Can You Identify This Piece?

[constructo]

'87 Blazer S10 4X4
Automatic Tranmission
No AC
2.8 L V6
Tilt Steering with Gear Shift on the Steering Column

In the process of trying to remove my dashboard a small curved piece of metal fell to the floor on the driver's side, just below the steering column. The bent rodding is about 1/8" (3mm) sq. with about a 5/16" (8mm) hook (90° bend) on one end. The outside top edge of the curved piece appears slightly worn. My local GM dealers and the guys at a local parts store can't identify the piece. At the curved end, it looks as though it may have broken off of another component. The end is somewhat rough, hence the idea that it may have broken off of something; though it may have been manufactured like this.

(See photos at <http://homepage.mac.com/eye.spy.inspections/FileSharing1.html>Grid paper is 1/4 in squares.)

I have done no work on the steering column, which appears to be a closed/sealed system. The ignition appears to work fine except that I haven't been able to put it into auxilliary mode for several years.

Current problems involving the dash are:

1) Odometer and trip odometer are not registering (ie they are not moving), although speedometer works fine.

2) Recently had a local mechanic repair the parking brake cable, though this doesn't appear to have anything associated with it that looks anything like this piece.

3) I'm in the process of dismantling the dash to get access to the heating dampers between the windshield vents.

4) Parking Brake Dashboard Light remains on after brake is released. Eventually it turns off due to vibration of the vehicle as it's moving.

5) Gear shift indicator on dash is out of sinc with transmission. (ie When vehicle is R, shift lever indicates P, when in OD, shift lever indicates N, etc. Indicator does not go down to First.)

If you have a clue as to where this piece belongs, or what may be broken underneath there please let me know. All help is very much appreciated.

Thanks!

Ron Prochot.

[Rmbodie]

Hello Ron, I have an 89 model , I can help with a couple of things . I have been building mine for about a year. The peice that you found falling out. Will it crank in gear now? I can't view the picture at the site listed but it does not sound like it came from the dash originnally , maybe a previous owner dropped it in to confuss you ,HAHA.
The brake light staying on is either the switch is bent or broken ,the front/rear bias switch on the master brake cylinder has been tripped or the fluid level is low and expands and clears the light as it warms up.
The gear indicator can be adjusted by loosening a bolt on the down rod linkage on the side of the transmission where the arm comes out of the case .
I have tried to tear open my dash trying to find a vacuum leak but the temp control is very difficult to detach from its cables. Robert

[constructo]

Originally Posted by Rmbodie

Hello Ron, I have an 89 model , ..... The piece that you found falling out. Will it crank in gear now?..... The brake light staying on is either the switch is bent or broken .... The gear indicator can be adjusted by loosening a bolt on the down rod linkage on the side of the transmission where the arm comes out of the case .... Robert

Thanks for the reply Robert. I'll check that WEB site again and see why the pic can't be viewed. I will check as to whether it will crank in gear. Also the brake light I'm referring to is the PARKING BRAKE light on the dashboard. I suspect the switch may be defective.

I'm the original and sole driver of this vehicle. Other then a few mechanics, no-one has tampered with this dash as far as I know.

I have yet to confirm this but it looks like the gear shift indicator on the dash is linked to the shift lever with no more than a small wire which is clipped to a collar around the steering column.

Thanks for the info.

Good luck with your vacuum hoses.

Ron P

[Rmbodie]

Hello again , On my 89 , the brake and parking brake are one in the same . sorry for the confussion . The downrod that I was reffering to is on the steering column in the engine compartment at the firewall .I did a nbody lift and had to lenghten this rod and readjust the gear indicator. Its getting cold up there , I hope you have a garage to work in. Good luck , Robert