Bricks34

I was wondering if any one has done a swap or know if everything is the same (mounting wise) between the 89 and before and the 90 and up. i have a 91 camaro and it has the tilt steering column but i keep having problems with the tilt so I was wondering if i could just put in the non tilt steering columns from the earlier years.

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

All columns will "fit", or bolt-up with no problem,..... However the issue of wiring compatibility still remains:

The 82-83 Columns are stand-alone. The wiper wiring in these columns is like no other year and not compatible with 84+ wiper systems.

The 84-(most)88 columns are the same. Some 88 columns (Trans Am) also have VATS wiring. 89 Columns all have VATS wiring,..... but no Air Bag. I'm almost sure that all 84-89 columns the same wiper plug/wiring connections.

90-92 Columns have Air Bag and VATS wiring. The wiper plug/wiring changed,...... but the plug can be replaced/re-pined to match the 84-89 columns. Same wires, different arrangement and plug. ( I did this once when installing an 87 column to a 92 Dash. )

Your 91 has VATS - so you will either need to bypass it,.... of have the ECM tuned to remove the VATS before you can use a pre 89 column.

** I've noticed that Auto vs. Manual columns seem to have the ignition switch mounted opposite of each other. This might have something to do with the shifter interlock cable required by the Autos. The ignition box can be removed and flipped,.... or you might be able to just flip/turn the dash-to-column plugs so they connect properly.

I've got a couple non-Air Bag columns so if you decide to use that style feel free to send me a PM for info.

Bricks34

I'm not worried about airbag since I took mine out anyways and swapped a new steering wheel. So I just need to find one that has the VATs and is in a manual pretty much. I just don't want the tilt anymore... Well honestly I'm going to be putting a push start button on so I may just bypass the VATs. Does the 90-92 have a non tilt steering column or are they all tilt?

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

Good question; I've only had Tilt,.... I have to ASSUME that there was also a non-tilt version too ??

When I used the 87 column with the 91 dash I kept the original key cylinder connected to the dash wiring and set it inside the center console. It was always turned; but I was able to access it to remove that key when I wanted & used it as a "Kill" switch.

Bricks34

That's pretty smart with the kill switch. But think about this. What is I take apart both steering columns and swap everything from mine to the other. Would everything bolt inside the same? It should right. Meaning wires, key, and wipers

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

I'm not sure how well swapping parts will work out.

IIRC the key cylinders might be different.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...-question.html



I KNOW the housing and housing cover is different and gotta' think that the 90-92 style columns are different inside due to the "clock-spring"(?) used for the AIR bag in the 90-92.......

if you try it - post the results of your experiment !

Wife'sCar

iTrader: (1)

If air bag is not an issue, you can use a multimeter to test the ohm rating of the resistor in your key then get a resistor or potentiometer to pop in the wiring in place of the key cylinder that will bypass the vats.

I just helped a buddy replace the column in his 84 c30 truck and it "looked" to be a perfect bolt in.

Eric Darr

In keeping with the 'steering column compatibility' question, are there any columns from any of the other GM products of the same years that would bolt in to a Camaro or Firebird?

Bricks34

From what I've seen on YouTube when I went to fix the tilt they are all look the same so I don't see why they wouldn't be. Gm mass produces things so they bolt locations should be the same

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

I've never tried swapping another type of column other than a Thirdgen when swapping. With so many used Thirdgen columns available - Why bother even trying ??

Wife'sCar

iTrader: (1)

Cause there are plenty of old chevy trucks with the same column versus finding a decent camaro in a junk yard

Bricks34

Are there any steering column that don't have the ingnition in then? I'm going push start and don't want a key, and it give it a cleaner look

90 GTA Black

The last Firebird/Camaro column without a key was 1968. After that GM and pretty much everyone else went to key lock columns to prevent thefts.
Lately every manufacturer is going back to push starts on high performance cars since thefts are prevented electronically now.

Tkbest

I found a mint condition tilt steering column at junk yard I think it's out of 87 I have a 82 non tilt column plugged it in and no turn signals are working and sure wipers won't work ether what can I do to make work

Tkbest

I found a mint condition tilt steering column at junk yard I think it's out of 87 I have a 82 non tilt column plugged it in and no turn signals are working and sure wipers won't work ether what can I do to make work

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

Pull the 87 column back out and re-install the original column so you can drive again. Make sure the next column that you buy is from an 82 or an 83 ( -----> ONLY ! ) .

Lively

will a column from a automatic go into a manual or are there any modifications needed? Im in need of a manual column and found someone with a auto for $120

FireballXL5

Also if your switching from none tilt to tilt the same follows as the tilt an non tilt are mounted backwards, I am having problems with the non starting of car, fuel pump gets power, but no crank, could the interlock cable be a possibiliy if it is not re hooked up.

FireballXL5

I have found out by working in autozone, that jeep has stolen gm column designs so jeeps from the same year could work.

AstroFirebird

iTrader: (1)

AMC (who used to own jeep) didn't design a lot of the parts for their cars. They purchased parts from GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, etc. They were a hodgepodge of parts and don't be surprised to find a car made by AMC that has GM locks and steering column, a Motorcraft carburetor, and a torqueflite transmission.

FireballXL5

The auto switches are different as the complete switch is backwards, so the cable won't connect the same, I have switched or trying to go from non tilt to tilt column an she won't start, don't know if it the switch or the cable being backwards an not in the right position looking for some assistance.