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

Billy G · 11-28-2003, 12:52 AM

Well guys, Ive gone and done it now. When changing out the steering wheel on my son's 70 GMC, the column nut is stripped. The threads on the steering shaft look "gualled"; but maybe a die will help chase em straight. I have 2 questions for the 'braintrust'

1. What size is the shaft threadcut....also the nut?

2. If needed, can the shaft be changed out alone, or is it worth the trouble vrs putting in another column? I did notice that maybe one of the bearings might have lost a ball?

I'd greatly appreciate your input here. Also, if someone has a column laying around, send me a price, and I'll get intouch with you. The closer you are to Houston, the better it is for me.

Hope yall had a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Billy G

**jerry moss** · 11-28-2003, 01:24 AM

i have an automatic column out of a 71, non tilt. $25.00 plus freight

sactoC10 · 11-28-2003, 02:35 AM

I also have one that I put on ebay, bids start at $50 plus shipping for an automatic 1970 custom, with the old stock red flasher still there, all the wires, levers, etc... sort of an olive green color...well there's a picture there...here's another

my new 72 · 11-28-2003, 03:15 AM

If you are looking to upgrade to a tilt I have one ready to go for 250. Perfect shape, just needs a wheel.

krue · 11-28-2003, 07:16 AM

If you want to try and fix it, go to a NAPA store and buy a thread file. It has various thread pitches (comes in handy) and you can use it to file the threads back into usable condition. The nut is a 1/2 coarse thread if I remember correctly. I bought a new nut and filed the threads until the nut could be run down the shaft by hand. That's been about 8 months ago and I haven't had a problem with it yet.

Billy G · 11-28-2003, 09:29 AM

Sorry Jerry and Sacto...I forgot to mention...I need a "3 on the tree" column.
My New...Im guessing yours is auto also. If it's not, let me know please.
Thanks for the tip on the nut size Krue.

As usual....the help here is great!!!!

Thanks again yall

Billy G

**Ironhorse** · 11-28-2003, 10:44 AM

Billy G, If you are wanting just a "3 on the tree" shaft I can help with that. Have one out of a 71 but the shaft is "tweaked". Truck went into the ditch and the column tube is bent. I think the shaft could be straightened, threads appear good. Let me know if interested. Yours for shipping cost if you want it.

**67sss** · 11-28-2003, 12:42 PM

BillyG, If you need just the shaft I have one sitting around also have a 3 speed column here too. Let me know if I can help.

imdarren · 11-28-2003, 07:19 PM

You should be able to get a good used 3 on the tree column for free! All day long. People upgrede a lot to atomatics etc and have old colums laying around.
I have one (Blue) laying here I'd give for free it someone wants to pick it up. Don't feel like shipping it though.
I also have an auto column here out of a 72 that someone could have for free if they want it. It needs minor work.

Darren

11-28-2003, 12:52 AM	#1
Billy G Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Dayton, Tx (in Old River) Posts: 286	Steering Column Well guys, Ive gone and done it now. When changing out the steering wheel on my son's 70 GMC, the column nut is stripped. The threads on the steering shaft look "gualled"; but maybe a die will help chase em straight. I have 2 questions for the 'braintrust' 1. What size is the shaft threadcut....also the nut? 2. If needed, can the shaft be changed out alone, or is it worth the trouble vrs putting in another column? I did notice that maybe one of the bearings might have lost a ball? I'd greatly appreciate your input here. Also, if someone has a column laying around, send me a price, and I'll get intouch with you. The closer you are to Houston, the better it is for me. Hope yall had a Happy Thanksgiving!!! Billy G __________________ My FAMOUS LAST WORDS...."Ima Gonna!!" - 1970 GMC 1500 swb/step 250 I-6 3 spd - "The GEM" - 1976 Chev Scotsdale swb/step 350/350 - "The JEWEL" - 1982 Chev C-10 swb/step 250 I-6 3 spd - - 2001 Chev Silverado LT -

11-28-2003, 01:24 AM	#2
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,949	i have an automatic column out of a 71, non tilt. $25.00 plus freight __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

11-28-2003, 02:35 AM	#3
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,055	I also have one that I put on ebay, bids start at $50 plus shipping for an automatic 1970 custom, with the old stock red flasher still there, all the wires, levers, etc... sort of an olive green color...well there's a picture there...here's another Attached Images

11-28-2003, 03:15 AM	#4
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	If you are looking to upgrade to a tilt I have one ready to go for 250. Perfect shape, just needs a wheel. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

11-28-2003, 07:16 AM	#5
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	If you want to try and fix it, go to a NAPA store and buy a thread file. It has various thread pitches (comes in handy) and you can use it to file the threads back into usable condition. The nut is a 1/2 coarse thread if I remember correctly. I bought a new nut and filed the threads until the nut could be run down the shaft by hand. That's been about 8 months ago and I haven't had a problem with it yet. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-28-2003, 09:29 AM	#6
Billy G Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Dayton, Tx (in Old River) Posts: 286	Sorry Jerry and Sacto...I forgot to mention...I need a "3 on the tree" column. My New...Im guessing yours is auto also. If it's not, let me know please. Thanks for the tip on the nut size Krue. As usual....the help here is great!!!! Thanks again yall Billy G __________________ My FAMOUS LAST WORDS...."Ima Gonna!!" - 1970 GMC 1500 swb/step 250 I-6 3 spd - "The GEM" - 1976 Chev Scotsdale swb/step 350/350 - "The JEWEL" - 1982 Chev C-10 swb/step 250 I-6 3 spd - - 2001 Chev Silverado LT -

11-28-2003, 10:44 AM	#7
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,302	Billy G, If you are wanting just a "3 on the tree" shaft I can help with that. Have one out of a 71 but the shaft is "tweaked". Truck went into the ditch and the column tube is bent. I think the shaft could be straightened, threads appear good. Let me know if interested. Yours for shipping cost if you want it. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

11-28-2003, 12:42 PM	#8
67sss Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mt. Vernon, WA.. Posts: 2,325	BillyG, If you need just the shaft I have one sitting around also have a 3 speed column here too. Let me know if I can help.

11-28-2003, 07:19 PM	#9
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	You should be able to get a good used 3 on the tree column for free! All day long. People upgrede a lot to atomatics etc and have old colums laying around. I have one (Blue) laying here I'd give for free it someone wants to pick it up. Don't feel like shipping it though. I also have an auto column here out of a 72 that someone could have for free if they want it. It needs minor work. Darren __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super



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