Digging in... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68Blu · 10-11-2019, 09:48 PM

I was changing my steering wheel this afternoon and I noticed something (well 2 somethings) concerning.

1) the threads are looking rough/ worn. Looks like someone cross threaded at some point then “fixed” them. The splines are also worn, still functioning though.

2) the gap between the turn signal housing and the post cover is large enough for me to fit my fingers in (I’m a woman so smaller fingers than a man’s).

Suggestions? Thanks

*randy500* · 10-11-2019, 10:04 PM

Pictures?
The gap...is the outer metal cover loose? The cpver is retained by bolts that pinch it to the center column, if they get loose the gap could get big, the bolts are the same ones that retain the turn signal switch.

68Blu · 10-11-2019, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randy500

Pictures?
The gap...is the outer metal cover loose? The cpver is retained by bolts that pinch it to the center column, if they get loose the gap could get big, the bolts are the same ones that retain the turn signal switch.

Best I can in the garage. I’ll try to get pictures of the shaft tomorrow.

Astro-Balls · 10-11-2019, 10:11 PM

Aftermarket wheel from the previous owner?

**Boog** · 10-11-2019, 10:29 PM

Does the column have the big washer and spring on the lower end underhood? It preloads the bearings and closes up that gap a bit. Well I don’t have that pic on this phone. I’m sure Randy does.

**Sheepdip** · 10-11-2019, 10:50 PM

Those after market wheel kits are a generic fit and never do fit or look right IMHO, don't know what you are changing your wheel to but unless you go back GM with all the correct components it will probably still be less than stellar.

Looks like you could use a dress up kit if your keeping that column.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1968-C...4383.l4275.c10

At the bottom of the column under the hood there should be a spring and big thick washer that firms up the slack, sometimes people remove them for more shaft needed out the top for after market wheels.

68Blu · 10-11-2019, 10:58 PM

The mechanic adjusted the steering column and when he did this gap appeared. Before that the steering wheel fit prefect. I’ll check in the morning to see about the washer and spring under the hood.

I’m thinking a new column might have to be added to the list due to the wearing of the splines and threads. Will post pictures of those too.

*randy500* · 10-12-2019, 12:31 AM

Agree the gap is probably due to the spring and washer...not enough preload, or the aftermarket wheel, they sometimes dont fit right.

You can change just the center shaft....and add the factory indicator lens housing and pointer.

68Blu · 10-12-2019, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randy500

Agree the gap is probably due to the spring and washer...not enough preload, or the aftermarket wheel, they sometimes dont fit right.

You can change just the center shaft....and add the factory indicator lens housing and pointer.

Unfortunately the factory indicator lens doesn’t work with my 700r4 transmission. I’ve been looking for a lens with overdrive but no luck. What’s currently on there is driving me nuts because it looks like crap. Any suggestions on that front would be greatly appreciated. (I have searched this site and this seems to be a common issue) Thanks

*randy500* · 10-12-2019, 07:26 AM

There isnt a lens for overdrive for that column. There is one for a tilt column...

Put the stock lens on it and just always use drive position as overdrive...overdrive is the new drive.....and has been for many many years now.

**bigmac73** · 10-12-2019, 07:42 AM

if you decide to go with a new column , contact KEVSCLASSICS on here , he refurbished GM Tilts and not tilts columns, I got a factory tilt column from here and I have no complaints. DO NOT BUY the CHEAP Aftermarket Columns or you will end up in a ditch. there was an article floating on here years ago about the cheap columns and integral parts issues.
I found it --
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-alert.799535/

68Blu · 10-12-2019, 11:21 AM

Our column is non tilt and I’m thinking about asking my Dad if he can make me the parts. I also remembered there’s a local guy who rebuilds columns. Now to remember his name ..

68Blu · 10-12-2019, 10:47 PM

No luck on the local guy. I’ll keep my eye on the for sale board. Driving around today and the speedo is on it’s last legs. Argh! Add it to the list...

Dakota Digital cluster or New Vintage USA gauges?

I’m a research hound. I’m not looking to buy the cluster/ gauges tomorrow but am compiling the list and trying to determine order of priority. (I didn’t want to clog up the board with another thread. If I should make this separate please let me know. I also did a search but found 1 old thread about NVU.)

68Blu · 10-12-2019, 10:56 PM

Pic of the spring and washer under the hood.

**Smitty** · 10-12-2019, 11:12 PM

Contact Tbone. He restores our instruments and does a great job! Lives in Oregon so if shouldn't spend a lot of time in the mail. tbonegarris@yahoo.com

68Blu · 11-05-2019, 08:05 PM

So, got we got the truck back and after a month of running errands with her, I killed it. Always knew we would have to drop an engine in her but not this soon. I’ve been searching the site looking for info on 350s. There’s so much it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Most of the posts I’m seeing are at LEAST 5 years old.

