73 Tilt Steering Column Removal
 

Hello All,

I have a 73 Stingray that I am attempting to remove the tilt and telescoping steering column to replace the rag joint. For the life of me I can't figure what I am doing wrong as the column will not come out.

Here are the steps that I went through:

1. Disconnect battery (of course!)
2. Remove the two 7/16" star bolts from the existing steering coupler. Tap in a small screwdriver in the part of the coupler closest to the firewall to open the coupler up.
3. Remove the reverse lockout cable by removing the cotter pin holding it in place.
4. Remove the clutch spring.
5. Inside of the car, remove the steering column cover - three Phillips head screws. Remove the AC duct.
6. Remove the two 1/2" bolts from the inside of the firewall.
7. Remove the two 9/16" bolts holding the column to the firewall.

Supposedly at this point the column should be removable...yet the thing just won't budge - even after repeating pulling and turning the air blue!

Did I leave a step out? Do I need to use more ommph to remove it?

Any guidance would be appreciated!

There are 2bolts oriented vertically right where the column passes under the dash are those the 9/16 you mentioned? There will be a significant amount of gookum-puckey(scientific terminology) holding the thing to the firewall to seal the area against all kinds of leaks.
Ron

Hi partsman41,

Yes, the 9/16" bolts are the ones that are vertical under the dash - I typed firewall in step 7 when I meant to type dashboard....oops.

I guess I need to apply more elbow grease to get the thing to budge.

Thanks!

Might try rotating the column to break it loose.