Steering Column Swap, Switch cluster and key Options

[eric914]

Can an early (1974) column assembly be put into a 1976 car? From a parts car I have a good switch assembly that has the steel outer case. Can this be used on a 1976 column?

Also, any tips on removing the housings once the socket head bolt has been removed?

Thanks

[SirAndy]

QUOTE (eric914 @ Jan 16 2005, 10:02 AM)

Can an early (1974) column assembly be put into  a 1976 car?  From a parts car I have a good switch assembly that has the steel outer case.  Can this be used on a 1976 column?   Also, any tips on removing the housings once the socket head bolt has been removed?

'74 to '76 should be easy. i swapped a '74 in a '70 which was a royal PITA ...

as long as the mounting plate (with the 4 bolt holes) has the same size/shape/spacing, you'll be fine.
i don't think the wiring changed from '74 to '76 so the connectors should be the same as well.
to remove the housing, you have to remove the 2 clips that hold in the shaft. dunno what they're called, but you need a special tool to squeeze them for removal.
once those are gone, the shaft will slide out. when re-installing, make sure you got a good metal "sleeve" that will give you a snugg fit of the shaft inside the bearing.

i really only see major problems if you try to mix/match early and late columns.
that would be pre '72 and '72+ because everything is different between those.

again, '74 to '76 should be fine ...
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smash.gif) Andy