Steering Column Repair: corvette tilt steering column, steering column repair, tilt column

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I wonder if you can help me out with a large detailed drawing of a 1980 corvette steering column . The bearings in the column were badly worn and the plastic that holds the ball bearing race was broken on the top one , so i decided to replace them .
The lower one is straight forward as is all of the tilt operation and mechanism , but the top bearing does not have a section for the balls to run in like the lower one , why?
The spring locates against the shoulder of the bearing . Also when removing the turn indicator arm a small spring steelspring fell from the plastic housing on the left side of the column , where does this slide into , it is currently in two peices and will need a new one but this item is not listed in any of the major spares catalogues such as Ecklers .
Sorry the e,mail is long and carries a number of questions, but i hope you can assist .

Regards,
John Knott


www.stolenandrecovered   ANSWER: Hi John:
I can certainly help you.  We have recently uploaded some videos on our company website to give you first hand viewing of how to remove, disassemble, and reassemble the tilt column you are talking about. They are broken down into step by step 2-3 minute detailed videos with instructions. Although the videos are for a Chevrolet truck, the column is very similar to yours.  Additionally, we also have step by step instructions for the telescopic portion of your car.

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/yourcar/index.php

I hope these instructions help you.  If not, please contact me again for more information.
Lastly, if you need parts to repair this column simply locate the part and you can purchase it directly through the shopping cart.  We stock just about everything you would need to repair your car properly.
Good luck

Doug

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi ,
this is john knott again regarding the corvette tilt column circa 1980. I found laying in the grease in the small cover that houses the dimmer mecanism a very small fork like spring steel spring and i am unable to determine where this errant parts home is .It is not the one that sits under the cast ratchet arm , that one is in place . I cannot even see the spring in the parts breakdown . Thanks to the rest of your fanastic video,s and the assembly sheets the rest of the column is all fine. I could send you a picture of the spring steel spring that i found if you need to see what it looks like , its a bit of a mystery as like i said earlier i cant find a home for it and all seems to be fine with the rest of the column , any idea,s guys ???

Many Many thanks once again  

Answer
Hi John:
It sounds like the metal piece you are talking about is just a protective cover that goes over the pre-load spring and rack.  It's always a bit of a jigsaw puzzle and most people leave it out.  Feel free to send me a picture of it & I can confirm that.
infor@stolenandrecovered.com

Doug
www.stolenandrecovered.com