After bolting the lock housing cover, a new lock cylinder tumbler went in, followed by a key warning buzzer switch. The new turn signal switch and the wiring made its way into the column and, once secured, I screwed in the turn signal crossover arm, making sure everything was generously greased.
Here are a few photos of the steering column rebuild/restoration, so far. And even though I just ordered a couple additional new pieces, I am getting closer and closer to being done with this project.
The turn signal crossover/actuator arm (part #7827038) fits many GM vehicles, including 1977-1982 Corvettes.
I decided to eliminate the high/low-beam feature in order to make my life easier. To do this, I simply wired the turn signal base shut. The two pictures below show how the crossover arm connects to the turn signal lever base.
Also, after cleaning the whole assembly, I greased the pre-load spring and channel to ensure smooth, trouble-free operation.
And this is how the turn signal lever base attaches to the lock housing cover. I removed it in order to clean it properly and also eliminate the high/low beam feature. It is held in place by a pin (red arrows), so I used a small punch to drive it out.
I then installed the ignition key switch tumbler making sure it operated smoothly and that it was locked in place. I also ensured that the lock bolt (yellow arrow) extended far enough in order to lock the steering wheel locking plate when the ignition tumbler is in the "off" position.
The ignition key warning buzzer followed (blue arrow). All you need to do is push this switch into the hole until it bottoms out. A pre-load spring holds it in place.
The turn signal switch was next. You need to feed the wires through the steering column covers and then position the assembly in place. It is secured by three screws (red arrows). You will need to rotate the switch in order to reach one of the screw holes.
I then installed and screwed in place the crossover arm (red arrow), testing the assembly to ensure everything operated properly. If you have a turn signal lever, you can install it in order to test your work. I do not have one yet, so I manually rotated the switch.
The turn signal lever snaps in place. Notice the notch and pin.
You can also install the hazard lights switch, which includes the release button, spring, on/off button and screw. These hazard buttons are the same on many GM models, so you do not need to search for a Corvette-specific part.
This photo shows the lock housing, ignition switch cylinder tumbler, turn signal and hazard lights switch in place.
A new upper-bearing spring, the turn signal canceling cam/horn contact and steering wheel locking plate were next. For this operation, you need a special tool to compress the spring. You can buy these online or from your local auto parts store.
Once the C-clip is secured in place, you can remove the lock plate compressor tool and test the lock bolt (red arrows).
Steering shafts and hubs have factory alignment marks that help position the steering wheel. Mine were gone since previous owners hit the stub shaft for reasons unknown. This not only damaged the threads and the telescoping action, but it also erased the alignment notch.
I was fortunate to find traces of the alignment mark on the hub, and I used a small chisel to imprint that one, but the telescope shaft mark was completely gone. But these are the steps I followed in order to imprint a new alignment mark on the shaft.
I used the turn signal canceling cam to determine the approximate center. I rotated the switch to the left and found the spot where the canceling cam for that side would cancel the turning signal as the steering wheel rotates. I then repeated the same operation for the right side. I did this twice in order to make sure it was positioned correctly and the position of the steering wheel lock plate confirms my theory.
Once I determined that the steering shaft was centered, I chiseled a fresh mark at twelve o'clock (red arrow).
I am very pleased with the way my 1978 Corvette steering column rebuild is coming along, so I went ahead and ordered a new ignition switch and a new turn signal lever, which should arrive in approximately a week, at which point I should be ready to start planning the actual steering column swap.
And yes, the turn signal lever comes with a cruise control switch, since that feature was available in 1978-and-later models. My '76 does not have cruise control and I'm not sure that's something I want to spend money on. Having said that, I may keep the wiring, just in case.
Stay tuned for part Eight, and thank you for reading.
Product Links... (#sponsored)
• Turn Signal Switch Actuator Arm | GM Part No. 7827038
• Turn Signal Switch by Standard Motor Products | Part No. TW20T
• Steering Wheel Lock Plate by Powerbuilt | Part No. 648466
• 1969-1979 Ignition Switch for Tilt Steering Column | GM Part No. 1990116
• 1969-1974 Corvette Horn Contact Kit - Tilt and Telescopic Column
• 1975-1982 Corvette Horn Contact Kit - Tilt And Telescopic Column
• Dorman HELP! Horn Contact Pin, Spring and Retainer #83230
• C3 Corvette Horn Contact Shim
• C3 Corvette Horn Contact Retainer
• 1969-1975 Corvette Horn Button - Tilt/Telescopic Column Black
• 1977-1982 C3 Corvette Horn Button Cap - Black
• 1978 Corvette Horn Button Kit (Anniversary)
• 1980-1981 Corvette Horn Button Kit
• 1982 Corvette Horn Button Kit
• 1977-1979 Corvette Horn Button Emblem
• 1982 Corvette Horn Button Emblem
