Ok I bought a tilt column like a year or so ago. I restored it real nice and went to install it and the problem I have is, does the piece on the bottom of the shaft where the rag joint connects to, come off? The column I bought doesn't have one on it. And if it does come off, how? Because there's no way it can pass the headers to go into the dash. I have a few pics. Thanks for the help guys.
If you loosen your steering box...you can get some extra room to manuever your column to connect to the steering box.
Some will not come off and some I have seen (like your tilt column) will come off by loosening the bolt on the collar on the gearbox end. On the column that is stuck see if you can remove that shaft off the end of the column itself, it should come loose up close to where it meets the firewall approx. eight inches from that meeting spot. My 70 GS column came apart that way and I was even able to take the end piece off where it met with the rag joint. You might have to get a later model end to go on your tilt column. By no means am I an expert but sharing my experience with my car. Hope this might help!
The 65-66 GS steering shaft had a removable flange so the column would fit between the exhaust manifold/upper A-arm area during R&R. The small block cars have the flange that is permanently attached to the shaft. The part you need is called a steering coupler. They are avail from A-body suppliers like Ground-Up and Ames. You will have to verify shaft diameter and spline count on both the column and steering box, since there are differences during the years. Removing your stock column might be a bear....might have to raise the engine or loosen a header to provide clearange.
I would not be surprised if you have to take the hammer to the headrs. Very common problem as they never fit right.
Thanks Walt.:Brow: Not sure everyone knew exactly what I needed. The part I need I now know is called the steering coupler. Is this pressed on? I do see a key way on my new column. Set screw or something? Thanks :3gears:
Joe--this thread is getting a little confusing so you might update everyone. What is that flange that shows up in the first pic you posted?? ---To me that looks like the flange that is on an intermediate steering shaft. In the Want Ads you posted for another type flange...the big block pinch bolt retained type. I don't think your problem is specific to a tilt column car...once you get down to this part of the steering column the parts are all the same I think..tilt or non-tilt.
Didn't mean to confuse anyone. It turns out that the collar needed is the one with the pinch bolt! Walt posted a pic of the 2 different columns. The one on my car now is the type that is pressed on and I need a pinched bolt type to use my tilt column. Thanks Patton:grin:
OK--Thanks. My next question then is this cast pinch-bolt-retained collar the same one as the later big block cars..ie-same size, etc. Anybody know?? If it's a smaller one then I MAY be able to locate one. Has anyone done a comparison to the one Joe is talking about and the later (70-72 type/size) big block steering shaft collars?? C'mon people---get in the garages and do some lookin!!!ou:
Well i'm not sure about that. The one Walt posted is from a 66. So it seems to be the older smaller one. No? Would it help if I used my micrometer on lets say the inner and outer splins? And maybe the key way also? I appreciate your help.:beers2:
Yes--post some measurements >the OD of the splined intermediate steering shaft >Maybe someone with one of these earlier big block shafts can also post some measurements of the cast pinch bolt collar: -OD of the collar -Height of the collar >I swear I have seen smaller versions of the big block steering shaft collar on other cars or parts at a salvage yard---having the pinch bolt and being cast (instead of the stamped steel version you pic'd)----one caught my eye but when I looked at it closer I saw it was smaller than the version on 70-72's. Maybe that is what I saw...it seemed to be on a fairly long shaft...I figured it was out of an early GM truck (even if it was it may be interchangeable with your shaft). I can also check on another source Monday....hopefully there will be additional, confirming info posted here by then. Thanks
I took a couple measurements. The spline area measures: .740 The shaft measures: .750 The key way area is: .650 from the spline to the flat section. :spank: Hope we can work this out.
I don't have much info for post-67 cars, but this is what I have for 65-66: According to my 1974 Buick parts book(1940-1974), it's called a UPPER FLANGE. It's in Group # 6.525 Joe, if it is from a '64 Special/Skylark(with tilt wheel), the pn is 5676631. I don't see any other BUICK applications with that pn. But maybe it was used on other Chev-Olds-Pontiac applications... The 65-66 (with tilt) Skylark/Specials use pn 5694716, which is also used in 65-66 GS's (w/o tilt). If the GS has a manual trans and a tilt wheel, it's a different pn.....I dunno why o No: Anyway, my '66 GS flange also has a 3/4" shaft, with a slightly smaller splined area, and has 36 splines. So it matches your measurements. I believe this would be called a 3/4" 36 spline shaft. Bolt spacing is 2-7/16" Height is 1-11/16" In summary, I would think a later GS flange with a 3/4"-36 spline and 1-7/16" bolt spacing would work for you. There are aftermarket suppliers that may have something: www.ididit.com/ www.flamingriver.com www.powersteering.com Here's another pic of my '66 flange:
Thanks a million Walt. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.:beers2: Not sure where it'll be coming from. Waiting on a couple of guys to reach back out to me. I think I have a few good leads to maybe getting one at a fair price as well.:dollar: Again thanks.:TU:
Glad I could help! Besides, I like a challenge. :grin: Hey, I was at a car show today, and saw these couplers on 65 and 66 GTO's with manual steering. Also saw one on a 66 Chevelle. In 1967, GM went to a collapsable steering column, and the flanges look totally different.
I can't believe i've got you checking these things out all over.:TU: lol:grin: I ordered one from D&R classics. I was fortunate enough for "Ragtops":Smarty: posted a link. Thanks Ragtop. Brand new $39.95, $43 shipped!!!:TU:
