83 C-10 steering column parts

[MikeB]

Just picked up a very basic 82 C-10 Custom Deluxe with 250 six and 3 speed column shift. The shifter is very sloppy, and I knew when I bought the truck that I'd have to rebuild the column. But what I didn't know is parts are impossible to find! My upper and lower steering shaft bearings are not perfect, but OK. However, the gearshift housing (this is what the shift handle is connected too) wobbles badly.

Anyway, I disassembled the column and determined it must be missing a bearing that fits into the white bearing support in the picture. The support fits into the upper part of the column, and then the bearing fits in the retainer. The gearshift housing then slides onto the retainer & bearing.

I stopped by a Chevy dealer today, and learned that part along with several others, are no longer available. I'd really like to keep the column shifter, but it sounds like I'm hosed. Of course, I screwed up and didn't get the P/N, so will do that tomorrow and see if I can find one somewhere on the Internet.