has anyone installed a steering column. My problem is my 69 camaro was originally a column then converted to a console. The original steering column still turns and has to twist into the perfect position before the car will turn over. we installed anew ignition switch and now the key won't come out until column is turned will a complete rewire kit fix this or do I need a new steering column installed. ?? Thanks

Electrical wiring has nothing to do with it.

All 69s have the interlock feature (there were rods and a bellcrank on the frame; manual cars had to be in reverse, autos in park before the key would come out), so another 69 column would not change anything. Most folks just put some safety wire or a tie on the tab at the base of the column (out under the hood, just above the rag joint) to hold the tab up in the right spot. Other folks go and get all the backdrive parts to make it work right, but if the car has headers it usually means you can't get the backdrive on right.

When I rebuilt my column, I just stuck the interlock tube in place with 3M Strip Calk. You might be able to wedge it in place through the slot near the bottom of the column (inside the car) where the OE neutral safety switch was mounted.

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

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?page_id=5

so it sounds like everybody has to twist and turn their steering column to get the key out and to start if they converted to a console and didn't do something ?? I'm not the only one with this problem then. I understand the interlock feature just still unsure about fixing it

It might not be a bad idea to get a new steering column. I did the column to console conversion this past winter. Ididit makes retro columns for Camaro. It looks awesome. I also replaced the 40 year old u-joints.

Boo -

It's too late for you, so I am sorry to bring it up, but...

If you change to an aftermarket column, you lose the collapsible part of the system, and in my mind that's not good. Here is Jim Shea's take, and I agree 100%.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/replacing-the-ea-column-with-a-rigid-design.doc

Thanks for the heads up Eric. I hadn't read that before, though it probably wouldn't have changed my decision. Good thing for me I don't hit anything. :-)