TheSamba.com :: View topic - how is the steering column kept from spinning?

Fri Mar 19, 2010 2:38 pm

The outer tube on my 1970 steering column turns when I try to use my blinker...It looks like i am missing some pieces near the floor. How is the column held in place?

Fri Mar 19, 2010 2:53 pm

I have a parts bus, just remembered it may have these pieces...but i am also having trouble removing the plastic piece above the metal donut shaped cover...I don't want to break it, any tips on removal procedure?

Fri Mar 19, 2010 3:03 pm

Do you have the plastic ring the sits inside the collar that houses the switch. I don't think the donut at the bottom has anything to do with that. However, Make sure that donut is tight......it is a PITA! I had to change it when I changed my column out. I used a propane torch, hammer and screwdriver to get that thing to set. I think the plastic is most likely less malleable after so many years.

Fri Mar 19, 2010 3:34 pm

I looked at the pictorial as it has been a long time since I had an early bay housing apart. It looks like the top housing is bolted to the bottom housing which is bolted to the dash and nose. The tube sits on a plastic bushing at the bottom and slides into the housing. I believe at the top there is a bushing, washer and snap ring. Sometimes it is just easier to buy a whole known good steeing column and then use the best pieces of the pair. If that won't work then call Ken Madsen at Busco and see what he has.

Fri Mar 19, 2010 4:00 pm

Thanks guys! But I've got it now, I had to persuade the plastic retainer to come off of my parts bus, I just didn't want to break it. You need to have the blinker switch off so the tube will slide up enough for it to clear the metal dome cover on the floor. I got it off in one piece, and it seems to be the insulator for the column and the piece that holds it from spinning as it had tabs that fit into both the column and the metal cap on the floor. It also holds the column tube up at the right height, which is really handy...I was missing this piece in my project bus and it was causing all sorts of confusion. :D