column probs

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Wed Nov 17, 04 8:43 pm

OK!! I need to change the inner steering column(manual steering) on my 70 Coronet.I have bought a complete column(with column shifter).
Problem is I need to use the ignition switch from my original column.
Is it easier or best to change either:
a)the whole thing and swap my ignition switch over,or:
b)swap the inner column from the new one to the old one,thus retaining my ignition switch
The whole thing looks a bit complex because of the system where you cant reove the ignition key with out it being in park.
HELP!!I can cope with modern multi valve/injection/cam belt stuff but this old way of doing things just blows me away some times..........

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Wed Nov 17, 04 9:03 pm

Call the AA, Rich

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Wed Nov 17, 04 9:13 pm

Probably less work to swap the complete columns and change the ignition switch. Sounds like you would need to strip both columns to swap the inner shafts because of the column change, not the end of the world, just more work!

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Wed Nov 17, 04 9:19 pm

It's about the same amount of work either way, you pretty well have to pull the clumn right down to get the stoopid switch out from memory, been there done that!

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Wed Nov 17, 04 9:27 pm

any idea what secures the switch into the housing??I have removed the indicator cam & wiring but still cant see any thing obvious>Thanks for the advice,exept Kev.His does not count as I have been to my AA meeting this week.
My name is Rich and I`m an alcoholic.Cant wait till next week when we get to take a beer in with us!!!

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Wed Nov 17, 04 9:31 pm

From what I can remember there is an allen bolt which you get to by poking the relevent key through the hole where the indicator stalk goes !

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Wed Nov 17, 04 9:41 pm

Thanx Alex,I`m off to try the theory as the indicator switch is already out.

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Wed Nov 17, 04 9:58 pm

So that's where you got the yellow van from? 8)

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Wed Nov 17, 04 10:09 pm

OK mate here is the deal !

Remove the lower wire cover under the column (2 screws)

remove the steering wheel

Remove the indicator stalk and then remove the switch pack with the bearing retainer and the hazards switch.

Remove the snap ring from the column

remove the three bearing housing screws

pull the bearing and housing off the column (using a tool to pull it using the screw holes for the indicator switch makes life easier)

Remove the next snap ring

Remove the lock plate pin retaining ring

Remove the lock ring

remove the lock lever guide plate

After all that you should find a small hole in the housing boss, poke a small allen key or similer , push the barrel in then pop it out

Remove large amounts of beer from fridge and consume quickly !

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Wed Nov 17, 04 10:26 pm

Alex! Do de mann!

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Wed Nov 17, 04 10:43 pm

Sorry Kev I was thinking of the wrong AA!!You mean more of a

than a

Mind you some of the dealings I have with them may lead from one to another!!

An answer like Alex`s just about sums up this club & board

You have probably just saved me hours of

Thank you1(I look forward to the last instruction)

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Thu Nov 18, 04 12:52 am

Armed with a printout of Alex`s last post,I`ve just been to the garage and successfully removed the inner column without touching the shifter,"Result,"I can now replace the bulb in the gear indicator panel :cheers:
Thanks all,now if I can sort the master cyl pushrod then we are in business!