1973 c20 base NON-TILT steering column rebuild

[73c20jim]

Just bought a 1973. Thought I did good but have purchased a money pit. Just about everything is bad.

I have completely disassembled the non-tilt steering column and have it removed from the car. I have removed the upper and lower races frm the upper bearing ( the one in the ignition key housing). Both inners are still in the column. I have cleaned both outer races and they look good. Can't get to both inner races. I can see how the bearing is listed with the housing, which is no longer available.

QUESTION #1

Can I get a new bearing for this housing. My research shows PN# 5674684 discontinued, replaced by PN# 7817365, also discontinued replaced by 7800269, also discontinued. Are these the right part numbers for this housing bearing? If so I can get it on eBay.

QUESTION #2

If this is the correct bearing, how do I remove the inner races still in the housing?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jim

 

[Charlie]

 

[73c20jim]

Thanks.

 

[73c20jim]

Got the thing apart. Oh, I said that. Cleaned the parts, and put a coat of paint on the long column parts.

Observation#1

Outer column, upper stamped with 59 and C.
Outer column, lower stamped with 79 and AZ193.
Shifter tube stamped GH on lower.

Observation #2

There are four long pieces.

Outer Column
Rod for steering
Tube for shifting
Lower rod that attaches to rag joint

All four are collapsible.
Checked all plastic breakable connectors and are all intact. Column has never been collapsed. (Relief!)

Observation # 3

As mentioned before, I disassembled the upper steering bearing by prying apart with screwdriver, Did this over large magnetic pan to catch all of the ball bearings. There are large and small ball bearings.

Observation#4

The inner race of this upper bearing looks impossible to remove. I will clean it up and reassemble. All pieces seem fine. I can see why the factory considered the housing and the bearing as one part.

Observation #5

The lower column bearing was cleaned and oiled. Spins smoothly. Prices for this bearing range from $200 to $19. Also comes in a kit, I ordered kit to see what comes. Depending on what comes in kit, I will probably reuse old bearing. Kit should also contain plastic bearing retainer, which is broken on mine.

Observation #7

Neutral safety switch/backup light switch plastic tab broken. Truck would only start in neutral, but not Park. Already have new switch. Got to measure drill bits to get an .093 to use as installation tool.

Observation # 9

Directional signals would not automatically to center. There is no hazard switch button. Ordered parts to fix. New switch worked for a while then shorted out. Don't buy cheap. New Delco switch ordered.

Observation # 10

Steering column was a bitch to remove (never did one before), but easy to disassemble. Followed Service Manual instructions.

So now I wait for parts.

I could have sent it out, for $200 plus parts, plus shipping, but what fun is that.

Will advise.

 

[73c20jim]

Checked out shift linkage to automatic transmission. Parts worn badly, springs broken and missing. This now becomes part of the column repair.

It never ends.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

I can't find a new one. anyone got one???

 

[73c20jim]

No parts at post office today. Waiting for UPS.

Played around with transmission lever and spring. Got new TILT spring and put it my NON-TILT column. Seems to work ok. Proof will be when its all together. Right now I consider spring issue closed.

Found one guy with new NON-TILT transmission shift lever. Going to order it. Mine is worn.

Transmission shift linkage for column to transmission seems to be made of unobtainium. Going to have to spot weld my worn spots and file to fit.

New NSS has 7 leads, old one has 4. The 4 are the same as the new NSS, Going to try to figure out if I can use the other pins for something. Putting in DRL comes to mind. This way they will only be on when car is in D, D2, D1. Got to do a bit of research on this.

BY THE WAY.

If anyone wants to check in on this thread, PLEASE DO.

 

[73c20jim]

How can I upload photos???

 

[73c20jim]

Looking at housing for automatic transmission shift lever, the hole for the pivot pin for the lever is wallowed out on the top. It seems that the pivot pin was busted and not engaging the lower pivot pin hole. Upper hole took all the abuse.

Got some JB weld and I'M gonna fill in the upper hole and re-drill. Cheaper than new housing.

Wish me luck.

STILL CAN"T POST PICTURES. HELP...........please...........

 

[73c20jim]

.

 

[Goldie Driver]

Did not work for me.
On my phone there is an option at the bottom that says Upload a File - it lets you browse and I choose the thumbnail when I find my pic.

You must be registered for see images attach

Example.

I used to rebuild columns eons ago but most were tilt so I cannot picture the bearings in my head to answer questions- sorry.

More power to you for plunging into the unknown - I get skeered without some research usually.

Britt

 

[73c20jim]

Thanks. I think I got the picture thing. A lot easier than I thought,

You must be registered for see images attach

This is a picture that I had on my PC. I have to get the new pictures from my camera to the PC.

It's a picture of a old west town I'm building on my property. It will be the biggest "man cave" in these parts when I'm done. Separate thread if you're interested.

 

[73c20jim]

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Took apart old broken NSS/BU switch, Simple insides. There are 5 pins. The two lower pins in line with the other are the backup light pins. All the switch does is connect these two inline pins when the shift lever is in the backup position.

There are three other pins, two for neutral safety starting. A single on the extreme left and two upper left pins parallel to each other. Looking at the switch on the outside curved surface, you will see two little holes. These are to align the switch in PARK or NEUTRAL for installation adjustment.

All the switch does is connect the two parallel upper left pins when the car is in PARK or NEUTRAL. But wait there is one more pin. The single one on the lower left. Not a clue YET as to what this is for.

On a seven pin NSS these two seem to be connected while the car is in D, D1, or D2. These are not used on a 1973.



98.7% sure on this stuff. Your mileage may vary,

 

[73c20jim]

Mail came from CJ's Rods and Machines, Inc. on eBay. JACKPOT!

He advertises a 1973-92 Chevy & GMC Pickup New Lower Steering Column Bearing Kit for $35.00. INCLUDES SHIPPING!

It comes with four parts:

ADAPTER, lower bearing 6.521 7815998
RETAINER, lower bearing adapter 6.521 7809408
CLIP, lower bearing adapter 6.521 7816001
BEARING ASSEMBLY, lower shaft 6.521 7805700

All for 35 bucks. Aftermarket I'm sure. But I will probably outlive the bearing. (I'm 73.)

I'd seen 7805700 as high a $100.00 all by itself.

The bearing already comes snapped into the plastic adapter so no chance of me busting it.

This is a busy assembly:

Lower steering shaft bearing
Gearshift tube bearing
Seat for spring

AND IT'S THE RIGHT PARTS!!!!!

P.S. I also got a "DELIVERY ENTRANCE" sign so the damn delivery people will quit leaving my stuff outside the gate.

Now I have to chase down BEARING, steering column 6.521 7805365 and I think I'm done chasing parts.

 

[Blue Ox]

Thanks. I think I got the picture thing. A lot easier than I thought,

You must be registered for see images attach

This is a picture that I had on my PC. I have to get the new pictures from my camera to the PC.

It's a picture of a old west town I'm building on my property. It will be the biggest "man cave" in these parts when I'm done. Separate thread if you're interested.

I'm interested. That sounds like a cool idea.

 

[73c20jim]

Go To

Grumpys old west town man cave