If Brake Light Out Rebuild Steering Column

[Charlie '64]

Good news is, I found the problem, bad news is ......! I started a thread a while back about a brake light not working on one side at the rear, and thanks to you guys, traced the problem to the turn signal switch. Took the steering column apart and found two of the "tangs" at the top of the mast jacket had broken off allowing the retainer to move around inside the mast jacket and rub on the wire harness that attaches to the turn signal and cut the insulation on most of the wires. OK, so now I'm getting ready to order parts to rebuild the steering column. I'm going to try and clean up the turn signal bell housing and steering wheel hub and paint them. Does anyone know what color ie "shade" of black these two pieces were originally and where would I find the correct paint. My car is not an NCRS, but my plan has always been, when I have to do anything to the car to try and keep it or restore it to as correct as budget will allow. I guess while I'm asking, do you guys have any recomendations for a parts supplier. I have used Corvette Central lately after having used Eclers in the past. I've got a fair list of parts needed to rebuild the column and thought maybe someone here may know a more "reasonable" place to order from. Thanks again for all the help, this forum is sure a great place for us newbies to get help and I appreciate you guys that have been doing this for a while sharing your experience. Thanks!!

 

[JohnZ]

I've used SEM Trim Black #39143 on columns and wheel hubs in the past, and they look great - not too flat, not too glossy. I'd suggest Long Island Corvette Supply for parts - have spent thousands of dollars with them, and have never had a single back-order.

 

[Charlie '64]

John, Thanks for your reply. I have received the parts from Long Island Corvette and am pleased, with price (about $50 cheaper than Corvette Central), all parts ordered were received and in 3 days from NY to KS(great service)! The forum went down before I got the paint #, but have now ordered the paint. Hope all this fixes the problem. TO ROB and the forum, Glad you are back! I think someone else said this, but I didn't realize how much time I spend and how much I have come to rely on CAC. I appreciate the time and effort you have put in CAC for the benefit of all of us! I did have a problem trying to log on to the backup forums, but I know I wasn't the only one and I'm sure you will have that fixed should (shudder!) we have to go through something like this again. Keep up the good work!!

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

Charlie,

I followed John's advice on the paint when I did mine. It's a good choice! All of my stuff came from LI Corvette as well. IMO, it's the best place for Mid-Year parts. Hit your parts with some primer first before final paint. Hit the shaft with some AlumiBlast from Eastwood or something similar. Only a little bit of it will be visible when you get it back together, down near the rag joint. The shaft housing is painted with a glossier paint, you can see the difference in sheen.

 

[Charlie '64]

66' Thanks for the reply! You answered my question about the jacket being a different "shade" of black, I had been searching reference stuff to see if I could find that out, so thanks, saved me some time. Hadn't thought about the shaft either, so thanks for that tip also. Hope to have this all back together this weekend to see if it fixes the original problem. Thanks again!

 

[North of 40]

What paint for the Steering shaft?

Vette66AirCoupe you said that the steering shaft housing is a little glossier. Would you suggest using what John Z mentioned the SEM Trim Black #39143 on all other parts than the Steering Shaft, what paint then would you suggest for the Steering shaft to get the little glossier look.

Thanks,

Nick

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

I need to clarify something. I used the SEM paint on all of the interior parts per John's suggestion and they came out great. The steering colum jacket I painted with a semi-gloss black paint. I cannot tell you that the semi-gloss is the "NCRS approved" sheen. I was merely painting it the way it was when I bought the car and have no idea whether it is proper per NCRS. I can tell you it looked great when it was done.