. However, if that's the case, they're going to run out at some point. Then what?

As it is, I have been told that Corvette Steering won't touch a 65-68 Corvette tele column.

Also, I checked and there are less than 30 parts remaining available from GM for ALL 69-82 tilt/tele columns. Most of these are small internals parts like clips, springs, pins, retainers, and washers.