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iTrader: (1)

Car is a 1987 IROC Z. 350 TPI AUTO
Original Steering column is a non tilt. It has a piece missing from it so I want to replace it and figured may as well get a tilt one.
Well 2 steering columns later and neither one works properly.
Problem is with the ignition linkage. When hooked up, both columns the key turns backwards for the car to start.
Is this because I am trying to install a tilt column in a non tilt Car? Can't see it but trying to figure out wtf is going on.
Or are the ones I bought from a regular Camaro and for some reason they don't work with the OEM linkage in an IROC Z or possibly only a 1987 column will
Match up ??

paulo57509

Just guessing here....

It's not clear from your post but it sounds like you're swapping the stuff (ignition switch in particular) off the non-tilt column onto the tilt columns.

Tilt columns and non-tilt columns use different ignition switches.

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iTrader: (1)

Never tried switching the ignitions. Both columns came with ignitions intact.

paulo57509

Just so we're talking about the same thing; I'm not referring to the key cylinder. I'm referring to the ignition switch down at the bottom of the column.

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iTrader: (1)

Ok got ya... But ya I never switched anything. Just pulled my column out and installed the ones I bought.
Can all the linkage and ignition be switched from my non tilt to the tilt column and it will work? Doesn't seem like it?

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iTrader: (1)

Looking for a solution here. There's a Camaro show in 2 weeks at the Chevy dealership in town. Need to replace my column as it has a chunk of plastic missing out of it and don't want to show the car looking like that.
Any help is appreciated!

paulo57509

You cannot convert a standard column to a tilt column or vice-versa by swapping the guts.

Standard columns push the ignition switch rod; tilt columns pull the ignition switch rod.

If you're swapping the entire column I don't know why you're having issues with the key cylinder working backwards. Unless you have something like this going on:

http://www.78ta.com/HTAF/index.php?topic=20382.0

Can't you just replace the broken plastic part?

paulo57509

The light bulb came on.

If you read the link above, your problem is probably with the plug on the wire harness. You need to re-pin it to a tilt column ignition switch.

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iTrader: (1)

Ok thanks Paulo. I am leaving for work for 2 weeks tomorrow and my Mechanic friend is going to have a look at that.
Sounds like it can be done if I switch the ignition switches??

paulo57509

Still a guess, but I think if you run a tilt column ignition switch AND re-pin the harness connector it'll work.

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iTrader: (1)

Ok so take the tilt column ignition switch out and re pin the harness and hope it works? Thanks a lot man, appreciate the help!

paulo57509

No. You're installing a tilt column, yes? The tilt column requires a tilt-specific switch. A standard column requires a standard column switch.

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iTrader: (1)

Trying to install the tilt column yes. Sorry for the confusion but you say a tilt column requires a tilt specific switch. Which is already on the tilt column? So all I really need to do is re pin the wire Harness for the tilt ignition switch?

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

Ed, Last year I had replied to a thread you wrote about this problem and said it might be because the columns that you might be dealing with were from a stick car rather than the auto and that's why you were having a problem.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...-problems.html

Well; At the time - and right now - I based that suggestion on the fact that of the columns I had/have in front of me had the plugs reversed because they were manual columns. Well; I just looked & BOTH of those manual tranny columns are also NON-TILT columns. That means the switch was flipped/reversed when installed EITHER because they were Manual columns OR because the column is a NON-Tilt version. ( I don't KNOW for sure because I don't have a Manual column with Tilt !! )

Pictures: Manual NON-TILT column on top / AUTO TILT column on the bottom;

Manual, non-tilt column = BLACK plug near driver and BLUE plug near Firewall.


Auto, TILT column on bottom; BLUE plug near driver and BLACK plug near Firewall.


The plugs need to be flipped and installed "reversed" to accommodate the ignition switch positioning a the bottom of the column. I'm not sure how they could even fit into the ignition switch unless it was modified of not fully installed.

I hope this helps !!!


P.S. Did you get to install the windows yet ??

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iTrader: (1)

So John, this can work just by flipping those black and blue switches then? I didn't even install the one I just got from you because it was exact same as The one I bought last year.
And I didn't get to the power widows yet. I was at the camper on my days off
And am back away for work for 2 weeks now.

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

It sure seems that the plugs simply need to be flipped.

Heck; don't even try to install the column,... just get the column laid out on the drivers floor and plug it in. This should allow you to get a good look at the plugs while connecting it together.

I'm almost positive that the switch itself is exactly the same unit,....just mounted "opposite" depending on the column. But; the switch's metal mounting BRACKET on the Auto columns has screw holes in it for mounting the Shifter interlock cable connection.

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iTrader: (1)

OK thanks for the help guys. I will send this link to my Mechanic buddy and hopefully he can have a look at it while I am away.

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iTrader: (1)

I have the plugs flipped now and the key is turning in the proper direction. But there's nothing on the key to start it. I have searched for neutral safety switch and found nothing. Can you guys tell me what wires are for the neutral safety switch or how to bypass it.
1987 IROC Z 350 TPI

EDIT: or it could be a cranking issue. Where's the wire that would control this feature?

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iTrader: (1)

We Got it working. The car goes into gear now with the key in the locked position. No big deal!

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

AWESOME, Glad to hear that you got it all worked out !!

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iTrader: (1)

I'll be tackling the power windows and door locks in October when I am home on my rotation from work. Looks pretty straight forward for the install.

paulo57509

Looks can be.....deceptive.