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Toppless72

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Posts posted by Toppless72

  1. Charlie,

     

    I'm glad you got the bearing housing off. The first time you're in there it can be a little unnerving because there is so many parts but once you get over that it's not that bad.

    When I have them apart, I re-grease everything that moves. Just a little on the tilt joint and all the bearings, and the lock shoes etc. will do it. Use grease that will handle the heat of the cabin. Otherwise it will tend to drip out on a very hot day. I use a Valvoline Synthetic grease p/n 986 but I'm sure there are others that would work just as good.

     

    I'm currently replacing the intake manifold tuning valve on my neighbor's 2006 Impala. I'd rather be doing the job you're working on. Working on the steering column offers many benefits. You don't get dirty, you don't have to bend over, and you can sit on your behind. Now that's what I call a good job. LOL

     

    I understand about intermittent problems. They can drive you crazy. I have a little Dodge Dakota that idles where ever it wants. Anywhere from 600 to 1100 RPMs and there is no rhyme or reason as to when it idles fast or slow. I still haven't figured it out yet.

     

    Once you start putting your column back together drop me a note if you get into trouble.

  2. Charlie,

     

    Well, finding out it's a tilt column is a bonus then. For the moment, you can use a long bolt that will thread into the shoe release lever. It's the raw steel piece that can be seen in your picture just above and to the rear of the ignition rack location. You can use the bolt for a release lever until you acquire one.

     

    Also, if I use a part name you’re not sure of just let me know. I try to avoid using terms like “the little round thingy” or “doohicky” when possible.

     

    You’re very close to reaching your objective so Monty on!

     

    Let us know how you’re doing.

     

  3. Charlie,

     

    First ask as many questions as you wish. I just wish I was close enough to stop by and help you out.

    Now, install your tilt lever into the shoe release lever and pull it toward you while tilting the bearing housing up. This will release the bearing housing from the bearing housing support. The lock shoes will slip out allowing the bearing housing to come off. The screws that will need to be tightend are in the bearing housing support directly under the bearing housing.

     

    """It will not come off without pulling the shoe release lever toward you.""""

     

    Just one thing is still causing me to scratch my head. Are you saying you believe the column you’re working on is not a tilt column?

     

    If that's what you're saying your incorrect on this point. It is a tilt column. Just want to confirm.

     

    Try this and let us know what happens.

     

    JC

  4. Just chiming in to confirm another set up. My 72 doesn't have the junction block. Off the solenoid where the battery positive is connected there is a red 4 gauge wire that runs to the horn relay. In the line is a fuseable link.

     

    My positive cable at the battery does not have any small wires going anywhere.

  5. When I was in the business of being an OEM parts supplier it was very common for a number of new model cars to be built prior to the official SOP (start of production) date. These units were used for promotional photos for the sales brochures, executive appeasement, fit and finish studies, crash tests, dealer teaser units, and employee training. They were known as "pilot" cars and were also required to be "sellable units". It is very common these were built as much as 6 weeks prior to SOP. This was done to allow time for necessary tooling and set up changes.

    The units were required to be “sellable” to insure the testing performed on them was valid. To be sellable they have to have a proper VIN. Sometimes they were sold and sometimes not.

     

    I could see where there may be a number of cars out there with July or possibly June dates.

     

    Also, due to problems like Larry experienced, as a supplier, we were required to supply 25 pieces of each part number we supplied to service prior to first production units being shipped to the assembly plant. When you make 15~20 parts that come in 5~6 colors that would become a very tall order.

  6. Charlie,

     

    You are missing the snap ring that goes on the end of the ignition lock rod. It goes in the two grooves at the end of that flat tab. It’s what holds the sector gear in place. You can get them at a hardware store so not to worry. But before you do that....

     

    You'll need to pull that housing off to get to the torks screws that need to be tightened. It’s really very easy.

     

    1. Remove the steering wheel lock rod spring, sector gear, the lock rod, and the ignition rack.

    2. Place a screwdriver in the spring cover just below the column shaft. Pushing in slightly, turn the cover a quarter turn allowing it to release the spring slowly. There will be pressure against the cover from the spring so be ready to hold in while you turn it. Once the cover is off remove the spring.

    3. Next remove the pivot pins. They make a special tool for this but you don’t really need it. I use a 13mm socket, a screw with a washer, and nut. It works great. You’ll place the socket over the pin with the hex end toward the pin and thread the screw through the socket into the pin. Next, using a wrench, tighten the nut toward the pin. Continue until the pin comes out. Do this on both sides.

     

    P1010214.jpg

     

    4. Install the tilt lever and pull it toward you tilting the column all the way up. The tilt housing will release from the lower column at the top so just slide it off.

    5. Just below it you’ll see the 4 reverse torks bolts that need to be tightened. Remember to use thread locker on them or this job will need to be done again.

    6. Reverse the procedure to reassemble everything.

     

    Tips:

    1. When reinstalling the pivot pins line them both up in the holes and use a large “C” clamp to slowly push them in from both sides. If you don’t have one you can tap them in one at a time with a plastic hammer.

    2. When installing the tilt spring, do it with the column in the straight position. It’s just easier.

    3. As you’re doing this watch to make sure you’re aligning the bearing rings etc.

     

     

     

     

  7. Well, I wouldn't say expert. You'll find you can always learn something new. I like the electrical systems the most when it comes to tinkering with these old cars. Even though it can make you pull your hair out.

     

    Cedar Point? I've only been there once. I guess I'm not a big coaster fan.

