I have a 1991 firebird with vats, a worn out turn signal switch and an aftermarket steering wheel. I just bought the car. I picked up a column at a decent price and switched steering wheels out.

My problems:
1. steering wheel rubs plastic on column. Original wheel was air bag and this is not. I really don't want an airbag or big *** wheel on there. Anybody know why it would rub?

2. If I need the old column put in to go with steering wheel then I don't have to replace turn signal lever (great). But I would like to keep vats key. Am I going to have to fish some wiring thru for vats?

 

Well you need the vats module and key for the new column there a match set or it wont start.
I don't think they maid a after market wheel adapter for air bag columns so you might have to trim the plastic so it doesn't rub.

If your getting read of your old column i could use it thanks.

 

I've seen on here about switching out the vats module and key. Something about an extra plug. I'd rather switch the entire column then I wouldn't have to trim, I wouldn't have to replace turn signal lever and won't have the bulky steering wheel (or aftermarket in this case).

I think I'll look into the key replacement threads. I'm sure it'll be fun. Then I can get you a column.

One question: I've seen on here about column wiggle. Is that a big problem with 3rd gens. What is that from, leaning on it or using it to get out of the car?

 

An extention on my previous post. I have vats and would like to keep it since I have a convertible (I know big deal).

The key will not go into auxillary position. Is the cylinder bad? If so I can just swap columns and disable vats. I'm not really looking forward to swaping key cylinders. I know there is a little spring somewhere that I'll lose or some position that will lock it up.

 

You can try lubricating the cylinder with graphite powder or liquid but it mite disable your vats in the cylinder.

 

Just a word of advice. not sure where you live, but I replaced the column in my 89 gta with a column from a wrecked 91 firebird. since the wheel from the 91 wasn't worn around the outside I left it on but I took the deployed airbag out. I got pulled over and when the cop saw the missing or as he called it, disabled, airbag he proceeded to write me a $1000 dollar ticket.