There is a section of the steering column below the section that houses the turn signal lever on my '68 that spins when I turn the wheel. I'm not sure this should be moving, but the main issue is that it squeeks loudly when it turns. I noticed two small holes on the underside of this section, so I don't know if there should be a set screw in there to keep that section from moving or what... Can any one help me with this?
I had intentions on posting pictures to this thread when I got to work, but as it turn out, net nanny had blocked photo bucket.
How far does it spin? 360 degrees or less? On the 69's this is for the neutral safety switch and ignition lock out, but am not sure if the 68's use the same, cause I thought the neutral safety switch was on the gear shift/console.
That sounds like the part of the column that the 69's use for the neutral safety switch/ignition lock out. As I dont know about the 68's and if they had that or not I cant really tell you, but I thought that they didnt have that on a 68 as the safety switch was located in the console. Do you have a auto console shifter? Take a look at this and see if you can tell me what item it is. http://thefirstgensite.com/library/partscounter/illustrated/front/strcol1.html Do you know for a fact you have a 68 column and someone in the past hasnt swapped it out?
I think you refer to the area of column shifter, this is the std shifter location, console is attached to this via linkeage....this links to the console if you have no column shifter....you can actually shift there turning with your hands instead of using the console shifter...that opart is supposed to turn...67,68 and 69 IIRC..squeek, may need some lubricant...but its supposed to turn if you 'set' it , you cannot shift.
yes all the automatic floor shift cars are like this. to save money and to avoid having to make a different column, when you upgraded to a floor shift. The shifter and indicator collar was not used on the column and was replaced with a smooth collar. but the whole mechanism was still used for the neutral safety switch and backup lights (column/shift lock in 69). So gm used a linkage from the transmission to the column to rotate the collar to actuate the safety switches and backup lights. If its disconnected from the trans, try it. rotate the collar and see where it will and wont allow the car to start and where the backup lights come on.
