Topic: '68 tilt column restoration, a few questions...

[Oz390]

Taking apart a '68 tilt column, never dealt with one before.  Noting a few issues...

1. the pin that holds the return spring. Appears bent.  I am assuming this should not be tweaked as-is and needs to be straightened and re-tempered.  (as I doubt a repro exists!)





2. To replace the bearings (they seem "OK" but as long as I am taking it apart to restore, why not?)  it seems you need to fabricate a puller out of a 6-32 bolt and some shims to extract the press fit pins holding the painted housing in the photo below to the cast base (also to remove the housing for painting).  Anyone got photos of a tool to do this or process (think I have it thought thru, just concerned about breaking the tabs on the housing under pressure)



3. the "accordion" secton of collapseable column,  Appers to be covered with industrial-strength shrink tubing.  Not tilt specific, but anyone come up with a source for simialr "large bore" shrink tubing to recover?

Any other tips or tricks appreciated.  Quite the complex mechansim and intricate castings inside the hub!

[krelboyne]

Do not straighten out the lock pin. They were made bent like that, I have multiple examples formed that way in our inventory.
It is the pins (that hold the jaws), working themselves out, is what normally causes a loose tilt.

If you find a source for new bearings, please share.

[Oz390]

Thanks for the tip.  I got assembly as-is, not out of a car I own so am not sure of operation.  Thus the tear down.  i did notice one of the jaw pins had backed out so will be fixing that.

I have not sourced the bearings, but it sounds like it may be a similar issue to the smog pump question I posted and no one still manufacturing....     

Any tips on pullling the press pins?

[Bob Gaines]

On many occasions I have taken my bearing I needed to one of a number of bearing distributors in town and they were able to match it up with something in their books .Just a thought.

[Oz390]

OK, built a puller out of a 6-32 bolt, a 3/8" bolt, two nuts and a washer.  All apart.  The bearing seems quite smooth so decided to clean/lube and leave it alone.

Now to buy the industrial-strength shrink tubing, got a link to this which sources the right sized stuff. 

http://1970boss302.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/steering-column-work-powder-coating.html

[Oz390]

Well, other than the shrink tube, its all done.  Pulled apart, cleaned and adjusted, new paint/grease...

All in all, I'd rate it as one of the harder restorations... tricky little bugger to get apart and back together.