Steering Column Repair: BrokenTurn Signal Cancel Cam, loose bolt, tilt column

Question
I am building a hot rod and acquired a GM tilt column, probably from a Camaro.  I don't know what year column it is.  The column is from a floor shift car and does not have a wiper or hi-lo beam switch on it. The shaft end is a female double-d. My problem is that the turn signal cancel cam is broken (all that is left is the center part).  I suspect someone tried to fix a loose bolt problem and didn't know what they were doing.  The cancel cam I got at the parts store seems to have a thicker spring seat than the original and won't allow the lock plate to be pushed down far enough to install the lock ring.  The original cancel cam is grey plastic and the new one is white if that helps.  Being a typical parts store they "can't help you if you don't know the year, make and model".  Any thoughts?  

Answer
Hello Peter,
My best advice is for you to take the one that came out of it to the parts store. They are usually helpful enough to go thru the GM cams they have in stock. The white one is the most common. The replacement part is usually the same color. I'm certain there are not that many different variations of the GM cancel cam. Of course since you tried to install the one you got, you probably won't get a refund on it (unless they are overly sympathetic) as most electrical parts cannot be exchanged. It's always worth a try. If it were the same color part, and only minute differences, you might have an argument.

These pictures show a typical GM cancel cam and spring.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3457/07549fb.jpg
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/1333/07558st.jpg

I am assuming you are using the lock plate compressing tool to install the lock. It is virtually impossible to install the lock plate without one (or a tool fashioned to accomplish the same task as this special tool). Here is a URL to a picture of one in action:

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/4236/tool6sx.jpg

I hope that helps.
If I can be of further assistance, please post another question.
Feel free to leave comments or feedback as they are kindly appreciated.
Have a great day!
-Jay
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