What year column Fits in a 74

[chevy111]

I just would like to know what years fit in My 74. Can a later model, Say a 86 or something fit? I have a tilt column but would like to have the wipers and everything all on the column. Anyoneever put a new column in an older truck? Any wiring issues?

 

[5280k5]

The column should physically fit in there, will need to change out intermediate shaft if using a '80 or newer column(IIRC). Wiring will need to be changed due to the fact that the wiper switch in your truck is in the dash and the other is on the column switch. Your truck's harness won't have the wires in it for the wiper motor stuff. I put a tilt column from a '77 in my '74 so I wouldn't have to mess with the wiper wiring.

 

[chevy111]

Im just having an issue with mine. I just found a broken peice that actually controls the ignition. It is the lever that attaches to the lock cylinder. When the lock cylinder turns this pulls the bar running down to the ignition. its broken so Maybe I can fix it and wont have to change it out. I just wish I had an exploded view of the column. There is a spring on there to I am not sure how to put back. Its weird looking. Looks like it makes the lock cyliner go back to lock when turning the engine over.

 

[lectric80]

The spring is for the steering lock rod. Normally when you turn the cylinder to lock, the steering wheel may not be lined up, then you rotate the wheel a bit and it locks. That is what the spring does, and it should go in the area of the rod that you are talking about being broken. Nearly all the columns should work, and should have the same rod for the ignition. I wish I had an exploded diagram for you, but I have always done it from memory.

 

[chevy111]

Yeah I just found a picture and I am missing the rod, I found what looks to be a replacement for the actuator but it says 75-76. Are they different? This has been hell tonight finding out what that spring does. The part I see is a full replacement of the rod and actuator so im thinking it might work. I have attached a pic of my broken one (its on the bottom) and the one from classicindustries. Let me know what you guys think. I think it will work. Now im wondering where to get the lock rod for the steering wheel.

 

[lectric80]

There should be no difference between 74 and 75-76, so that rod should work for you. As for the steering lock rod, if yours isn't there, it shouldn't hurt anything. That being said, it may be worth it to look for one from another vehicle.

 

[chevy111]

I think im going to need one. I cant seem to get the spring to work at all. And when I put the lock cylinder in it wont return without the spring. Pretty much I figure without it, when i start the truck I cant just let go. Ill have to move it into run position myself.

 

[chevy111]

You wouldnt happen to have one of those lock rods would you?

 

[chevy111]

Check this out I just purchased it. It looks exactly the same as CI's but says 81 and up. I took a chance it was 9 bucks. Classic industries wants 60 bucks for their rod and actuator. I dont need the rod.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330217162729

 

[lectric80]

That appears to be the correct piece. Shouldn't be any issues there.

As for the lock rod, if you had asked about a month ago, I had three columns that I just scrapped. Now I don't have any spare parts readily available, but I will check with a friend of mine tomorrow and see if he kept the parts.

 

[chevy111]

What years do you think will work, if you cant find one. Do you think a non tilt will be the same. I was thinking of going to the wrecking yeard and trying to find one.

 

[chevy111]

Thanks for all the help by the way. This is my first dealing with a column. So any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[lectric80]

As far as the lock rod goes, non-tilt should be the same. The only real difference in the tilt and non-tilt is the rod that goes to the ignition switch. On non-tilt that I have seen, the slider portion is not there, since the column doesn't need it. Everything else is pretty much the same. As to the years that will work, I don't remember for certain, but I don't believe there is any difference until the 80's, when the lock rod and the piece you have broken are actually one piece. I don't know the exact year that this started. I would think that any 70's column should work, but someone else here may know for certain.

 

[blazin_blazer]

aaaa..i see now how they steal them by breaking the turn signal switch rod out!

 

[lectric80]

Yep, once there it is a simple matter of removing the sector gear and moving the ignition rod to start. Pretty simple to steal one of these.

 

[NewUser]

that actuator piece is available at your local parts store in the HELP section for less than $10

 

[chevy111]

I just need the rod now though. I didn't know they had the actuator at the parts store.

 

[chevy111]

Ok I got it all back together with new pieces. The only issue now is the lock cylinder really has no spring back to it. Is there a spring somewhere that makes the ignition have some tension? or is this normal?

 

[lectric80]

I believe that is normal, I know that mine doesn't have any type of tension really on it.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Ok I got it all back together with new pieces. The only issue now is the lock cylinder really has no spring back to it. Is there a spring somewhere that makes the ignition have some tension? or is this normal?

The spring that hooks to the actuator gear is what returns the key to the run position. You may need to take the column apart again and clean all the moving parts real good. A small amount of "gunk" build-up may be making it difficult for the key to return properly. I mean remove the lock cylinder and all and clean EVERYTHING.