I've been reading about other 69 Camaros with starting problems and one of the suggestions I saw was to give a twist of the steering column. Does this apply to Camaros with floor horse shoe shifters? Or, does that apply to steering column models only? Thanks.

This helps the ignition in column models...doesn't matter column or floor shifter.




Kev

Since I've never had a 69, nor have I personally dealt with one with an automatic trans, I find this a "darned fine question."

69 was the first year the gov't required all car to lock the steering column and gearshift when the key was removed.
69 manual trans models got the backdrive linkage from the reverse arm to the column, and the backup light switch moved to the column.
69 column shift auto cars found both the backup light switch and the neutral safety switch moved to the column.

I would assume exactly the same thing was done with floor shift auto's, even though they used the same shirfter as 68's, and that shifter had a place to put the backup light and neutral safety switches...

So what did they do in this case?
I assume the backdrive linkage is there to lock the gearshift?
Did the switches stay on the shifter, or move to the column?

So what did they do in this case?
I assume the backdrive linkage is there to lock the gearshift?
Did the switches stay on the shifter, or move to the column?

On floorshift automatics, the neutral safety and backup light switch is on the shifter base, and they also use the backdrive linkage so the key can only be removed in Park. :thumbsup:

Thanks John!

Thanks John!
O.k. fellas you guys gave me some great input. ...Then I assume that this slight twist of the steering column must be addressing any electrical shorts that might exist in the connections within the steering column at the ignition switch? But, what is backdrive linkage and where is it located?

O.k. fellas you guys gave me some great input. ...Then I assume that this slight twist of the steering column must be addressing any electrical shorts that might exist in the connections within the steering column at the ignition switch? But, what is backdrive linkage and where is it located?

The "twist" of the steering column bell is usually a result of the backdrive linkage being missing (it interferes with most headers), not an electrical issue.

There's a rod from the transmission-mounted shift lever on an automatic (or from the reverse lever on a 4-speed) that goes to a bellcrank on the subframe, and another rod from there up to a lever on the bottom end of the steering column, just above the rag joint. That lever rotates a tube inside the steering column that only allows the key cylinder to be rotated to the "Lock" position and the key removed if the transmission is in Park (on an automatic) or in Reverse on a 4-speed, as described in the Owner's Manual.

If the backdrive linkage has been removed, the lever at the bottom of the steering column has to be wired all the way "up" or you can't remove the key (and the backup lights will always be on with a 4-speed, so the bulbs are usually removed).

:beers:

The technology is impressive for '69. It's going to be fun learning it. Thanks John.

You might be interested in this paper entitled General Motors Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock System.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/StrgColumnTransInterlockSystems.doc

On most floor shift vehicles you can actually see the bowl on the steering column rotate when you shift into PARK (automatic trans) or into REVERSE (manual trans). On some GM vehicles such as the Corvette (1969-1976) there is a bowl cover that prevents you from seeing the bowl rotate.

Jim

Since I've never had a 69, nor have I personally dealt with one with an automatic trans, I find this a "darned fine question."

69 was the first year the gov't required all car to lock the steering column and gearshift when the key was removed.
69 manual trans models got the backdrive linkage from the reverse arm to the column, and the backup light switch moved to the column.
69 column shift auto cars found both the backup light switch and the neutral safety switch moved to the column.

I would assume exactly the same thing was done with floor shift auto's, even though they used the same shirfter as 68's, and that shifter had a place to put the backup light and neutral safety switches...

So what did they do in this case?
I assume the backdrive linkage is there to lock the gearshift?
Did the switches stay on the shifter, or move to the column?

:noway: Ah, Jim, 1970 was the first required year. GM came out with their system a year early. Why not? They'd perfected it.:hurray:

Good info, I'm all ears (or eyes) ...are you guys baseball historians too!