Need new steering column

85burb · April 4, 2002

Well bad news on my 85 burb, I was having the gear indicator replaced by a local shop and they said the steering column is all broken up like it was broken into. I need a replacement. Any thoughts on where I can find a used one, or is that a bad idea? I found a place in califonia that rebuilds them and will do one for $175 +$50 for a core.

Doug

76BBSub · April 5, 2002

Personally, I'm a big fan of getting stuff from the junkyard. Depends on how big a hurry you're in. If you have a little time, find a good pic-a-part in your area. There are usually plenty of '70s and '80s GM trucks and you can pick the column you want. You could also probably find a column shop in your area that could rebuild it for you, if needed. No idea what a typical cost would be, though...

Jeff

April 5, 2002

When looking for a new one in the junkyard, keep an eye out for the ignition switch.

I replaced the column in my 1980 truck with one from my junked out 1973. The '73 was a tilt column, so I naturally wanted it in my '80 model.

The '73 ignition switch rod pulled back to make contact and the '80 pushed forward. The switches weren't the same, so I couldn't just swap the switch over. I ended up "making" a switch with parts from each one. It worked, but it sure was a PITA getting it all to work together.

85burb · April 5, 2002

Well good news! I don't need another column after all. It seems a previous owner had attempted this same repair I am doing and buggered everything up. They even sawed a collar in half to get to the insides and glued it back together. We are replacing the collar only so I'm out another $45 instead of $230 for a rebuilt unit or $160 from a used parts reseller.

Doug.