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I have a 75 Cutlass Supreme with non tilt steering and console shift.
I am thinking of converting the non tilt column to a tilt column. I have a tilt column out a 75 Cutlass donor car with the same Oxblood color.
I have been resisting to change it for 2 reasons. Keep it original and labour to change it out.
As I’m 6’4” I’m finding it more difficult to get in and out under the steering wheel with the swivel bucket seats.
Questions:
Do I need to replace the entire column or can I do partial replacement on it ?
How many hrs would it take to do it?
If I do it , is there anything else I should do at the same time?
Might be next winter project as I’m retired now.
This is a no-brainer IMO. Replace the strg column...it's not that difficult. I've removed half a dozen from JY cars and it probably takes no more than
about 1/2 hr. Four bolts hold it in place under the dash to support the upper portion, four bolts at the inner fire wall that supports the lower portion, disconnect a couple of wiring connectors, one pinch bolt at the coupler under the brake booster (or, you can disconnect it at the strg box) and a cotter pin to release the shift linkage. Might want to enlist a helper to assist in getting the shaft lined up when reinstalling.
If it's floor shift, change out the whole column is the simplest way to do it. You'll have to change the ignition lock cylinder if you want to keep your original keys, but that's a minor problem. Look close at your rag joint's condition while you're in it.
Last edited by rocketraider; April 22nd, 2023 at 11:01 AM.
Dimmer switch location is the only real difference in 73-77 columns. If your column doesn't have the Salon's column mount dimmer switch and housing, you should be good.
Sorry for bringing this thread back, but I have an issue. I finished painting, pulled the tilt all apart , took out the grease, new grease installed, removed the tilt shaft knuckles (*****) to grease them.
I think when I reinstalled the ***** I got the shaft out 180 deg.
see pics. The wheels are straight ahead nothing has change but the new tilt column. The column shaft bolted in no problem outside the fire wall.
The steering wheel and ignition lock disc will only go on one way.
I think I’m going to have to pull the column back out and flip the first shaft to the knuckle 180 deg. The original steering was slightly off before doing the swap as I just finished changing all the steering components. , idler, drag link and inner and outer tie rods. No alignment yet.
I reorientated the top shaft and knuckle 180 deg and installed it again. It fixed my issue steering wheel alignment issue Then before I tightened all the bolts down, I tried the ignition, it cranked over. Then I tried the blinkers. No blinkers would work or gen light wouldn’t come on with the key.
frustrated I checked the wiring and plugs. Couldn’t find an issue.
I decided to pull the rebuilt tilt out again and try the non tilt. Just layed it into position and hooked up the wiring. The blinkers still didnt work or gen light didn’t work.
now I’m choked, then I realize the kill switch is off. I turn on the kill switch , gen light comes on blinkers work.
DON’T forget about the kill switch.
I was happy and pissed at the same time
April 22nd, 2023, 06:07 AM
