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Post by mongoose on Apr 3, 2011 14:40:53 GMT -5
Closer pic of the plastic "tube end" that it appears that the lower bearing fits into...
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Post by mongoose on Apr 4, 2011 19:59:23 GMT -5
www.opgi.com/p/steering/15086/197/M240043.htmlThis lower bearing look VERY similar to the bits and pieces of the lower bearing that came out of my lower column. Note the picture in the post above, what I'm holding is the outer bearing housing from the old bearing... which looks very much like the bearing listed at opgi. Problem is they list this bearing for 69-72 models.
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Post by mongoose on Apr 6, 2011 4:51:54 GMT -5
I exchanged emails with the seller of the lower bearing and housing listed on ebay. He told me that the style of lower housing I have will not work with the part he's selling, but is meant for column ends with the same design as illustrated on the schematic posted here (where there is a wire clip to retain the bearing to the plastic housing).
So it looks like I'll have to try to see if a local bearing supply will have something that will work, as well as begin to scour the internet (and check with forum members here) to see if I can find a used bearing with the same style end that I have.
Hey all you parts hoarders!!!! Go out in the garage and see what you've got!!!! ;D
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Post by BR[] on Apr 12, 2011 16:11:15 GMT -5
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Post by mongoose on Apr 14, 2011 12:37:37 GMT -5
Ok... took a while to locate parts, but with the help of the eBay vendor (hotrodded39-52) that scotty442 pointed out in an earlier post, and the many conversations I had with lurefix, I think I have all the parts I need headed my way to rebuild the steering column.
The hard part was the lower bearing. It turns out that there are a couple different versions that were used... one with a wire clip retaining the lower bearing (as is illustrated in the schematic in this thread), and another with two small bolts that are used to retain the plastic bearing support in the bottom of the column tube. I have the latter version.
Through the suggestion of hotrodded39-52 (eBay vendor), both lurefix and I contacted CJ's Rods and Machines (http://www.cjsrods.com/) who specializes in building and rebuilding steering columns. It turns out that CJ's had to develop their own solution, as the original design bearing were no longer available from the factory or from Saginaw itself. CJ's has developed a solution using a sealed bearing (factory was not) and a plastic mount CJ's manufactures to fill the void. As he put it, if he didn't come up with a solution, he'd be "out of business" when it comes to rebuilding this style column found in the mid-60's GM cars.
While Fusick and YearOne had the BPC-style turn signal switch/upper bearing unit, CJ's also carries this as well at the same price as the others, so I had him add that to the box. He also had a good quality original turn signal cam/horn pad (verses a not-look-alike repop), so one more item was added to the shipping box. He also had a few other items that I didn't need... spring, lower shaft clamp. The only thing he didn't have was a re-chromed turn signal lever. Fusick has one for $27, which I'm sure is far cheaper than what my local chrome shop can redo mine for, so I still need to get arrange for a separate shipment.
The column housing tube is at the body shop to get cleaned up and sprayed, and the steering wheel is going to be sent off to Kochs to be recast.
So all the parts have been located, and the process is in motion. I'll post more pictures as the parts come in, and as things go together.
Thanks for your help everyone!
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Post by mongoose on Jun 3, 2011 10:29:19 GMT -5
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Post by 442scotty on Jun 3, 2011 18:34:39 GMT -5
Great post and pics...Im sure Bro will add it to his site
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Post by 442scotty on Jun 3, 2011 18:47:46 GMT -5
You dont have a part number for that lower bearing assy do you? It would save my trying to explain what I want when I call to order it...Don
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Post by mongoose on Jun 4, 2011 16:23:07 GMT -5
Installed the column back in the car this morning. Would have been an easier task with two people... one on each end to manage the column while the other mated up the steering shaft to the rag joint. Oh well... a couple bungies around the column were a fair substitute. Here's a pic of the column installed, and the steering wheel test fit into place. One thing I learned is that you don't want to tighten down the column support bracket (that's located just under the dash) until you get the wheel fully installed. That allows you to adjust the spacing of the column to the wheel (slide toward or away from the wheel) to get the spacing you want. Once that's to your liking, then tighten down the two nuts to secure the column to the dash.
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Post by mongoose on Jun 4, 2011 16:28:28 GMT -5
Hey Don,
CJ doesn't list any part numbers on his hand written invoice. He merely has it labeled "65 Olds Non-tilt lower bearing and mount".
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Post by 442scotty on Jun 4, 2011 20:31:47 GMT -5
Works for me...looks real nice !
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Post by Big Mike on Jun 10, 2011 20:26:38 GMT -5
Man, seeing that steering wheel recast is making me want to jump and get mine done. As a matter of fact the rowing team I coach for saw fit to give me a $500 bonus this year. I might have to ship my wheel out to Koch's and do it! That looks great, fantastic job. That is one sweet looking dash.
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