Steering column question

[1968sublime]

Any suggestions for place to rebuild/restore 1968 Roadrunner steering column? ​

 

[1968sublime]

Instrument Specialties wants 1K..... wow, Lot more than Iexpected. I have always said you get what you pay for and usually shell out thebucks but ouch.

 

[ODZKing]

A fellow by the name of "OrangeBird" over at DC.com was doing them. Here is the post. Says $180 plus parts.
See: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,54273.msg601108.html#msg601108

 

[1968sublime]

Well, looks like I may do the rebuild myself. Seems all the parts like upper and lower bearings, turn signal mechanism,and break away fittings are all available. I have located and purchased the Suede Lacquer to paint it with. Can't believe you can still buy lacquer paint. Thats the stuff I learned to spray with moons ago...
Anyone got any tips on best part house or one stop shop to purchase. The stuff I found was all over the map.

 

[Sixpactogo]

I did a column resto on a 70 Challeger last year and got these numbers somewhere. (can't remember) Anyway, I had my auto paint store mix up two spray cans for me. Here is what the can says:
Chrysler brand code 9388.
Main layer 9388
description: Black
Mixing Scheme: DURACRYL (DIA)
I used most of both cans to do the column. It is a semi gloss or semi flat textured paint. Looks exactly like what was on my column. I remember the mounting bracket and the floor plate were painted gloss black. Cost was $17.95 per can. Hope this helps

 

[tallhair]

Check out themechanic 's comments in a recent thread posted in last few days. search forums and type 'steering column' and you find some others .. oh and give TM a thanks if you find it helpful as I did

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopar...ght=steering column&p=910019161#post910019161

 

[1968sublime]

Got the column completely broke down and cleaned of grease. Made a tool to push the shaft out of the column. Better than buying one for 50 bucks !! Ready to blast the parts. Should have time next weekend to sand blast, epoxy prime and paint all parts. I'm going to paint the column with black PPG Suade Duracyl, fire wall plates low gloss black, and column support bracket that holds the column to dash gloss black.
Found a good supply house. http://www.jimsautoparts.com/restoration_parts.htm
They have all the parts you need for rebuild.

Need help with one thing. how does the lower bearing come off the shaft? Mine won't move. stuck or is there clips/screws holding it on? Manual is silent on how to remove it.

 

[themechanic]

Be careful sand blasting your column parts. It makes it very rough. I learned that the hard way. I spent a lot of time sanding before priming/painting. Maybe use a different medium for blasting.

You may consider chemical paint remover since the parts are small.

 

[1968sublime]

Oh man good tip! Some of the parts are pot metal.
Can anyone recommend proper blast media to use on pot metal parts???

 

[themechanic]

Oh man good tip! Some of the parts are pot metal.
Can anyone recommend proper blast media to use on pot metal parts???

Send a PM to ask Cudachick what she uses.

 

[okiemopar]

Does your part that the shifter arm is on does it have a bushing in the bottom of it by the arm ? This would seal the shaft bottom up. Thanks Ronnie

 

[1968sublime]

Ronnie,
Not sure what your question is after? Are you talking about the little rubber bushing that slips inside the shift arm sticking out the side of the lower column? The bushing has a copper ring inside of it and then the shift linkage from the trans hooks to it with a carter pin.
Or are you talking about the lower bearing on the shaft? Plastic white thing with 2 or 3 screws holding it on?

 

[themechanic]

Get a digital camera and take a lot of pictures before, during, and after (so we can drool over it when you're done).

 

[1968sublime]

More parts pictures

 

[okiemopar]

The tube that the shifter is on, does it have a bushing in the bottom of it to make a seal on the shaft. Can you show a picture of the bottom of it where it goes on the bottom? I know a guy you can get that high priced main bushing from a lot cheaper than they are advertised. Thanks Ronnie

 

[CudaChick1968]

Send a PM to ask Cudachick what she uses.

Awwww, thanks for thinkin of me. PM sent back to that steering column rebuilding guy up there with great taste in paint jobs. I'm kinda partial to the color ....

 

[1968sublime]

Thanks for the help Cudachick !! Much appreciated And your right. Pretty cool color...haha

- - - Updated - - -

OKIEMOPAr, I would like to help you but still don't understand the question. Are you talking about lower steering column or uper where the automatic shift arm is to change gears.

The tube that the shifter is on, does it have a bushing in the bottom of it to make a seal on the shaft. Can you show a picture of the bottom of it where it goes on the bottom? I know a guy you can get that high priced main bushing from a lot cheaper than they are advertised. Thanks Ronnie

 

[69SatelliteConvertible]

Hi 1968Sublime...the bearing at the bottom of the shaft will slide off but you will have to get the shaft nice and clean, since it's old the plastic is brittle so care should be taken but it will slide off. I'm looking at all your steering column parts and I don't see the shift lever spring, was it there?

 

[1968sublime]

OMG you are good! NO shift level spring in the pictures. It was not there when I disassemble the column. Do you have one you would offer up????

Hi 1968Sublime...the bearing at the bottom of the shaft will slide off but you will have to get the shaft nice and clean, since it's old the plastic is brittle so care should be taken but it will slide off. I'm looking at all your steering column parts and I don't see the shift lever spring, was it there?

 

[1968sublime]

Ok Okiemopar,
I think I figured out what you are after. Here are pictures of the inner tube on lower/engine bay side of steering column. First picture is of it together and then slide apart. The tube slides into the plastic shell of the lower bearing. No gasket or bushing, at least on mine.
Hope this helps you!

The tube that the shifter is on, does it have a bushing in the bottom of it to make a seal on the shaft. Can you show a picture of the bottom of it where it goes on the bottom? I know a guy you can get that high priced main bushing from a lot cheaper than they are advertised. Thanks Ronnie

- - - Updated - - -

Can anyone help me with what the part looks like or where to get one for the reverse light switch lever? I have the switch,not the lever. You can see in the pictures a hole in the tube at the switch location. What goes here? It was missing off my column. explains why the reverse lights never worked...haha. I have called around and with no success of finding one or even what it looks like.