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Steering Column Restoration

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CamJam View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CamJam Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Steering Column Restoration
    Posted: Feb/02/2015 at 5:20pm
I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about cleaning/restoring the steering column from my '69 AMX.  I hoped to just give it a good cleaning and repaint rather than take the whole thing apart, but the wire "mesh" of the collapsible steering column makes it a little difficult to clean or sand underneath.  Just wondering how others have gone about this?

I'm afraid media blasting would get grit down into the works.  Perhaps baking soda would be ok?

Any suggestions are welcomed.


Edited by CamJam - Feb/02/2015 at 6:20pm
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'69 Big Bad Orange AMX (2018 Teague Heritage Award) SOLD

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kirkwood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/02/2015 at 8:29pm
Non tilts are very easy to take apart and reassemble. Tilts are little trickier but still not a tough project. I'd say dive in!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 360MDJav Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/02/2015 at 8:46pm
Yeah, they're pretty easy to work on. Disassemble and restore each part individually.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote amxdreamer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/02/2015 at 9:28pm
Cam, with the great work you're doing on all the parts so far I say go for it. Your TSM should help you through and members here can help if you get stuck.
Tony
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CamJam Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/02/2015 at 10:15pm
Ok, I guess it's one more subassembly that'll be in pieces around the house then.  So far I have the dashboard completely apart on the dining room table, the ac/heater boxes undergoing restoration in the breakfast nook, and tomorrow I'll take on the tilt column, which is a priority because we'll be putting the suspension back on the car soon.

Good thing I'm single, haha.
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'72 Baja Bronze Javelin SST
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 71SC360 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/03/2015 at 2:25am
If it's a tilt column you are working on, you'll need one special tool, a thin wall socket to take the nut off the upper shaft. It's Kent Moore J-22599. There's only one on ebay right now but it's a little on the expensive side. I've seen them there for as little as $18...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rebel Machine Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/03/2015 at 6:44am
I took mine completely apart and sandblasted everything, wasn't that difficult. Replaced the bottom bearing with a new one from APD. Upper column was eventually painted interior color.

-Steve-
























Edited by Rebel Machine - Feb/03/2015 at 6:47am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farna Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/03/2015 at 8:23am
With some careful grinding you can make a socket, maybe find a used older one at a flea market, or use an older one you have and replace with a new one.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CamJam Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/03/2015 at 5:02pm
Ok, I'm stumped already.  The FSM says to disconnect the wires and "remove the turn signal cam", but don't give a clue about how to do it without breaking the plastic cam assembly.  It doesn't want to clear a lip on the housing, and I don't want to force it.  What's the trick?  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rebel Machine Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/03/2015 at 9:02pm
If I remember right there are three screws that hold the turn signal assembly to the housing. Two are easy to get to, the third is under the turn signal cam (top triangular piece that the turn signal lever screws to). You'll have to either move it up or down, I don't remember which, to get to that third screw. It should come out as one assembly with the wires.

The hazard button unscrews, I think that's the part that is kind of tricky because it fits in the cutout, think you'll need to push it in before removing the assembly. Be sure to remove the wiring covers on the underside. They pop out.

-Steve-






Edited by Rebel Machine - Feb/03/2015 at 9:08pm
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