Steering column play

I have a 71 Skylark that I just bought. I can pull the steering wheel about 3/8 of an inch. I cant see anything obvious. Anyone know some common things to check?
Also... steering wheel retaining nut was not on the car. Is it a 13/16?

 

Is it a colume-shift or a floor-shift?

Does it have tilt-wheel?

 

Its a column shift, no tilt
Everything seems to work alright, but its an uneasy feeling pulling when it has that much play.

 

DO THE TURN SIGNALS CANCEL ? THE TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM PUSHES THE UPPER MAST BEARING INTO PLACE. IF THIS IS LEFT OUT YOUR STEERING WHEEL WILL HAVE LOTS OF PLAY ! GOOD LUCKray:

 

I just replaced the signal cam. I am pretty sure its all there. It was doing this before I did that though.... The whole center part of the column seems to move, not just the wheel

 

Your bearings are shot and/or missing...will require disassemble of the upper collar and replacing the bearings.

Nut is 7/8"

 

Thanks...I think
Anyone have an idea where one might acquire said steering wheel nut????