Last night I decided to remove the later model steering wheel from my 68 SS and install the ?original? The old one that came with the car (that was not installed) was a deluxe wheel with the small SS emblem in the middle. It was cracked terribly so I found a CHERRY original just like it that I bought on EBAY.

Anyway, cruising right along, got the late model wheel removed, put the new one in place.......wait a minute, this isn't looking right.

With the wheel on the shaft, the threads on the shaft are flush with outside collar on the wheel. I can't even get the nut on. To state it simply, it looks like the shaft needs to come out as the wheel is up against the collar with the turn signal/hazard button. Is there a way to adjust this shaft out? I hope someone can help, otherwise there is fixing to be a mint steering wheel on EBAY! :(

You need to remove the hub that the aftermarket wheel bolts to (assuming it is aftermarket). Here's a recent post on the topic. http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=003092

http://www.jcwhitney.com/wcsstore/jcwhitney/images/imagecache/I16511.gif

Should be somewhat similar to the piece on the bottom right.

o.k., does that pice on the right go behind the turn signal mechanism??

Thanks for you help Robert!

The dimension from the tip of the steering column shaft to the top edge of the steering column housing is 1.8 inches. I believe that this dimension is pretty consistant for all GM standard (non-adjustable) as well as the GM tilt columns from 1969 through the late 1970s.

You cannot extend the steering shaft, the 1.8 inches is a set amount. The locking plate, locking ring, steering column head, etc were all pretty common for all GM columns. I believe that all of the GM steering wheels and hubs were designed to work with a steering column shaft with that dimension.

The Tilt & Telescoping columns were different.

The Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) is a must have. It has detail drawings of how everything goes together.

Did you mean "Cherry" as in good or "Cherry" as in wood. If it's the latter I think it's actually Walnut in which case you'll need a mounting adapter which is about $40.00. You might also need the horn mounting kit if you don't have those parts. Either way none of the stuff from the aftermarket kit in the above post will be used. I don't have an original wheel on either of my cars so that's about as much as I can advise. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Here's a few sites to browse for parts.

While you're there pick up an Assembly Manual like Dennis suggest, only $19.95.

http://www.firstgen.com
http://www.classicindustries.com/
http://www.ss396.com/

I am sorry, by "cherry" I mean "mint". Here are some pictures as they are worth 1000 words. I do have the assembly manual but it doesn't show exactly what I need. I am awaiting the Fisher and Chassis manuals as I think they may help, but they are a week away. Thanks for all of the help. http://www.oxfordks.org/CAMARO/WHEEL.jpg
http://www.oxfordks.org/CAMARO/WHEELCLOSE.jpg
http://www.oxfordks.org/CAMARO/WHEELONLY.jpg
http://www.oxfordks.org/CAMARO/WHEELSHAFT.jpg
http://www.oxfordks.org/CAMARO/COLUMNFRONT.jpg
http://www.oxfordks.org/CAMARO/COLUMNSHAFT.jpg

Judging from the first photo you have posted the wheel hub does not appear to be fully engaged on the shaft. Is there much space between the backside of the wheel hub and the column cover? You might try cleaning the knurling inside the wheel hub- if you have a shotgun or rifle cleaning kit see if there is a brass bore brush that will do the trick. Once the rust is out put some WD40 on the knurling and persuade the wheel onto the shaft with a rubber mallet and a socket that will fit over the hole. Once you can get the nut threaded a few turns it will seat the wheel when tighened.

Is the steering wheel hub/ body hitting the outside metal collar of the column? It looks like the wheel hub is a little rusty. The splines may need to be cleaned up a little, then "wiggle" the wheel to make sure it is seated DOWN on the splines, which should give you some thread to finish pulling the wheel down via the nut. If the problem is the wheel hub interfering with the body of the column, I have not a clue!

Rob

I was composing while Scott was posting I guess, but it looks like we where both thinking the same thing- so give it a try and let us know.

Rob

This is how much room I have to work with. :(
http://www.oxfordks.org/CAMARO/CLOSE.jpg

Does not look right if threads are not exposed. Need a photo like you posted, but show the steering column shaft as it relates to the wheel. If you have not seated the wheel in the photo in the last post, then it looks like trouble. You may want to appeal for some personal help from someone local if you are close to a Metro area.

Rob

Man this is really starting to suck, I hope I don't have a bigger problem here.

The steering shaft is exactly as the first round of pictures show, flush with the wheel. I merely took a picture with the wheel in place to show how much space there is between the collar and the wheel itself, which is none.

I know of a 68 Z-28 about 10 miles away that is disassembled, maybe I need to go take a close look at that one.

As far as someone close that can help, not too good from where I am. AARRRGH!

I think the drive to see the Z might be in order. Heck it might be in order just for the sake of seeing the 1968 Z! Maybe someone else can help but it certainly does look like something is wrong. Since the car is stripped down ( as it looks in the photos) might consider taking it out of your car and carying it with you to compare with the one in the Z. It will also make it easier to inspect the whole column and make sure it has not been altered or whatever. Even if there is something wrong with the column or it is the wrong one it is not an insurmountable problem

Rob

You are right Rob and THANK YOU! I will go look at the Z. The Z was raced but was still all original and very, very straight. Bad thing is it appears the block has a crack in the lifter valley so it MAY be trash.

