75 -77 steering wheel and column questions.

Discussion in 'Interior City' started by Mopar, Jan 11, 2019.

  1. Mopar

    Mopar Well-Known Member

    I got a tilt column out of a 1977 Regal that I am working on to put into my 75 Century. Is there anything I need to change or be on the look out for to make the swap? Can I use the column dimmer switch? Was there a signal light lever without the cruise option?

    The steering wheel is all sticky. Is there a way to clean and paint this wheel or is it a lost cause and I should just get an aftermarket one?

    Does anyone know if they still make the old style steering wheel covers that would wrap around the wheel and have snaps on the back to hold them on ( I know I am getting old but someone out the must remember these ).
     
  2. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    Almost ALL of the GM wheels of that era 'ooze' after a while. I've used Simple Green CLEAR (I think it is available only industrial strength, 5 gallon pails, but not sure... I bought a pail of it through the company I used to work for...)
    Do NOT use a high strength detergent/ chemical, as it will degrade the plastic too much. I've actually soaked an old wheel overnight, just to see if it damaged it, and was pleased.
    Also, I saw on Youtube a guy (Chrisfix) that shows how YOU can cover wheels with leather reasonably cheap. Just an option, not one tht I have used.
     
  3. Mopar

    Mopar Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the help. Now anyone know if I should use the red or blue lock tight on the threads of the bolts to tighten up the tilt mechanism?
     
  4. 1973gs

    1973gs Well-Known Member

    I used a 76 or a 77 column in my 73. The only thing I had to do was lengthen the wires to the switch, the connector was the same.
     
  5. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    Lock tite Blue, after cleaning the bolts and receiver with acetone or brake cleaner to remove the oil. They are SUCH fun to install...
     
  6. guyrobert

    guyrobert Guyrobert

    I have had pretty good luck using WD40 to clean up the stickiness and then use a very little bit of vinyl protectant like 303.
    It does not last too long, a week or 2 as the natural oils in your hand starts the breakdown process as soon as you start touching the wheel.
    However it is quick and cheap
     
  7. newmexguy

    newmexguy Well-Known Member

    There "used" to be steering wheel covers that were laced on. Those may be even older than snap on types.
     
  8. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

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