We’ve narrowed our choices down to 2:

350/290HP https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19355658

350/330 HP https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19210007.html

This truck is going to be a daily driver so we’re looking for a nice balance of MPG and power. Any thoughts and experience would be greatly appreciated.

Rather than start a new thread I thought I’d just add to this one.

External · 11-05-2019, 08:19 PM

Fellow researcher to another,
I read bad things about the 290 hp.
I would suggest going for the 330hp.
I am also waiting out the engine failure, this year make 48 years on mine! Good luck with your project.

**jocko** · 11-05-2019, 10:46 PM

Recommend GM L31R - you'll need an electric fuel pump, but other than that, pretty straightforward swap.

**RodnRudy** · 11-06-2019, 08:59 AM

GM makes the 350 HO with a roller cam now, probably a better choice, they call it 357/350. It still has the mechanical fuel pump boss.

cornerstone · 11-06-2019, 09:40 PM

Randy500 (the first guy to help you in this thread) routinely has tilt and non tilt columns for sale. I am a customer of his and can attest to his work and service. I bet he has columns for sale now in the parts section.

68Blu · 11-06-2019, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cornerstone

Randy500 (the first guy to help you in this thread) routinely has tilt and non tilt columns for sale. I am a customer of his and can attest to his work and service. I bet he has columns for sale now in the parts section.

Thanks, I just bought a tilt column from him last week! Very nice and patient guy. 😁

68Blu · 11-06-2019, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodnRudy

GM makes the 350 HO with a roller cam now, probably a better choice, they call it 357/350. It still has the mechanical fuel pump boss.

Well we just got home from the mechanics (I’m game to learn as much as possible but engine replacement is WAY out of my league- for now). Went with the 357/350. The roller cam and torque is what sold us. Weird thing is we couldn’t find it in the JEGS catalog. Thank you iPad!

So Merry early Christmas to us- new engine, DD cluster, and a Randy500 tilt steering column all on the way.

Thank you everyone for all of your replies and help. I’ll post updates with pictures when we get her back.

10-11-2019, 09:48 PM	#1
68Blu Registered User Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: California Central Coast Posts: 82	Digging in... I was changing my steering wheel this afternoon and I noticed something (well 2 somethings) concerning. 1) the threads are looking rough/ worn. Looks like someone cross threaded at some point then “fixed” them. The splines are also worn, still functioning though. 2) the gap between the turn signal housing and the post cover is large enough for me to fit my fingers in (I’m a woman so smaller fingers than a man’s). Suggestions? Thanks

10-11-2019, 10:04 PM	#2
randy500 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 6,873	Re: Digging in... Pictures? The gap...is the outer metal cover loose? The cpver is retained by bolts that pinch it to the center column, if they get loose the gap could get big, the bolts are the same ones that retain the turn signal switch.

10-11-2019, 10:11 PM	#4
Astro-Balls Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 822	Re: Digging in... Aftermarket wheel from the previous owner? __________________ 1968 C20 Fleetside 396 4sp PS PB AC CST . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWK8GgWD4uA

10-11-2019, 10:29 PM	#5
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,963	Re: Digging in... Does the column have the big washer and spring on the lower end underhood? It preloads the bearings and closes up that gap a bit. Well I don’t have that pic on this phone. I’m sure Randy does. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

10-11-2019, 10:50 PM	#6
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,380	Re: Digging in... Those after market wheel kits are a generic fit and never do fit or look right IMHO, don't know what you are changing your wheel to but unless you go back GM with all the correct components it will probably still be less than stellar. Looks like you could use a dress up kit if your keeping that column. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1968-C...4383.l4275.c10 At the bottom of the column under the hood there should be a spring and big thick washer that firms up the slack, sometimes people remove them for more shaft needed out the top for after market wheels.

10-11-2019, 10:58 PM	#7
68Blu Registered User Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: California Central Coast Posts: 82	Re: Digging in... The mechanic adjusted the steering column and when he did this gap appeared. Before that the steering wheel fit prefect. I’ll check in the morning to see about the washer and spring under the hood. I’m thinking a new column might have to be added to the list due to the wearing of the splines and threads. Will post pictures of those too.

10-12-2019, 12:31 AM	#8
randy500 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 6,873	Re: Digging in... Agree the gap is probably due to the spring and washer...not enough preload, or the aftermarket wheel, they sometimes dont fit right. You can change just the center shaft....and add the factory indicator lens housing and pointer.

