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Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column.

Posted By: Anonymous

Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 09:20 AM

Here's a "how to" restore a steering column with very detailed pictures.

http://www.lamopar.com/How%20To%27s/Steering%20Column/index1.htm

If there is a good responce from these "how to's" I will keep posting them.

Also, please check out the new Los Angeles Registry. If you have a 1970 Mopar built in the LA plant, please register.

~Cody
Posted By: 440sat72

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 10:11 AM

this is great, keep them coming! i think this is what tech articles in magazines should look like … and they never do!
thanks for sharing
Posted By: 808CUDA

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 10:14 AM

Hey Cody!

That is cool of you to take the time to document all the pics and then make a How-To Web page for all of us to learn from

Thanks for sharing and keep bringing them on bro!

Gil
P.S. Nice job on the column and seats!
Posted By: Kam*Kuda

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/27/06 11:35 AM

That is an excellent job. Lots of photos really help. You may wish to check if you camera has a macro function that allows you to bring the camera closer and still be able to focus the picture.

Well done
Posted By: Forgiven

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 12:02 PM

Definitely keep them coming! Thanks!!!
Posted By: moparx

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 12:29 PM

very good article !
Posted By: plymouthfan

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 12:50 PM

Holy [Edited by Moparts - Keep it clean] that was informative. My hat's off to you sir
Posted By: splatt

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 01:06 PM

Very good and perfect timing too. I am planning to attack my steering column this weekend. Thanks.
Posted By: badchallenger

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 03:12 PM

Hello Cody That is great ! Very informative, how do I figure out the corect color for my steering column ? 70 Challenger with blue interior but the column seems to be a darker blue than the dash pad or seats also is the dash frame supposed to be the same color and textured or not
Thanks!
David
Posted By: ehbody

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 03:28 PM

Great Job. Looks like new.
Maybe add parts sources on one of the slides.
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 03:39 PM

Cody,

I reviewed your "How To" page, you really covered it well. Detailed restoration instructions on a complicated assembly like that are sorely lacking in our hobby, thanks for such a great contribution.

Nice work!

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/27/06 06:40 PM

The colors are slightly different. I will post the color code for your car when I get home. I get the color codes from an original 1970 dealers paint spec sheet.

I was suprised to see how much different the color was from the exterior of the vehicle. The texture seemed to rough... but then again the original was 35+ years old and I'm sure some of the original texture was worn off.

Quote:

Hello Cody That is great ! Very informative, how do I figure out the corect color for my steering column ? 70 Challenger with blue interior but the column seems to be a darker blue than the dash pad or seats also is the dash frame supposed to be the same color and textured or not
Thanks!
David

Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/27/06 06:56 PM

Just a suggestion. While your work is beautiful and well documented, I did noticed a couple finishes that might come into question in terms of them being 100% accurate to OEM correcness. Maybe you could list the paint codes or links/sources for products used and call out any exceptions or unknowns regarding 100% OEM correctness during the various painting and finish detailing steps? This way if someone is doing a true OEM type restoration on thier own they will be properly informed and could make a personal judgement call when it comes time to choose.

Just my
Posted By: justinp61

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/27/06 10:10 PM

Nice job. Thanks for posting the link.
Posted By: Mark340A66

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/27/06 10:13 PM

Cody, you gotta PM. (Email bouncing)

Cool site, I am registering my Challenger.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/27/06 10:14 PM

This is a keeper.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/27/06 11:13 PM

I will post how I came up with the color and finishes on the website. I know there are many things that are unknown with these sort of things and I do not want to tell anyone this is the only way to do it.

I do hope you can shead some light on other ways to do it and maybe other colors or finishes to use. I'm always open to learning more.


Quote:

Just a suggestion. While your work is beautiful and well documented, I did noticed a couple finishes that might come into question in terms of them being 100% accurate to OEM correcness. Maybe you could list the paint codes or links/sources for products used and call out any exceptions or unknowns regarding 100% OEM correctness during the various painting and finish detailing steps? This way if someone is doing a true OEM type restoration on thier own they will be properly informed and could make a personal judgement call when it comes time to choose.

Just my

Posted By: Publicbottle

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/27/06 11:16 PM

Awesome job! Perfect timing for me too.......this is very very helpful
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 01:33 AM

I took your advice and posted how I came to the decision to use the colors and finish I did.

http://www.lamopar.com/How%20To%27s/Steering%20Column/finishes_colors.htm


Quote:

Just a suggestion. While your work is beautiful and well documented, I did noticed a couple finishes that might come into question in terms of them being 100% accurate to OEM correcness. Maybe you could list the paint codes or links/sources for products used and call out any exceptions or unknowns regarding 100% OEM correctness during the various painting and finish detailing steps? This way if someone is doing a true OEM type restoration on thier own they will be properly informed and could make a personal judgement call when it comes time to choose.

