Steering column questions.

[440]

I'm in the middle of restoring my 4 speed steering column and have a couple of questions.

Is the steering shaft jacket collapsible? It would have to be but by what means (press fit)?  Mine has a bit of rust and I want to chemical dip it to remove the rust inside the tube without damaging it.

Also what color should the steering shaft jacket be painted and the upper column mounting bracket? It is a tan interior.

[A383Wing]

all columns were collapsible starting in 1967...it was a plastic pin press fit inside.

Bryan  (that's all I know)

[440]

I found 4 plastic rectangular pins and 2 round ones. They were hidden by paint.

What's the best way to clean the rust out of the tube without hurting the pins? Acid doesn't touch plastic but I'd rather not take the chance now.

Being a floor shift car I don't even see a point to that tube.

[b5blue]

Eastwood sells rust convertor and I use "OSPHO", others swear by "Picklex" they all kinda burn the rust to a phosphorus coating you can paint.

[tan top]

 have you dismantled the column ?

[440]

Yes, it's in pieces awaiting an acid dip minus the steering shaft and jacket. I'm sure the jacket and pins would survive the bath but I'm not game enough to ruin it incase they don't.

Might have to try the rust converter...

[tan top]

 any chance you could take pictures , so we !!  i  !! can see  what & where the rust is ?

[440]

Most of the larger scale flakes off. I was shocked to find the jacket so rusty considering that both the steering shaft itself and the main column tube have virtually no rust. It's almost like the previous owner replaced it from a different car.

[DC_1]

Most of the larger scale flakes off. I was shocked to find the jacket so rusty considering that both the steering shaft itself and the main column tube have virtually no rust. It's almost like the previous owner replaced it from a different car.

Wow!....pretty crusty!

I'd just sand blast it and paint it a natural metal colour.

[440]

My guess is the previous owner collapsed the original and got the current one out of a junkyard. I'll take it to the strippers and see what they think. Would a replacement tube be hard to obtain as I'm not overly fused about the condition of this one ?

I cringe at the thought of sticking that end into a brand new $85 lower bearing. Once stripped and painted it would be a different story, it's going to have some pitting though regardless.

[DC_1]

Should be easy to get another. It was a common B body part used in both column shift and floor shift cars.

I may even have an extra. I will look tonight. If I can find it, you pay shipping and it your.

[440]

Awesome, let me know.

Thanks.

[DC_1]

Awesome, let me know.

Thanks.

No prob..