63 steering column in a 64-66

[chevyguys]

I have been working on rebuilding a 63 auto colum to go into my 65. However the turn signal switch is different between 63 & 64-66. does anybody know if i can simply plug the 63 column into the 64-66 dash harness? I have been looking at the wiring diagram for both years and it looks like a direct fit (wire colors are different though) Just looking for piece of mind before I plug it in and melt everything. Hoping someone else has done this....

[Captainfab]

The wiring plug on the '63 is not the same as the '64-5-6.

[MP33]

But are the columns the same? Is it the turn signal parts that are differant? I'm looking at doing the opposite (65 auto column to a 63 truck).

[chevyguys]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The wiring plug on the '63 is not the same as the '64-5-6.

What is different? In the two pictures below they look the same except for the wire color. The left one is 63 and the right is 64-66. I know 60-62 had a 6 prong triangle shaped connector which is really different...

[chevyguys]

Originally Posted by MP33

But are the columns the same? Is it the turn signal parts that are differant? I'm looking at doing the opposite (65 auto column to a 63 truck).

The columns are the same for the most part. I disassembled three columns (63 Auto, 65 plain, and a 66 three speed on column) yesterday and inspected everything.

All parts interchanged except for the housing that holds the turn signal switch. The bolt pattern of the turn signal switch is different between 63 and 64-66. The upper column bearing is separate in 63 and integrated into the switch in 64-66. Column length and shaft are identical for 63-66. I’m still going through the parts and comparing everything. I'll post more if I find any other differences. Here is a picture of the 63 vs. 64-66 collars. The one on the right is the 63. They are both in the correct orientation with the turn signal lever hole at 9 o'clock.

[Andice]

I have spent the past month as well as $184 trying to resolve the same issue on my '64 GMC 1000. Most of the parts vendors insist that the '63 Chevy turn signal switch will fit a '64 GMC as long as you use the upper bearing/horn contact plate from your old switch. WRONG!!!!!! The '63 Chevy switch requires quite a bit of trimming with a dremel tool and countless test fittings before it fits into place. Even then, it tends to cause the turn signal housing (pictured above) to be cock-eyed. Here's what I finally found after two crappy aftermarket varieties:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110640323130&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3AOU%3AUS%3A1123[/url]

I requested (begged?) for assistance on this board over the past several weeks and finally gave up hope of getting much assistance. Perhaps this thread will help those in need in the future.

[Andice]

BTW. the wiring plugs are identical from '63-66. Been there, done that. Wire colors are different, but plugs are the same. Aftermarket wiring is 30% longer that it needs to be. Also, the entire aftermarket switch (almost exclusively a Shee-Mar product) is cheaply made and and destined for a short lifespan. I would complain to the vendor(s) involved but I'll choose to spend my future restoration dollars elsewhere instead.

[chevyguys]

Originally Posted by Andice

BTW. the wiring plugs are identical from '63-66. Been there, done that. Wire colors are different, but plugs are the same. Aftermarket wiring is 30% longer that it needs to be. Also, the entire aftermarket switch (almost exclusively a Shee-Mar product) is cheaply made and and destined for a short lifespan. I would complain to the vendor(s) involved but I'll choose to spend my future restoration dollars elsewhere instead.

Thanks Andice! great help! Are you using an auto column from 64-66 GMC?

Also, I found this part online.. Classicparts lists two 63 switches.. This one says OE Quality:

http://www.classicparts.com/1963-Tur...tinfo/53-507A/

[jonzcustomshop]

I switched all the 63 stuff out of my standard column for 66 stuff, just plugged right in., had to change the signal cup to the 66 though.

[chevyguys]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

I switched all the 63 stuff out of my standard column for 66 stuff, just plugged right in., had to change the signal cup to the 66 though.

That's what I was hoping to do.. I can't seem to find an automatic signal cup from a 64-66.

[Clyde65]

Good luck finding one, There is a guy on the forum that has a column in Washington state I think, the lower part was damaged beyond repair, maybe he will part, IDK. His name here is Jarkill. look him up.

[Andice]

Chevyguys: That OEM quality part for $100 after shipping is nothing more than the same Shee-Mar #197 switch sold by nearly all of the other vendors. I paid $60 with free shipping for an identical part from Eckler's. I am keeping the original three speed column shift on my GMC. The ts switch is an integral part of the shifting mechanism - thus the more durable pot metal construction comes into play when using the column shift.

[Andice]

So if the turn signal hole is at 9 o'clock on both turn signal housings pictured above, then what is the hole at 2 pm on the '63 housing?

[Andice]

Oops! $50 plus $10 shipping.

Don't be fooled by the OEM hype on the other site. This switch is the same exact switch as the $100 job.

http://www.lategreatchevy.com/chevy-...lumn-1963.html

A search on eBay or google for SM197 or TS197 will likely yield similar (albeit more expensive) matches. Good luck. I'm sorry I don't have an automatic turn signal cup for a 64-66 - but I bet Tony Smith in KC has one.

[chevyguys]

Originally Posted by Andice

So if the turn signal hole is at 9 o'clock on both turn signal housings pictured above, then what is the hole at 2 pm on the '63 housing?

The hole at 2 o'clock is for the indicator light bulb on the shift indicator.