I have a tilt/telescopic steering column from a 66 Fleetwood, and I need some help with the disassembly. Does anyone know of any Cadillac websites where I could get an exploded view or the assembly instructions from a factory manual for this column? Thanks for your help, Randy If you happen to have the info, my email address is: rlsprague@hotmail.com
Those columns were all made by the Saginaw Steering Gear Div of GM, and are used on many different car lines. If you can't find any Cadillac info, try Buick or Olds. Is it a tilt? tilt/telescope? Any idea what kind of Cadillac? (full size or Eldorado (or were they still based on the Deville line, not the FWD with the Toronado drivetrain).
Well, the plan is to modify this column so that I can use it in my 67 Riviera. First order of business is to remove the shift arm and the lower sleeve over the column that it is attached to. After that, I want to remove the chrome ring (behind the center cap) that rotates to lock and unlock the telescopic function of the column so I can see if the machined aluminum adapter I have will allow me to use a Grant Steering wheel and still have the telescopic part of the column operate. I am also considering restoring the original Cadillac steering wheel and slipping a Riviera emblem into the original center cap as a way to have a stock looking wheel that would have the purists shaking their heads and wondering if it was a factory option in 67. But first, I have to get the column all apart and make the changes necessary to match it up with my Riviera column so that when I am finished it will drop right into place. Here are some pictures of the tilt & telescopic column I have, prior to it being removed from the 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham at the salvage yard. Let me know what you think, Randy
GM totally changed the design of the steering columns and their mounting across the board for 1967. They are very different from the 1966 and earlier. The way they mount to the dash is as different as night and day. Do yourself a huge favor and find a column from a 67 or newer car and your life will be much better.
Dave, I have a metal fab/welding/machine shop at my disposal, as well as a spare 67 Riviera column to play with, so I am sure I can make it work. There aren't many late 60's GM tilt & telescopic columns left to find since the street rod guys got most of them in the 70's and 80's, and I don't want one with the ignition key in the column from a newer car. My Riviera has a factory tilt column in it, but I want the telescopic feature as well in my car. Thanks for the advice, Randy
Your idea will work but I think your column, 66 Cad, will be 6-10" too long since the Cad is front steering (linkage(tie rods) go infront of the tire) while your Riv has tie rods behind the tire. I would suggest laying the columns side by side first and take some notes. Taking them apart is not difficult (tilt/tele) as the same principles apply to both columns except the tele part which is only different due to the shell and tube design of the upper 6-8" of the column. No special tools are required to do the work.
Rand, I have a '66 cadillac manual. I will see how the pics/service proceedures look and if they are worthy I can scan and email. Ted :beer
Thanks Ted, I tend to be more comfortable working with manual and exploded views when I am taking something apart for the first time. Use the Norvell fax number if you want (620-223-3115) or my email: rlsprague@hotmail.com As for the length, I was certain I was going to have to make some changes there as well, but I need to pull my spare column out of my parts car to be sure. Thanks again for all the help guys!
Ahh, good to talk to you today Randy! Don got the '48 running no problem with your help- Thanks!! I'll throw the manual in the car tonight and scan tomorrow. Ted :beers2:
