Tilt Steering Shift Pointer Install ?

[sick472]

I am rebuilding my 72 tilt column and am waiting on a shift pointer (see pic) in the mail, my original was broken and just fell out during disassembly. My question is...

Can I assemble the entire column and install the pointer last or does it need to go in earlier?

I don't want to paint myself in a corner and have to take it back apart and would like to make progress while the part is being shipped.

[FirstOwner69]

You can assemble the column but will need to remove the gear indicator housing to install the pointer. Here's a picture of one installed showing how the lower tab of the pointer latches under the bottom of the housing.

[sick472]

Thanks for the quick reply and an extra thanks for the picture! It all makes sense now. My pointer was missing the two "prongs"... my next question would have been regarding which way it when in.

[Coley]

...one other thing is that you might want to add a small drop or two of oil on the lower/long 'slider' portion of the pointer body that goes into the main housing.
this will keep it operating smoothly and not 'jamming' or breaking for quite a while.
...I've replaced a bunch of these in the past and I always add that step in.

Coley

[sick472]

Thanks for the tip Coley...I think I will consider using a synthetic grease to avoid any petroleum breakdown of the plastic. Probably not necessary, but i'm particular that way. Still glad you brought it up, i would have plugged and played.