10-12-2019, 07:26 AM	#10
randy500 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 6,873	Re: Digging in... There isnt a lens for overdrive for that column. There is one for a tilt column... Put the stock lens on it and just always use drive position as overdrive...overdrive is the new drive.....and has been for many many years now.

10-12-2019, 07:42 AM	#11
bigmac73 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Chesapeake, Va Posts: 1,275	Re: Digging in... if you decide to go with a new column , contact KEVSCLASSICS on here , he refurbished GM Tilts and not tilts columns, I got a factory tilt column from here and I have no complaints. DO NOT BUY the CHEAP Aftermarket Columns or you will end up in a ditch. there was an article floating on here years ago about the cheap columns and integral parts issues. I found it -- https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-alert.799535/ __________________ Mike 72 C-10 Cheyenne off frame resto and Upgraded to 4 wheel disk, Tilt, Dakota Digital Dash / Rear slider. 421 SBC / TH350 3000RPM Stall Progression Ignition /Holley 750 DP/3:73 gear Eaton Limited Slip unit / 2 1/2 exhaust glasspacks

10-12-2019, 11:21 AM	#12
68Blu Registered User Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: California Central Coast Posts: 82	Re: Digging in... Our column is non tilt and I’m thinking about asking my Dad if he can make me the parts. I also remembered there’s a local guy who rebuilds columns. Now to remember his name ..

10-12-2019, 10:47 PM	#13
68Blu Registered User Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: California Central Coast Posts: 82	Re: Digging in... No luck on the local guy. I’ll keep my eye on the for sale board. Driving around today and the speedo is on it’s last legs. Argh! Add it to the list... Dakota Digital cluster or New Vintage USA gauges? I’m a research hound. I’m not looking to buy the cluster/ gauges tomorrow but am compiling the list and trying to determine order of priority. (I didn’t want to clog up the board with another thread. If I should make this separate please let me know. I also did a search but found 1 old thread about NVU.)

10-12-2019, 10:56 PM	#14
68Blu Registered User Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: California Central Coast Posts: 82	Re: Digging in... Pic of the spring and washer under the hood. Attached Images

10-12-2019, 11:12 PM	#15
Smitty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Spring Valley, Ca. Posts: 1,101	Re: Digging in... Contact Tbone. He restores our instruments and does a great job! Lives in Oregon so if shouldn't spend a lot of time in the mail. tbonegarris@yahoo.com __________________ Smitty '71 Short Fleetside Spring Valley, Ca.

11-05-2019, 08:05 PM	#16
68Blu Registered User Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: California Central Coast Posts: 82	Re: Digging in... So, got we got the truck back and after a month of running errands with her, I killed it. Always knew we would have to drop an engine in her but not this soon. I’ve been searching the site looking for info on 350s. There’s so much it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Most of the posts I’m seeing are at LEAST 5 years old. We’ve narrowed our choices down to 2: 350/290HP https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19355658 350/330 HP https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19210007.html This truck is going to be a daily driver so we’re looking for a nice balance of MPG and power. Any thoughts and experience would be greatly appreciated. Rather than start a new thread I thought I’d just add to this one.

11-05-2019, 08:19 PM	#17
External Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Louisiana Posts: 187	Re: Digging in... Fellow researcher to another, I read bad things about the 290 hp. I would suggest going for the 330hp. I am also waiting out the engine failure, this year make 48 years on mine! Good luck with your project. __________________ '72 Chevy Custom Deluxe Highlander. Med Olive/White 350/200 ps,pb and Air Conditioning!



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11-05-2019, 10:46 PM	#18
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,935	Re: Digging in... Recommend GM L31R - you'll need an electric fuel pump, but other than that, pretty straightforward swap.

11-06-2019, 08:59 AM	#19
RodnRudy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New Palestine In Posts: 930	Re: Digging in... GM makes the 350 HO with a roller cam now, probably a better choice, they call it 357/350. It still has the mechanical fuel pump boss. __________________ Phil "Money is only a tool to create and achieve what you want most in life" PayPal: rodnrudy@comcast.net

11-06-2019, 09:40 PM	#20
cornerstone Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Azle,Texas Posts: 2,248	Re: Digging in... Randy500 (the first guy to help you in this thread) routinely has tilt and non tilt columns for sale. I am a customer of his and can attest to his work and service. I bet he has columns for sale now in the parts section. __________________ Brian 1972 C10, "Loyd", LWB to SWB, 5.3, L83/6L80e, 4:11 Tru Trac, Air Ride, VA, DD, 20" Coys, 4 wheel disc, A quick LS swap turned into a 6 year frame off resto-mod.

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