     

    They do have a bunch of coasters there.

  8.  

    Charlie,

     

    Yes, you can drive the pin down but it will most likely mangle the steering wheel locking pin spring and possibly what's left of the sector gear but not to worry. They're both in the repair kit you'll get at AutoZone or one of the other parts stores.

     

    They're sold under a brand name "HELP!". They sell many small replacement type parts I'm sure you've seen them if you've spent 5 minutes in any of these places.

     

    In a situation like this I operate under the theory of "If it don't fit force it. If it breaks it probably needed to be replaced anyway".

  9. Charlie,

     

    Let's assume you've taken the tilt lever out. LOL I think your problem is the steering wheel locking pin is stuck in its bore. If you agree, try this:

     

    If you look between the 10:00 and 11:00 position in the bowl you'll see the tip of the pin sticking out of the boss.

     

    Unhook the battery if you haven't already.

    Push the upper bowl back down to the rest position on top of the column.

    Use needle nose pliers and rotate the lock rod clockwise to the run position. (This is inside the hole where the lock cylinder goes - flat tab)

    Once you've done that, take a small punch the place it on top of the lock pin and give it a few gentle taps. You should see it working its way down into the bowl. Each time you do this it should allow the upper bowl to slide up a little further. If it is working, continue until you have it out.

     

    Let us know how it’s going. BTW... Congratulations Grampa!!!!

     

    JC

     

  10. First ignore the arrows in the picture. They were put there for another reason.

     

    This is a shot looking into the upper bowl. You can see the 3 places where the screws go. There is a countersink on the screws which creates the holding pressure to secure the upper bowl to the lower part of the column.

     

    Now… if you’re good… I mean really good, you can drill or grind away the head of the screws. This will leave only the threaded shaft of the screw. The upper bowl will slip off over the screws. Once it’s removed, you can remove the screws by using a vice-grip tool and turning them out.

     

    This should be considered the last option.

     

     

    Let us know how it goes.

     

    JC

     

     

     

    P1010176.jpg

  11. My advice would be to take it off. It's easier to work on it while it's face up on a bench rather than sideways leaning over the fender. It's very easy to get it off.

    1. Unplug it from the harness.

    2. Remove windshield washer hoses.

    3. Remove 3 bolts holding it to the firewall.

    4. Pull the motor out about 3~4 inches.

    5. Remove the nut holding the wiper transmission arm assembly.

    6. Remove the motor assembly to your bench.

     

    This procedure should take you about 5 minutes.

  12. The wiper motor is supplied 12 volts via the ignition switch and fuse block. The switch on the dash provides a ground to the motor. The "park" mechanism is a cam operated switch that continues to provide a ground to the motor after the dash switch is turned off. Once the wiper arms reach their "parked" position, the park switch contacts open, removing the ground from the motor which stops. So, for what ever reason, the park switch is not opening.

     

    There is a gear box that contains the park cam and switch mechanism. It has a lot of grease in there for the gears. Over time this grease solidifies and can cause the park switch contacts to stick on. If you're mechanically inclined, you may want to open up the gear case, clean out all of the old grease, clean the electrical contacts and apply new grease on the gears. I would recommend White Lithium grease.

  13. Charlie,

     

    Based on what you're describing, I'm assuming your car has a tilt column in it. Yes, taking out those 3 Philips screws is the only way to get below the upper bowl to assess what your issue may be. The sector gear is made from plastic and teeth break off of it causing movement of the rack to be difficult.

    I've had success using a Philips impact driver to get them loose but be careful. You can damage the column if you get too carried away.

    Once you get the upper bowl off the 4 reverse torks screws can be tightened with an E8 socket. If you don’t have one you can use a 6MM socket. Take them out one at a time and put a little thread locker on them before you reinstall them.

     

    Let us know what you find out.

  14. The complete set up is Edelbrock including the manifold, carbs., and linkage fresh out of the boxes. The motor is a 409/360 hp "W" head with a mild cam to make it a bit lumpy at idle. It sounds very good when I crack them both open from idle but I think it should run on one carb. till you get up to 3rd or 4th gear. Then start opening up the second one.

    He's running a 700r4 and 3:55 gears with 31" tall tires on 22" rims. (hey he's only 23 Y.O. what are you going to do? LOL) It does look really good. I'll post a picture soon.

  15. I’m helping a friend prepare his ride for the season. He’s running a duel 4 barrel intake with two 650 Edelbrock carburetors. The linkage instruction sheet shows that it is to be adjusted so that both throttles open at the same time off idle.

    When I used to run a similar set up, the front carburetor didn’t open at all until you were at about 20% open on the rear. It was a progressive linkage. I can adjust it either way but I wanted to get your thoughts. It’s just a cruiser -1962 409 Impala, no race car.

    What do you think?

  16. Well, We all know the company's say these are the only exchanges but the hot rodders and backyard do it yourselfers have been proving them wrong for years. I say try it out and see if it will work.

    We can't always go by the book.

     

    JC

  17. CK,

     

    If you decide not to go with new glass, the only vehicle that shares the rear quarter glass is the Olds F85, Hardtop, Cutlass Supreme - 1970-1972. This is the one with the square roof, not the fastback.

     

    P/Ns are:

    8781144 Clear, RH

    8781145 Clear, LH

    8781146 Tinted, RH

    8781147 Tinted, LH

     

    NAGS# Q4417 RH - (National Auto Glass Specifications)

    NAGS# Q4418 LH

     

    Mitchell number 1783 "Quarter window"

     

    JC

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