89 Firebird 305 TBI

I havent seen a thread showing how to install a new steering column, so im gonna start one. Ive never done this before, so i guess it will be a learning experiance for all of us... If anyone has done this before and feels like giving me some tips i wouldnt mind it. haha

lets get started

Out with the old:

 

In with the new:

 

Take the bottom panel underneath the steering wheel off. It will be about 3 small bolts, REAL SIMPLE!
after thats off youl notice your about to defuse a BOMB
The circled small white wires (wrapped in orange)are the ones that go to your ignition (where your key goes) i will be switching them out due to the fact that i dont have a key to the other steering column.

 

Words for the wise: TAKE YOUR TIME. . .
And its alot easier if you have a little helper to give you a hand
Heres mine, hard at work

 

hahaha, a piece of wood holding the hood open? you've got to be kidding me! I'm glad I'm not the only one that has one!

 

Ya one day, probably about 2 years ago, I was replacing the head gasket, and out of no where the shocks FAILED. That hood came down smashing down on my head into the engine bay. Pretty much head butted the block... fortunately enough, I didn't hurt the car at all!

 

ahh Matt1821, i was looking forward to your post finishing! i just got a new steering column and i drive a 89 firebird as well so this would have been perfect.

Started reading it and it ended fast.

Well i know where my ignition wires are now, thanks

 

Wow, I wish I would known about this thread BEFORE I started to replace the multifunction switch in my steering column.

People, one thing I have learned... If anything on your steering column goes bad (with the exception of the steering wheel or airbag), REPLACE the whole damn column!!

It's WAY easier to just replace the whole thing than to attempt messing around inside of all that mess .

I've been trying to rebuild my original column for a month now just because the multifunction switch failed and the tilt doesn't work correctly. Well, after 3 junkyard trips, countless hours of tedious small parts work, and utilizing my expert soldering skills, I've decided that replacing the whole column would have definitely been a MUCH easier task!

LOL sorry for the ancient thread revive but I had to vent.

Now, I should probably put some pics up of what I've done (not finished yet).

Anyone interested??

 

The biggest problem is if you have the VATS in your car. Those small wires are so easy to break you have to be real careful.

 

Yeah sure, pics are always fun. Good luck!

 

Yep, already took care of that. I had thought of throwing a resistor in there but

1. I don't have any and I'm trying to do this for as CHEAP as possible.

2. I already have a working ignition cylinder w/key and the wires are already all soldered up.

It should work -turn key and drive- the first time.

The only thing worrying me is that bearing that goes right behind the wheel. It fell right out and crumbled when I took the column out. Finding one could be an issue.