steering column replacement

[stephenp]

i have an 89 camaro rs with the chip in the key
i am going to swap the steerinmg column with my 87 that has the same options as the 89
boy i am having trouble in my dimmly lit garage to find the bolts to do so.
well im goin to rip and tear today and remove the one from my 87 and hope i have time to removew and reinstall it in my 89
any hints would be appreciated since i doubt ill get it done today

[ct91rs]

there is a joint, in the steering shaft, located in the engine compartment just after the firewall. when you disconnect the joint, drop the column (two nuts on either side) and disconnect the wiring, from what I remember, it should come right out.

are you just swapping them to avoid the VATS system? if so, the computer will still look for a VATS signal after the columns are swapped, and unless you bypass the VATS system, your car will not start. this can be acomplished without switching the entire columns, you could bypass the VATS and replace the ignition cylinder, much less work

[stephenp]

how do i bypass the vats????
please help

no the problem was 4 bolts in the shaft i found loose after a 5 pound hammer helped me out

[ct91rs]

easiest way to bypass the VATS is to get a prom chip programmed with VATS removed, second easiest is to order a VATS bypass module (you can usually find them on ebay)

[stephenp]

i cheated i destroyed the colum with a 5 lbs sledge and used the origananl key holder for the key and wired it in and bam no need for a resister or a chip or a reprogrammed eprom
now the origanal key and holster? are under the dash

[ct91rs]

i'm surprised to hear that worked, but if it did, more power to ya!

[byrdland2003]

Originally Posted by stephenp

i cheated i destroyed the colum with a 5 lbs sledge and used the origananl key holder for the key and wired it in and bam no need for a resister or a chip or a reprogrammed eprom
now the origanal key and holster? are under the dash

Good call. I have an '89 IROC-z and replaced my column about a year ago. I bought a pristine '87 column for $80.00 with new keys and ign switch. I did the same thing. I mounted it under the dash on a small bracket. I can remove it when parked as an extra security measure. I had to do some fine soldering, but no problems ( knock on wood) in over a year.