Hello I'm new here and hope to get some advice. (68 Firebird no-tilt) I took apart my steering column to change the turn signal switch. I found 3 springs sitting there. approx-size 13/16 long X 1/4 inch wide. Two springs (one broken) seem to be the same size with the ends of the springs having a little tail? sticking out. The other third one is almost the same length and diameter but totally not the same spring. I have searched around the usual avenues for these springs with no results. One shop told me that he does not put them back in and does not know why GM installed them. I have looked at diagrams and think that I know where they must go. Any input on who or where I might be able to purchase these springs, or if I could use a different spring, or ??? Would be greatly appreciated because I am determined to put it back correctly. Thanks.
don't believe the shop. they very are important to the column. and must be installed back on. they give space between the turn signal housing and the column housing. they slide on to the screws when assembling them back on. they are a pain to keep in place in installing them. junk yard is your best bet. im sure other gm products of that era have them.
------------------ remembering my brother alain. 68 400 ho 4 spd posi numbers matching.
Thanks ho4spdtogo for the quick reply and advice. I've been searching the web and making calls. I think that I have to put a hold on my steering column and hope the right member views/reads my topic. Starting to wonder if I get different springs that match and come close to the ones that i have if they will work. Thanks.
Hello Robert yes you are correct. But thats not the springs that I need. I need the 3 springs that go to the bolts that hold the the turn signal assembly down. Thanks
Yes,Yes,Yes Colorado68 thats the springs!!! Please tell me you have some spares to sell me? or who and where I can get them? or?? Although they dont look quite like the ones that I have now. My column 2 out of 3 springs are different (one broken) I suspect that there not original anyway? Already hit the local hardware stores and got a couple that I would have to cut but I'd rather have the correct or near close to match springs to use. I'm still cautious about using other springs because i'm not sure what there for in the column. Thanks. P.S Super Sweet ride you've got there.
Hello I'm new here and hope to get some advice. (68 Firebird no-tilt) I took apart my steering column to change the turn signal switch. I found 3 springs sitting there. approx-size 13/16 long X 1/4 inch wide. Two springs (one broken) seem to be the same size with the ends of the springs having a little tail? sticking out. The other third one is almost the same length and diameter but totally not the same spring. I have searched around the usual avenues for these springs with no results. One shop told me that he does not put them back in and does not know why GM installed them. I have looked at diagrams and think that I know where they must go. Any input on who or where I might be able to purchase these springs, or if I could use a different spring, or ??? Would be greatly appreciated because I am determined to put it back correctly. Thanks.
I just went thru this ordeal a few months ago myself. I ended up finding springs at NAPA. Not the "correct" springs but if you take one of your springs to them they can match them up pretty good. I recommend springs that are stiff (hard to compress). The reason for the springs is to create resistance to the round colar when you insert and turn the turn signal assembly back on the steering column. it was quite a PITA job!
Once the turn signal assembly "locks" into place you then tighten those three screws AND YOUR DONE.
If your looking for the Factory springs for the steering coluum or other parts look up and contact: Bill Edmunds EarlyBrds@aol.com www.EarlyFirebirds.com Has many other parts in stock that are not listed on his website. Thanks Bill!!!
A previous owner must have tossed mine as I don't have them. Are they really needed as everything seems to work good on mine. IDK if it matters but I have the original deluxe wheel.
Colorado68, is there anyway you could measure the length of that spacer inside the large sping in your picture. Mine is missing. Wondering what the length and possibley the inside diameter. Thanks
