1976 Corvette Steering Column

[jamwvu1]

I have a standard column now but would like a tilt/telescoping one. Can I convert mine now just through new parts, or do I have to purchase a whole complete unit? If I can convert, where do I find out what parts I need and where to order them from? Thanks

[Blue Bowtie]

30+ year old parts will not only be difficult to locate, but likely more expensive overall than an entire replacement column. If you convert from a plain tilt column, you will need a new upper steering shaft, new upper bowl, new steering wheel, telescope lock plate and lever, possibly a new wire harness, the trim bellows, and a few other assorted pieces of hardware. If the current column doesn't even have tilt, there is no practical way.

[76stingray]

It may or may not be a factor for you, but the 1976 steering columns were "special" in the fact that they will pretty much only accept the stock steering wheel (which was taken from the Vega GT). If you are looking to go from the base column (for which there are adaptors available to allow you to mount a different wheel) to a tilt-tele column (on which the adaptors make the tilt-tele un-useable), I'd recommend getting a column from another year of C3. Complete units in good used condition can run in the $750 range.

[jamwvu1]

Originally Posted by 76stingray

It may or may not be a factor for you, but the 1976 steering columns were "special" in the fact that they will pretty much only accept the stock steering wheel (which was taken from the Vega GT). If you are looking to go from the base column (for which there are adaptors available to allow you to mount a different wheel) to a tilt-tele column (on which the adaptors make the tilt-tele un-useable), I'd recommend getting a column from another year of C3. Complete units in good used condition can run in the $750 range.

Thank you. So your saying that I could find another complete steering column unit off of, say, a 1977 vett with Tilt/tele and it would fit, but my current steering wheel wouldn't mount on it?

[stepho]

Originally Posted by jamwvu1

Thank you. So your saying that I could find another complete steering column unit off of, say, a 1977 vett with Tilt/tele and it would fit, but my current steering wheel wouldn't mount on it?

Yeah thats exactly right. I'd recommend getting a different year steering column anyway unless you plan on keeping it 100% stock. My brother has a 76 corvette and finding a replacement steering wheel for it is almost impossible. Every time I go to a swap meet no steering wheels for a 76 anywhere. Its hard to find steering wheels for tilt/tele columns too but its worth it those rock! My 75 has one.

[jamwvu1]

Originally Posted by stepho

Yeah thats exactly right. I'd recommend getting a different year steering column anyway unless you plan on keeping it 100% stock. My brother has a 76 corvette and finding a replacement steering wheel for it is almost impossible. Every time I go to a swap meet no steering wheels for a 76 anywhere. Its hard to find steering wheels for tilt/tele columns too but its worth it those rock! My 75 has one.

Thank you. If I go the route of finding a total replacement column with tilt/tele, would the wiring harnesses and plugs-in mate for existing turn signal, hazard, horn, and ignition wiring.