I'm about to be swapping steering columns from an 82 parts Firebird S/E into a 89 Formula, and was hoping for some assistance.

First, I'm unfamilar with how to remove these things. I've heard its fairly easy, but I'm having trouble seeing how to do it (I'm no moron either, installed a posi in my car, soon to be swapping 3.73's in her too).

Also, the parts car is a non-VATS car, while the Formula has VATS. Could somebody please PM me with how to bypass thye VATS? I think I know, but would like verification (and I don't think this is the type of info that should be floating around).

Thanks for any help

 

Exactly why are you doing this?

The electron flowing parts will be different, but should swap over from one to the other. I think. Maybe not. I know they did 82-86, but you're talking even a bigger spread.

VATS shouldn't be a problem. If part A above in fact works, that is. Otherwise, we won't discuss bypassing VATS on this forum, thank you very much.

 

Alright, I'll just have to figure out how on my own

And I'm swapping them because his column in the 89 is toast, can rotate in like a 4 or 6" circle...

 

you can retain your vats ignition cylinder, I did. You will need to make the hole bigger for the ignition cylinder to fit into though, not to hard. I swapped a column from a 82 bird into my 89 maro. You will most likely need to swap the turn signal lever as well, not too hard to do though.

 

oh actually removing the column is easy, first remove the underdash cover if its still there, remove anything directly under the column basically, then theres 3 bolts holding it to the firewall, and a couple of bolts holding it under the dash. You will also need to unbolt it under the hood where its bolts up to the other shaft, theres one bolt holding it there. Then unplug all your harnesses and shes out. If you find yourself swapping turn signal levers they are fairly easy to pull through the column with a bent coat hanger wrapped around the end of the wiring harness.

 

Tighten up the tilt pivot bolts. Happens a lot, much easier to fix than swap.

 

hmm, thanks for the great info. My Camaro didnt have tilt, so this is the first time I've had to worry about it, I'll tell him to chekc the bolts, hopefully thats it but if it aint, then I guess I'll get to put 89RS's advice to use!