Need Advice Steering Column

[gambit]

I have decided to treat myself to a new steering wheel, leather is shot. To have it rewrapped is insane in price so I think I am going with one of the wooden ones that are cheaper and it will match my wood dash / console kit. I need to know how hard it is to get off before I go tugging on things, does the horn button just pop off or is there a trick to it? I dont want to break it. Once i get it off can I just get the wheel off with a nut and bolt or will I need a pulley or any special tools?

I also think I need to change the turn signal / cruise control lever. My cruise has never worked even though I replaced the cables, transducer, and all of the vaccume lines and the thingy on the carb all work ok. after replacing all of that it would accell when you press the lever in and hold it but it never would set. now it does nothing so figured I would try this one last part and see if that is it. Is that easy to replace with the steering wheel off? Any thoughts or comments?

Thanks a million everybody!

 

[TimAT]

Here's the best place for steering column info:
Main Page - CorvetteFAQ

I don't think anything in a steering column is really tough, but there are lots of tricks to making life easy. You will need a puller to get the wheel off, and then there's a lock plate under that you'll also need a puller for. Lots of auto parts stores rent/loan those tools.

read the steering articles, arm yourself with the correct tools, some of your favorite beverage and go for it.

the turn lever is easy to change too- and routing the new wires thru the column is no trick- tie a string on the old one, pull it out, tie the sting on the new one and pull it back in. Just be gentle and don't break the string. Even if it breaks it's not a big deal, it just takes longer.

 

[Phill]

another option is to rap it yourself. they sell the leather raps(cant recall the company name) that you can stitch on your self. ive done a couple and they turned out great.

 

[minifridge1138]

You don't need a puller to get the wheel off.

I've had mine off twice. The only tricky part is the horn contact.
The AIM will be VERY useful in getting that part back together.

The horn button just pulls off.

The only tool I used was a screw driver.

Good Luck!!!