Just my

Posted By: Snoopy

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 01:40 AM

What made you decide to paint the shifter tube and steering shaft black?
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 02:12 AM

This picture and talking to guys.



Quote:

What made you decide to paint the shifter tube and steering shaft black?

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/28/06 04:08 AM

I have some very serious reservations about what you posted. One question I have is how far did the steering shaft collapse after you hit it with the hammer? (A hammer has no place anywhere near a steering column) What other damage did you do to possibly the lock housing components and the bearing by driving the bearing into the shaft instead of drawing it onto the shaft? By not disassembling and reassembling the column using factory procedeures the safety equipment and functionality of the column can be seriously compromised and is dangerous. What procedures did you use to insure proper torque specs, shaft centering and shaft to coupler alignment? No way should it be posted until the above items are corrected.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 06:15 AM

This is why people do not want to share ideas.

Instead of making some suggestions on how it can be improved and working together to create a comprehensive detailed how to section, you instead criticize the effort. We all have shop manuals, so I guess we do not need a board like this ... right. It's all in manual. The answer to everyone's questions should always be "check the manual".

I did the best I could with the tools I have and I'm very happy with it. Just so you know, after I was 100% done with it and had taken the pictures, I took it completely apart to double checked everything and make sure it all worked. I suggest you take the time to do it the way you feel it should be done and post the how to.

I am more than willing to learn other ways to do it. But at the time I needed to restore my column there wasn't any other how to's sites.

If it is consensus of this site... I can take it down. Doesn't really matter to me... I'm done with my column, it works great and I was only trying to help others with theirs. I wasn't looking to piss anyone off.

Take care.

Quote:

I have some very serious reservations about what you posted. One question I have is how far did the steering shaft collapse after you hit it with the hammer? (A hammer has no place anywhere near a steering column) What other damage did you do to possibly the lock housing components and the bearing by driving the bearing into the shaft instead of drawing it onto the shaft? By not disassembling and reassembling the column using factory procedeures the safety equipment and functionality of the column can be seriously compromised and is dangerous. What procedures did you use to insure proper torque specs, shaft centering and shaft to coupler alignment? No way should it be posted until the above items are corrected.

Posted By: NAS Backyard

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering column. - 05/28/06 06:56 AM

Thanks! Perfect timing! I'm going to assemble my 69 RR column this weekend and I'm sure your info will be helpful. Don't worry, I won't hold you liable for your FREE suggestions.

Attached picture 2657929-IM000702.JPG
Posted By: 440sat72

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 11:02 AM

Quote:

This is why people do not want to share ideas.

Instead of making some suggestions on how it can be improved and working together to create a comprehensive detailed how to section, you instead criticize the effort. We all have shop manuals, so I guess we do not need a board like this ... right. It's all in manual. The answer to everyone's questions should always be "check the manual".

I did the best I could with the tools I have and I'm very happy with it. Just so you know, after I was 100% done with it and had taken the pictures, I took it completely apart to double checked everything and make sure it all worked. I suggest you take the time to do it the way you feel it should be done and post the how to.

I am more than willing to learn other ways to do it. But at the time I needed to restore my column there wasn't any other how to's sites.

If it is consensus of this site... I can take it down. Doesn't really matter to me... I'm done with my column, it works great and I was only trying to help others with theirs. I wasn't looking to piss anyone off.

Take care.

Quote:

I have some very serious reservations about what you posted. One question I have is how far did the steering shaft collapse after you hit it with the hammer? (A hammer has no place anywhere near a steering column) What other damage did you do to possibly the lock housing components and the bearing by driving the bearing into the shaft instead of drawing it onto the shaft? By not disassembling and reassembling the column using factory procedeures the safety equipment and functionality of the column can be seriously compromised and is dangerous. What procedures did you use to insure proper torque specs, shaft centering and shaft to coupler alignment? No way should it be posted until the above items are corrected.





i simply dont understand why good things always have to go down the drain like this. it makes me sad.

cody, please do not let this one voice piss you off. just count the good feedback you got here and you will see it is a minority that does not appreciate your work.
Posted By: Snoopy

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 01:50 PM

I thought I would get the ball rolling with a few suggestions.

1. Remove the rubber grommet from the shifter arm before reconditioning shaft, it is easily removed.

2. Support lock plate at hub or shaft and not the edge of the plate when removing and installing split pin.

Here is how the factory wanted it done, notice they support the hub and warn against using a hammer. They are trying to prevent damaging the lock plate, shaft and bearing.