Oh, and maybe I should have mentioned the 69 COPO that the same guy had there a couple of weeks ago. So very cool to be so close to such a great car.

Is it possible the shaft was cut back. Look at the end of the shaft to see if it was shortened.
Just a thought???

I don't think the shaft was cut. My old steering column is out out of the car, totally disassembled and appears to have the same thread length as his does. I'm starting to think that is not a Camaro steering wheel since there is obviously no room for fitting the hub any further down on the shaft. Did GM use the same style wheel on the Chevelle? Perhaps there is a small difference in shaft length that would prevent a Chevelle steering wheel from fitting on a Camaro! Just grasping at straws here...

I think your steering wheel is wrong or damaged. Looking at the hub I believe it's susposed to be inset deep into the 3 spokes not flush as your picture shows. My guess is wrong wheel with the SS logos added or maybe a Chevelle wheel but I don't know if they used a wheel like that on the chevelle SS... The 3 spoke center section with horn buttons should have a destintive bend on the end of each spoke if I recall correctly.

I assumed it was the correct wheel. It is exactly the same as the old cracked wheel that came with the car. However, as I mentioned, a later model wheel was installed when I got the car. The old wheel was included and I merely assumed it was the original in that it was in the similar condition as the rest of the old interior parts. Very weathered. They both fit exactly the same when placed on the shaft.

In the description on EBAY the fellow stated that he pulled it from his original 68 Camaro many years ago. But then again you know how things on EBAY go, have to take stuff with a grain of salt. It does seem that I have seen Camaros with this wheel. Looks like I need to dig a bit.

Look at this wheel on ebay, it looks like yours to me and is advertised as '68 Chevelle, Impala, Camaro and Nova. My interchange book shows the '68 Impala wheels don't interchange with the Camaro.

I'd do some more reaearch, the '67 and '68 steering wheel options are confusing to say the least...

I may be way off base here but, is it possible that the steering column is just colapsed(sp)? I bet you could put the nut back on it with out the wheel and either pry up on the end of the shaft or maybe just pull on the nut with something and the shaft will come up enough to get the wheel on.

I hope this helps,
Nick

Daytona Yellow 69 Z/28 IS THE WINNER!!

YES, I am elated! The shaft appears to have collapsed. After reading his suggestion I went and looked closely at the tip of the shaft. It looks as to have been hit with a hammer at one time. Probably to get the piece of crap newer wheel to work.

Anyway, I protected the collar with rags, put a couple of washers on the shaft and then the nut. Then I used a ball joint separator fork as it fit PERFECTLY over the shaft. I then used a pry bar on the forked end and gently pryed towards me. I was excited to see the shaft moving out slowly. I now have about a half inch of threads showing and the gear on the wheel engages the shaft. I imagine an impact will pull the shaft out more where it needs to be.

AWESOME! That was a helluva thought. A big thanks to EVERYONE who helped me out on this!

I like a happy ending.

graemlins/hurray.gif

That is not what I would have thought of intuitively... LOL. Glad you're up and running.

I'm glad things seem to be working out. I have swapped several wheels and never run into a shaft that had more than a few thou end play. Is there a possibility the other end of the steering colume isn't connected or something is damaged in the colume? I hope not but something just doesn't seem correct...

I should be getting my Fisher Manual and Chassis manual in a few days. I plan to look over the construction of the complete column to make sure. I am no genius but I probably should not "assume" my steering is A-OK unless I know for sure. Steering and brakes are pretty important I am told... smile.gif

May want to call Gary's Classics ( Dallas, Tx) and have them go through it. I think there re-build rate is pretty fair-

http://stores.ebay.com/Garys-Classics_Non-Tilt-Steering-Columns_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQsclZallQQsotimedisplayZ2 QQtZkm

I hope the link works!

Rob

Just a thought, did you try to pull up on the shaft, it may have slid / sliped down, due to to a lower bearing being bad.....

I bet "someone" beat the shaft down to install the crappy thing that was on it. It looked like there was a smudge on the tip of the shaft possibly caused by a hammer. The fella I got the car from said he didn't really know. :rolleyes:

The wheel that was on it looked like a newer model wheel with a blown airbag. The only way it would work would be to drive the shaft down. I have no earthly idea why someone would do this to run such a piece of crap. But, then again, I don't understand a lot of things that people do.

Glad to hear it all worked out.

graemlins/beers.gif
Nick

Yes, its a collapsable shaft for accidents and stuff. I had the same problem and pulled my hair out for some time before I figured it out.

Check out 10 and 13 February 1998 on my project page.

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/6792/restify.html

Popped in on this thread too late.... Nick suggested the first thing that came to mind for me too.

That column is definitely in need of repair now. Or replacement. It's a good thing you weren't in a front end crash with that column! :eek: