Steering column repair ideas...

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

So, I’ve got this new to me 85’ burb.
Unfortunately, before I bought it, while it was parked along the side of the road for sale, some young men with too much time in their hands decided that it was an easy target and took it for a joy ride. the resulting busted wing window is not a problem to fix, but the steering column on the other hand is where I’m looking for advice.



I they broke enough in there that I can’t even get a new ignition key cylinder to mount. I’m looking for ideas to make this functional without replacing the whole column. The turn signals cancel, the tilt works and everything else functions properly so I just need a way to hold a ignition cylinder in there.

I’m thinking of just wrapping the whole column with something heavy enough to hold a key cylinder and then putting a column lock over the top of it.

The other option is no key cylinder and installing another keyed disconnect somewhere else to prevent theft.

What do you all think?
Any other ideas I’m not thinking of?

Thanks in advance.

 

[imiceman44]

So, I’ve got this new to me 85’ burb.
Unfortunately, before I bought it, while it was parked along the side of the road for sale, some young men with too much time in their hands decided that it was an easy target and took it for a joy ride. the resulting busted wing window is not a problem to fix, but the steering column on the other hand is where I’m looking for advice.

View attachment 328195

I they broke enough in there that I can’t even get a new ignition key cylinder to mount. I’m looking for ideas to make this functional without replacing the whole column. The turn signals cancel, the tilt works and everything else functions properly so I just need a way to hold a ignition cylinder in there.

I’m thinking of just wrapping the whole column with something heavy enough to hold a key cylinder and then putting a column lock over the top of it.

The other option is no key cylinder and installing another keyed disconnect somewhere else to prevent theft.

What do you all think?
Any other ideas I’m not thinking of?

Thanks in advance.

Wow.
Never seen anything like this.
If I was trying to temporarily get it going I would just use some jb weld to replace the areas broken so I can put a cylinder on.
If I was trying to fix it I would rebuild the the column while replacing that piece.
Mine is too loose now so I have to dive in it soon

 

[jeff in co]

https://www.classicparts.com/1978-91-Lock-Bowl-W_Tilt/productinfo/53-572/

Actually not a bad start....

Too bad they took a few chips out of the lower column too.

 

[Wes Harden]

Trip to the bone yard, you'll need
https://www.ebay.com/p/1533951893?i...RJ06p7-xEwYcRR89j9ghqkhTJeWMk96caArx6EALw_wcB

And

https://www.harborfreight.com/steer...qu59pRPihf9iCMO1-etOnHsXW6-O5MlgaAq3fEALw_wcB.
A sharp pick, pocket screwdriver a steering wheel puller, and normal hand tools.
Not a horrible job, I actually loved seeing those loose columns come in the shop easy $$$.
Trick to not have it loosen up, don't use the wheel to enter exit truck

 

[6872xtc]

So, I’ve got this new to me 85’ burb.
Unfortunately, before I bought it, while it was parked along the side of the road for sale, some young men with too much time in their hands decided that it was an easy target and took it for a joy ride. the resulting busted wing window is not a problem to fix, but the steering column on the other hand is where I’m looking for advice.

View attachment 328195

I they broke enough in there that I can’t even get a new ignition key cylinder to mount. I’m looking for ideas to make this functional without replacing the whole column. The turn signals cancel, the tilt works and everything else functions properly so I just need a way to hold a ignition cylinder in there.

I’m thinking of just wrapping the whole column with something heavy enough to hold a key cylinder and then putting a column lock over the top of it.

The other option is no key cylinder and installing another keyed disconnect somewhere else to prevent theft.

What do you all think?
Any other ideas I’m not thinking of?

Thanks in advance.

I would just fix the column but I have worked on several of them, and it looks like the link that @jeff in co posted would be the largest part. Just a few screws needed past that if you aren't worried about the "key in ignition " buzzer or making it perfect. Unfortunately you have to pull the turn signal switch and wiper switch plugs up out of the column, then feed them down after installing the new part. Not real difficult, but it slows you down some with the whole job.
I have both tilt and a non-tilt columns that I will sell, but I don't believe that you are looking to go that route.
You could stop by and see Pat at Western Alternator and see if he has an idea that would work while adding security for the future.

