Steering Column Question-need help

[Vette66AirCoupe]

As I continue on my quest to reinstall the Instrument Cluster in my '66 I continue to find little booby taps I've left for myself. Most I've solved but the latest was a pretty bone headed thing I did to myself. In my exhuberance to take the opportunity to spruce up I dim wittingly painted over the marks I made to allign the column at the rag joint. So now what? Is this just a matter of having a crooked steering wheel or what? Should I just put it back together and adjust the position of the steering wheel if it's crooked? It's amazing how much you can forget over about 12 weeks time between removal and reinstallation. :confused

 

[BarryK]

Terry, I may be way off base, in which case you know someone will jump in and correct me, but I was kinda, sorta watching a little as they were doing this on Mark's car today. Guess I should have paid closer attention.

What if you center the steering wheel, center the front wheels and than attach the ragjoint to the steering box. wouldn't that at least get you pretty close to the mark since everything is centered?

 

[61 Silver]

Hi!



Point the wheels straight ahead and tighten the radiator side of the rag joint. Then install the steering wheel side of the rag joint. Loosely tighten and move the steering wheel right to left. Center the front wheels again and check steering wheel alignment. If everything is OK tighten down, if not make the minor adjustment and then secure. Finally secure your clamps at the firewall and under dash. There may be a better way, but it work fine for me.



Ray

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

Maybe I'm in better shape than I think I am. I never took the rag joint off or apart. I simply removed the shaft after loosening the bolt that tightens the firewall side of the rag joint. I also haven't moved the car since. Is it possible that I don't have a problem after all? :confused