Steering Column Repair: shifter mechanism, torx bolts, salvage yards

Question
QUESTION: the shifter mechanism on the steering column is broken on my 98 chevy suburban K1500, tilt. I've found the part on-line but was wondering how does it attach to the column, it doesn't appear to be bolted or screwed. I'm shifting with a vice grip currently. Looks like it's made of pot metal

ANSWER: Hi Terry:
I'm not sure what part you found on-line, but as you said, there is nothing to bolt on.  I'm pretty sure it is part of the column housing, so you would need to replace the column and transfer all of your switches and lock over.  It's not that big of a job and if you need to find a column check here.

www.car-part.com
It's the website all the salvage yards use when they say "Hang on--let me see if my other yard has it".  Actually it's an online database of all the salvage yards in America.  You can search by part, location or price

Good luck
Doug

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

QUESTION: the part # am 99197414 from am parts, i found it by googling steering column shifter mechanism for 98 chevy suburban k1500. could you please take a look and see if you think this will work? thanks

Answer
Terry:
Yes, that piece is replaceable.  (I thought you just wanted the receptacle for the lever.)  That shifter mechanism is held on with 3- 30 torx bolts.  Once you remove the covers, you should be able to see them.
We have recently uploaded some pages on our website to give you first hand viewing of how to remove, disassemble, and reassemble the parts you are talking about. They are broken down into step by step detailed instructions.  Although the pages are designed for a multiswitch replacement, the access to the inside of the column is the same

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/howto/gmmulti.php

I hope these instructions help you.  If not, please contact me again for more information.

Good luck

Doug

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com