3. If you don't paint the splines on the shaft or can, the collapsible can will set down on the splined shaft far enough to get a nut on it so you can pull the can in place with the nut and without the use of a hammer.



4. Inspect the insulator on the back of the horn contact ring before reusing. I noticed many cracks on the insulator in your column. The insulator prevents the contact ring from coming into contact with the adapter can. If contact is made the horn will honk.



5. List torque values and warnings from the factory manual. They were in the manual for a good reason.

6. Don't use a hammer when working on the column, there is always a way to get the job done without one.
Here is how the factory installed the bearing housing assembly.



The following is personal preference:

The correct finish on the shifter tube is unplated steel on the tube and yellow zinc on the arm.

The steering shaft is unplated steel and the only part that gets painted is the section that shows in the engine compartment.


Attached picture 2658142-P5281472.JPG
Posted By: loco340cuda

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 04:29 PM

Cody, keep up the good work! Don't let the one negative post get you down. Looking at the pictures is a nice way to see how a steering column is taken apart and put back together step by step. It is a nice visual reference to the factory service manual that I have.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 05:07 PM

Thank you Snoopy for your thoughts. Very helpful and that is what we all need. I updated the site with your pictures and text.

http://www.lamopar.com/How%20To%27s/Steering%20Column/factory_tech.htm

You made it better!!!!!!!
Posted By: BJohnson

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 05:22 PM

Quote:

This is why people do not want to share ideas.

Instead of making some suggestions on how it can be improved and working together to create a comprehensive detailed how to section, you instead criticize the effort.

One question I have is how far did the steering shaft collapse after you hit it with the hammer? (A hammer has no place anywhere near a steering column) What other damage did you do to possibly the lock housing components and the bearing by driving the bearing into the shaft instead of drawing it onto the shaft?

By not disassembling and reassembling the column using factory procedeures the safety equipment and functionality of the column can be seriously compromised and is dangerous.

What procedures did you use to insure proper torque specs, shaft centering and shaft to coupler alignment?



As I read this for about the 20th time I read it as someone who is concerned enough to speak up with legitament questions. While it could have been written more tactfully, it raises only questions about safety not only for you, but other people that you are now sharing this with.

We have discussed FSM's before I don't understand why you have not gotten one yet, they are priceless.
Posted By: Gavin

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 05:34 PM

Great job Cody, thanks for taking the time and the trouble to post this.

I disassembled mine a few weeks ago, gonna get the parts powder coated (mine is 71, so no textured finish) before reassembling.

As far as how correct it is, here's my view.....anyone who cares enough to get it 100% correct should never rely on one article or one conversation. I would expect anyone who cares about that to do their homework. Actually that's what Cody did, as you can on his website.
I would never complain that I followed one guys article and it wasn't right - do your research and get other evidence. Even if that's what you want, Cody's article is an excellent reference, amongst others. Actually, that's why a web board is great cos others can add their evidence (like Snoopy did there), as long as it is constructive!!!!

On the other hand, if 100% doesn't float your boat, use what you like.

Anyway, great job!!!
I have some questions about parts ....where did you get the foam dust shield, the rubber O-ring, the new bearing and the new rubber. I was told some of these (e.g Oring & bearing rubber) were not avilable. Thanks!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 06:29 PM

Do you mean "Factory Service Manuals" when you say FSM? If so, I have several of them. For the 1970 cars I have the large white one for the all PLYMOUTH models (cuda) and the smaller yellow one for the Dart / Challenger. They both pretty much list the same information in them. I read through them and they were helpful, but this is how I desided to do it.

If there is anything you would like me to add to the site.... just let me know.

Quote:

Quote:

This is why people do not want to share ideas.

Instead of making some suggestions on how it can be improved and working together to create a comprehensive detailed how to section, you instead criticize the effort.

One question I have is how far did the steering shaft collapse after you hit it with the hammer? (A hammer has no place anywhere near a steering column) What other damage did you do to possibly the lock housing components and the bearing by driving the bearing into the shaft instead of drawing it onto the shaft?

By not disassembling and reassembling the column using factory procedeures the safety equipment and functionality of the column can be seriously compromised and is dangerous.

What procedures did you use to insure proper torque specs, shaft centering and shaft to coupler alignment?



As I read this for about the 20th time I read it as someone who is concerned enough to speak up with legitament questions. While it could have been written more tactfully, it raises only questions about safety not only for you, but other people that you are now sharing this with.

We have discussed FSM's before I don't understand why you have not gotten one yet, they are priceless.

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/28/06 06:33 PM

The NOS parts were very hard to find. I was lucky and was able to track down some at an affordable price. Do your best to keep the old ones in usable condition.

