Hey Guys, The 69 GS Cali I just picked up has a beat up steering column. Someone tried to break into this thing before I owned it... They gashed about a 2in hole in the left side of the tilt column and then broke the ignition cylinder too. So now to start the car I have to put the key in the "on" position to unlock the steering wheel and then pry up the starting linkage inside the column! So, My question is how do I fix this. I got another non-tilt column with the car, can I use the "collar" from the non-tilt column I have to replace the broken "collar" on my tilt column? What about the broken parts inside the column, can those be swapped? Can the column just be fixed, or do I need to find a whole new column? Can you paint the column to match the current interior? I can get pics if that would help to. Thanks for any help! ~Brian 69 Buick GS California
Hi Brian If you pick up an issue of Hemmings (the big monthly book that lists all types of cars for sale) Im sure you'll find a service provider that can refurbish your your tilt column. I've looked at the exploded view diagram in the 69 chasis service manual and I'd never want to fish around in there - ther's ALOT of little parts !! Im not sure, but I'd venture to guess that the tilt vs. non-tilt columns are pretty different, prolly including the collar ... but this is a guess. Tilt columns are pretty rare (especially non-column shift...one of the things Im still looking to switch) so if it were me, I'd spend the $$ to fix not only the prob's you have but also let a pro "refurbish" it for years of trouble-free use. Painting it is not a problem ... much easier when out of the car.
