How do I drop the steering column?

[drobertson]

I have been trying the remove the gauge cluster from my 1973 Charger for 2 days now, and I'm getting so pissed at it that I'm about to throw a hammer through the window. Apparantly I have to drop the steering column to pull it out. I already unscrewed the cluster and violently ripped out the POS a.m. radio, luckily without breaking anything. I don't want to remove the column, but just drop it.

The reason I'm doing this is so I can replace a few lights inside the dash and to "upgrade" the radio to an AM/FM deck with an auxiliary port. If I can get my hands on a rallye dash, I'll do so.

 

[747mopar]

I'd start with a long break haha. If it's anything like a 69 B Body you just unbolt it from the firewall and take 2 nuts off where it bolts under the dash, should drop to the seat.

 

[Beekeeper]

I'd start with a long break haha. If it's anything like a 69 B Body you just unbolt it from the firewall and take 2 nuts off where it bolts under the dash, should drop to the seat.

This correct but I believe there are 3 bolts holding the column to the dash?

 

[drobertson]

This correct but I believe there are 3 bolts holding the column to the dash?

3 or 4. I'll take those out.

 

[drobertson]

I'd start with a long break haha. If it's anything like a 69 B Body you just unbolt it from the firewall and take 2 nuts off where it bolts under the dash, should drop to the seat.

Thank you! That's what I was looking for. I will try that, and I am forced to take a break right now due to bad weather...

 

[JimKueneman]

If it is like a Coronet then there are 3 bolts, the 2 obvious ones then one further back on the right side of the column that is in a black hole about 3" forward of the obvious one.

Jim

 

[PurpleBeeper]

...and the two closest to the driver with the big washers are long studs. You can loosen those nuts pretty darn far to "drop" the column without really having to take anything all the way apart.

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

Three more bolts on the fire wall plate need to come out to allow the column to drop.

 

[Coronet 14]

If it has a column shift disconnect the shift rod from the column. Do this from inside the engine compartment. If you don't when you lower the column it can pull out of park. Car will roll. Disconnect battery before you remove the cluster. Don't forget the heater control and the 2 small bolts that hold the cluster in at the bottom. They are on either side of the column notch.

 

[747mopar]

If it is like a Coronet then there are 3 bolts, the 2 obvious ones then one further back on the right side of the column that is in a black hole about 3" forward of the obvious one.

Jim

Your right, forgot about that one.

 

[drobertson]

Alright, thanks guys! I got the column dropped and I was able to pull the cluster to change a few bulbs in the dash.