I was thinking that if I couldn't find the foam dust shield that I would use some stardard foam that comes on a roll with one side sticky from lowes or home depot.

Quote:

Great job Cody, thanks for taking the time and the trouble to post this.

I disassembled mine a few weeks ago, gonna get the parts powder coated (mine is 71, so no textured finish) before reassembling.

As far as how correct it is, here's my view.....anyone who cares enough to get it 100% correct should never rely on one article or one conversation. I would expect anyone who cares about that to do their homework. Actually that's what Cody did, as you can on his website.
I would never complain that I followed one guys article and it wasn't right - do your research and get other evidence. Even if that's what you want, Cody's article is an excellent reference, amongst others. Actually, that's why a web board is great cos others can add their evidence (like Snoopy did there), as long as it is constructive!!!!

On the other hand, if 100% doesn't float your boat, use what you like.

Anyway, great job!!!
I have some questions about parts ....where did you get the foam dust shield, the rubber O-ring, the new bearing and the new rubber. I was told some of these (e.g Oring & bearing rubber) were not avilable. Thanks!

Posted By: MOPAULY

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/29/06 12:00 AM

Very nice work. I wish there were more articles out there like yours.
Posted By: YYZ

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/29/06 01:27 AM

Column looks great and I like the layout of your page!

As a point of reference, '70 steering columns in coloured interior cars could be either black OR the interior colour (red, blue, green, tan) - ditto for seatbelts.

In typical Chrysler fashion, there are no hard and fast rules on what actually happened on the line, however the rule of thumb is this:

Coloured interior WITH rallye dash: Colour keyed seatbelts & steering column.

Coloured interior WITHOUT rallye dash: Black seatbelts and black steering column.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/29/06 01:51 AM

Quote:

This is why people do not want to share ideas.

Instead of making some suggestions on how it can be improved and working together to create a comprehensive detailed how to section, you instead criticize the effort. We all have shop manuals, so I guess we do not need a board like this ... right. It's all in manual. The answer to everyone's questions should always be "check the manual".

I did the best I could with the tools I have and I'm very happy with it. Just so you know, after I was 100% done with it and had taken the pictures, I took it completely apart to double checked everything and make sure it all worked. I suggest you take the time to do it the way you feel it should be done and post the how to.

I am more than willing to learn other ways to do it. But at the time I needed to restore my column there wasn't any other how to's sites.

If it is consensus of this site... I can take it down. Doesn't really matter to me... I'm done with my column, it works great and I was only trying to help others with theirs. I wasn't looking to piss anyone off.



You sure didn't piss me off. But if you want a suggestion, why don't you post on the website the results of your beating in the bearing.


The old bearing makes a great piece to beat on to get the new bearing in place. It can be tough to get it off though


Even though you read the manuals and decided your way was better it is rather odd that you make no mention that you started with a 1 piece steering shaft and ended up with 2. I guess it isn't important that someone following you instructions also breaks theirs. The unfortunate part is when this happens they may fix it using a steel pin turning a designed to break part into an impaling spear. I am all for good usefull information but have a problem when the real results are hidden.

Attached picture 2659323-SteeringColumn.jpg
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/29/06 01:56 AM

Good to know! Thanks.

Quote:

Column looks great and I like the layout of your page!

As a point of reference, '70 steering columns in coloured interior cars could be either black OR the interior colour (red, blue, green, tan) - ditto for seatbelts.

In typical Chrysler fashion, there are no hard and fast rules on what actually happened on the line, however the rule of thumb is this:

Coloured interior WITH rallye dash: Colour keyed seatbelts & steering column.

Coloured interior WITHOUT rallye dash: Black seatbelts and black steering column.

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/29/06 02:12 AM

Mr. Pink, you might have your facts confussed. I will try to explain and clear things up....

Absolutly NOTHING collasped while I was installing the bearing. What you might be thinking of is the shaft collasping when I put it upright on the floor to put the crumple can on. I tried hammering it to get it closer before using the nut. I had already stripped one shaft threads off becasue I tried to use the nut to pull it down. This was the second shaft and I didn't want to strip it too. It's a tapper fitting. That is one of the reason I took it completely apart to check everything.





You can see that I clearly stated "Do not put the column on the floor standing up right to beat the (crumple) can on. The steering shaft will collapse. It's designed to do that in a crash." http://www.lamopar.com/How%20To%27s/Steering%20Column/pages/DSC01462_jpg.htm

You are right not to beat on the crumple can while the shaft is upright. However, if I had to do it again today I would still install the bearing the same way.

Posted By: Snoopy

Re: Here's a detailed "HOW TO" restore a steering colum - 05/29/06 02:36 AM



Attached picture 2659464-SteeringColumnSheerPins.jpg
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