If you get a column lock then I would caution you to look at how it latches. I bought one and it only takes a quick twist with a flat blade screwdriver to pop it open. I believe that it can be fixed, but I haven't actually worked on it yet.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

https://www.classicparts.com/1978-91-Lock-Bowl-W_Tilt/productinfo/53-572/

Actually not a bad start....

Too bad they took a few chips out of the lower column too.

This is why I’m glad to be back in a square body. I forget how many good resources there are for fixin stuff.

You could stop by and see Pat at Western Alternator and see if he has an idea that would work while adding security for the future.

I should go see Pat. I actually haven’t been into his shop since I sold my last K5. I’ll have to visit with him and see what he has around from the 10 or 15 trucks he usually has there.

Thanks for the ideas guys.

 

[fordsucks!]

Looks like they damaged it to where you need a new column. Be glad it's not a tilt column, harder to run the wires through. You could drive it as is and step up the other security measures, or fix the column

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

Looks like they damaged it to where you need a new column. Be glad it's not a tilt column, harder to run the wires through. You could drive it as is and step up the other security measures, or fix the column

It actually is a tilt column and everything works perfectly. That’s why I’m hesitant to replace the whole thing.
It looks like I should be able to find all the pieces and parts I need to make it all right again.

 

[fordsucks!]

It actually is a tilt column and everything works perfectly. That’s why I’m hesitant to replace the whole thing.
It looks like I should be able to find all the pieces and parts I need to make it all right again.

If you can fix the ignition without replacing the column then that is the way to go

 

[dyeager535]

Since this is how the trucks are stolen, without repairing the column completely, then covering that area with something that can't be defeated with a hammer, if you don't fix it in a manner at least as good as OEM, it will take someone about zero seconds to steal it again.

Not being nasty, just that having been stolen once before, anyone that sees a damaged column that wants the truck, will know how little work it will take, even compared to the single hammer blow the stock setup takes.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

Since this is how the trucks are stolen, without repairing the column completely, then covering that area with something that can't be defeated with a hammer, if you don't fix it in a manner at least as good as OEM, it will take someone about zero seconds to steal it again.

Not being nasty, just that having been stolen once before, anyone that sees a damaged column that wants the truck, will know how little work it will take, even compared to the single hammer blow the stock setup takes.

Agreed...
Luckily I live in the mountains in the middle of nowhere and if someone is in my neck of the woods... they are probably lost. If folks come here with I’ll intent, they will have a host of other problems besides trying to get the burb.

The only theft deterrence I really need is if it’s parked for a few minutes here and there at the grocery store or a restaurant. I’m thinking I should just rebuild the dang thing and put a secondary disconnect hidden somewhere as a backup.

 

[dyeager535]

Depending on how nice you want it to look, and assuming you can bend it, a thick-ish piece of sheet metal would provide a substantial amount of protection, especially if talking for short periods of time.

Could even bolt two halves together, and tack weld the nuts to the bolts. That way if you ever did need to get back into the column, you could.

GM never should have made those columns like that.

 

[diesel4me]

If it were my truck,and I didn't feel like swapping in another colum from a junkyard donor--provided the colum isn't "locked up"..

I'd buy a universal ignition switch for $10 ,mount it under the dash where it is accessible to get the key in it easy,but difficult to mess with the wiring and steal the truck--and use one of those steering wheel to brake pedal "lock" devices to further deter theft..

You can get power for the ignition at the fuse box ,and tap into the "crank" wire for the solenoid at the neutral safety switch--the other switches in the colum should still work unless they damaged them..

 

[6872xtc]

If it were my truck,and I didn't feel like swapping in another colum from a junkyard donor--provided the colum isn't "locked up"..

I'd buy a universal ignition switch for $10 ,mount it under the dash where it is accessible to get the key in it easy,but difficult to mess with the wiring and steal the truck--and use one of those steering wheel to brake pedal "lock" devices to further deter theft..

You can get power for the ignition at the fuse box ,and tap into the "crank" wire for the solenoid at the neutral safety switch--the other switches in the colum should still work unless they damaged them..

That sounds like a ton of work for little to no improvement. Considering how easy these trucks are to work on, where could a new switch could be mounted that isn't easy access to the wiring. And you have to remember how many wires go to the ignition switch in these trucks. (more than 4.. ) And how durable is a cheap made in China universal piece? When it takes a dump, and the truck won't start, it would piss me off!