I have an '86 SC with tilt steering. I'm a bit of a tall guy and every time I get in to the car or I have to put my foot on the clutch I smash my knee on the steering wheel. The steering still works, and the tilt still works, but know the top portion of the steering column above the tilt is loose and it sort of rotates around. Any ideas on what might be broken?

 

i am not sure whether this is your problem or not, but it is very common with these columns (at least all of the ones so far in my families' vehicles)... The tilt assembly is bolted onto the main column with four external torx screws. when these are loose, it feels like the steering column is ready to fall off. you have to take the steering wheel off, then the lock plate, then the turn signal cam, then the ignition lock and the first plastic outer shielding (that holds the turn signal lever and ignition lock cylinder). then, if i remember correctly, you should be able to manuever a 1/4" 1/4" drive socket (this will fit and tighten the torx screws... i didn't have the correct socket for the small external torx) in to tighten them...

 

Thanks, I'll give that a try. Hopefully you are right and nothing is broken.