Steering column issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Blaznlow79 · 01-19-2016, 04:43 PM

I need some help here guys I have a 1979 blazer.I switch my my column out from a non tilt to a 84 tilt column and now my lights don't work is there something I'm doing wrong here. I plugged everything in right. I'm stuck and don't know what else to do
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68Timber · 01-19-2016, 07:31 PM

The 84 column should have a multi-function turn signal stalk that has the dimmer built into it, that's probably why the lights quit, the 79 should have the dimmer on the floor. If you want to keep that column, you might get away with it with some creative wiring. Any chance you could flip that one for an earlier tilt column? And welcome to 67-72!

**1774btcrew** · 01-20-2016, 02:43 PM

It shouldn't be an issue if you aren't plugging in the wiring on the wiper stalk(separate plugs from the turn signal switch). Just make sure the flat plug that mounts to the column has the same colors in the same order as your original. This shouldn't be an issue as I replace the plastic part on the plugs all of the time when I rebuild columns . They tend to break. The only problems that I have ran into is on the early columns 73,74 and maybe some 75s. The flat plug on the early ones is shorter that the newer ones. I just repin them so everything plugs in right.

**1774btcrew** · 01-20-2016, 02:45 PM

Something to add, is that it you want to have it look correct for your 79, you can use an 83 and earlier tilt upper collar and switch out the turn signal cam to the earlier style. That way, there is no extra junk on the column that you aren't using or have to fight with to figure out how to wire in.

68Timber · 01-20-2016, 02:48 PM

Jeff did you figure out the Dorman turn signal cancelling cam issue?

**1774btcrew** · 01-20-2016, 02:56 PM

Not really. I can buy Shee Mar brand on line which is USA made and they should fit better. The problem is the ridiculous shipping prices they charge and the fact that I can't just go get one when needed. I don't build columns as much as I used to. I really only redo them for friends now. It is just quite a bit of time involved for the money that can be made on them. A column generally takes 2 days with cleaning, degreasing and letting them dry. The actual build time is only 2-3 hours worst case scenario(for instance having to take it back apart for a crappy turn signal cam!)

01-19-2016, 04:43 PM	#1
Blaznlow79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Abilene tx Posts: 7	Steering column issues I need some help here guys I have a 1979 blazer.I switch my my column out from a non tilt to a 84 tilt column and now my lights don't work is there something I'm doing wrong here. I plugged everything in right. I'm stuck and don't know what else to do Posted via Mobile Device

01-19-2016, 07:31 PM	#2
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Steering column issues The 84 column should have a multi-function turn signal stalk that has the dimmer built into it, that's probably why the lights quit, the 79 should have the dimmer on the floor. If you want to keep that column, you might get away with it with some creative wiring. Any chance you could flip that one for an earlier tilt column? And welcome to 67-72! __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

01-20-2016, 02:43 PM	#3
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,603	Re: Steering column issues It shouldn't be an issue if you aren't plugging in the wiring on the wiper stalk(separate plugs from the turn signal switch). Just make sure the flat plug that mounts to the column has the same colors in the same order as your original. This shouldn't be an issue as I replace the plastic part on the plugs all of the time when I rebuild columns . They tend to break. The only problems that I have ran into is on the early columns 73,74 and maybe some 75s. The flat plug on the early ones is shorter that the newer ones. I just repin them so everything plugs in right. __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

01-20-2016, 02:45 PM	#4
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,603	Re: Steering column issues Something to add, is that it you want to have it look correct for your 79, you can use an 83 and earlier tilt upper collar and switch out the turn signal cam to the earlier style. That way, there is no extra junk on the column that you aren't using or have to fight with to figure out how to wire in. __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

01-20-2016, 02:48 PM	#5
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Steering column issues Jeff did you figure out the Dorman turn signal cancelling cam issue? __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

01-20-2016, 02:56 PM	#6
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,603	Re: Steering column issues Not really. I can buy Shee Mar brand on line which is USA made and they should fit better. The problem is the ridiculous shipping prices they charge and the fact that I can't just go get one when needed. I don't build columns as much as I used to. I really only redo them for friends now. It is just quite a bit of time involved for the money that can be made on them. A column generally takes 2 days with cleaning, degreasing and letting them dry. The actual build time is only 2-3 hours worst case scenario(for instance having to take it back apart for a crappy turn signal cam!) __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.



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