I recently bought a 1969 Corvette Stingray steering column. It's a basic, nontilt/telescoping unit, and it was in dire need of repair and restoration.

I took it apart to clean and inspect it. This made the damage visible and the replacement of several parts was necessary.

The ignition key switch/lock was broken internally which allowed the removal of the key in any position, not just when in the OFF position. The tumbler locking tab was not working properly which made the removal of the switch a tough job.

In addition, the sector gear, which is made out of plastic, was totally ruined with most of the teeth chewed up. This damage rendered the steering wheel locking mechanism inoperative.

I ordered new replacement parts which should allow me to rebuild the steering column properly, something that I will document in future videos.

I hope this episode is helpful if you are in the process of rebuilding a standard C3 Corvette steering column.

By the way, the same procedures apply to all General Motors and Chevy steering columnmounted ignition locks, including Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Chevy and GMC pickup trucks, C10, Silverado, Cheyenne, Sierra Classic, Cargo Vans, Blazer, Jimmy, and Suburban, among others.

Thank you for watching!

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CONTENTS

00:00 The Chevrolet Ignition Key Tumbler Switch
00:15 Ignition Key Tumbler Removal and the Steering Wheel Lock Mechanism
01:56 The Steering Wheel Lockpin
02:19 The Sector Gear
02:57 The Tumbler Locking Tab
03:24 The Sector Spring
06:32 How the Key Tumbler Locks Into The Hub

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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my Corvettes and most of my videos are of a howto nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.

I am a DIYer, and the repairs and work shown are for my benefit and entertainment. If videos appear to give technical howto advice, that is not my intention.

Working on a vehicle can be dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a professional mechanic.


#corvettec3 #c3 #c3corvette