I have a 91 firebird that before i bought must of had theft in its history. The column is slightly messed up and tilt dont hold all positions and putting lateral force on wheel makes it move a bit out of position. It isnt a huge deal, however i want to replace the column. I could care less about having an air bag, wich it sorta has now. do I have to find a column from an air bag model f car or will any standard one with just tilt work from 82-92??

 

well since you have vats key it will be little tricky if u get the key to the steering column if u get another one like urs with a key it will work. there is a tech site on that about the vats ignition people has had problems about it that the car won't start. on my 86 camaro i changed mine from 86 camaro to a 91 firebird but my car don't have vats so it worked.

 

other than that it will hook up and the pigtails for the window wipers might be different like mine was all i did was hook up green with green white with white ect... very easy installation just make sure u get a tilte with whatever wiper shifter you have like delay or non delay.

 

ok i understand that due to the fact that my current ignition has a chip sensor i will have to come up with a way around that as far as a new/ old column not having that sensor and a different ignition key as well. I think it should be possible to rewire that system to work. So the classic pontiac three spoke wheel and column will physically work perfect I just need to come up with a way to bypass the whole key/chip crap? the idea of gettin rid of the factory key is good for me anyways a spare costs too much.

 

GMs are bad about some bolts coming loose and causing your problem.
Thats one of 2 things that cause the prob your describing, the other is the pivit pin and or hole is worn out. (I have never fixd that)
It only takes 2 hrs for me to fix it, if its just the bolts being loose.

 

The column itself has nothing to do with the vats module other than the pellet in the key
if you can swap the lock cylinder from the old collumn to the new one, and use your original key, that will satisfy the vats.

 

well the column itself pre tilt point attachment is solid as can be. The play is in the knuckle where the tilt feature is located. The column itself is sturdy. but besides i hate the air bag wheel and love the classic three spoke with firebird emblem center steering wheel. I am excited to think all i have to do is swap lock cylinders for that too work.

 

Another thing to look at is the legality of taking out the airbag. In some states this would not pass inspection.