Steering Column housing

[3MB-Ed]

I  would  like  to  drop  the steering Column  housing  for  some  cosmetic  improvement  i.e.  painting  the  housing? I  would  like  to  get  some feedback  on  the  best method  to  achieve this  task  without  the  complete  removal  of  the  housing . Any and  all  guidance would  be appreciated. 

[ctaylor738]

You can lower the housing and column assembly without removing it completely.  It is held up by a U-shaped strap that runs under the housing with a nut on each end.  To remove the nuts, the speedo, tach, and instrument cluster need to come out.

[3MB-Ed]

Thanks  Chuck,  you  told  me  what  I needed  to  know,  before  starting  this  project.  I will be  replacing  the  cables  for  the  tach  and  the  Speedo  also. Are  you  aware  of  any  surprises  I may  encounter.

[ja17]

Hello Ed,

Are you planning on just lowering the unit or removing it from the car?  Also you may want to do the cable work when the unit is lowered. You will have a lot more room to work.

Start off by removing the steering wheel. Its easy and will make the job a lot easier.

[3MB-Ed]

Mr. Alexander,  I  am  just  lowering  the  column in order  to  paint  it  and  the  dashboard.  The  cables  you  are  referring to  are  the  tach  and  speedo  cable,  I  hope ?  Yes I  plan  to  replace  those,  I  have  been getting  a  screaming  noise from  that  area.

Any  pointers  will be  greatly  appreciated.

Thanks
   

[ja17]

The gauges themselves have been known to squeal if the mechanism becomes dry or worn. Most often occurs in cold weather at start up.