74 Avanti II Steering Column

[Paul K.]

Does anyone know what the donor car was for the Avanti II steering columns of the 70s? I need to replace mine as the ignition switch mechanism inside the column is broken not allowing the rod to move. I took the column to an experienced old locksmith and he recommended getting a used column as replacement parts are not available. I do know the column is AMC as there is a part # sticker on it. It appears to be a GM column too. (AMC used a lot of GM stuff) It is a tilt column and I suspect it was installed in a bunch of AMC and GM vehicles. If anyone has a cross reference manual for AMC or knows of one, that would help. It would make finding a replacement a lot easier if I had multiple choices of applications.

There are two #s on the AMC label, 7811079 and SF3211157.

[WayneC]

I don't have direct knowledge, except to say that GM built steering columns for several

other car manufacturers, including AMC and Chrysler, I believe.

I'm surprised the locksmith you consulted said he can't get parts, I would have to think

the internal parts are more than likely still available, even though the complete column isn't,

maybe even from aftermarket parts suppliers. What parts, exactly, do you need? The lock cylinder

itself should be easy.

My guess is that the 7-digit number (7811079)is probably the GM part number for the column assembly.

I have a partial listing of parts for '65 to '70 Avanti that lists a part number 1561594x41,

and I suspect the first 7 digits may be a GM part number... your column may be a later version.

I doubt you need to buy an exact replacement column... you may be able to buy a similar column,

disassemble the lock and use the parts for your column, as I suspect the internals are

pretty much the same for those early 70's GM columns.

Probably best to get parts that come with an ignition key, but a locksmith can probably

make a key for whatever you do find.

Or, possibly even disassemble your column and take photos of the parts you need (for comparison

purposes, marked with measurements you take) and try some specialty parts vendors, like these:

http://stolenandrecovered.com/parts2/rack.php

http://www.carlocksandkeys.com/servlet/the-ALL/keyword/GMC-ignition-Lock/Categories

http://www.gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/

Even eBay:

http://tinyurl.com/2g5gftu

http://tinyurl.com/2abofc7

Here's some info I found on 70's Corvettes, which might possibly have the same internals as your car:

"Standard Columns 1969 through 1976.

Ignition Switch All Corvette standard (non-adjustable) columns used the same GM ignition

switch from 1969 through 1979. Reminder: standard columns have one type switch, adjustable

columns have a different switch. Even though your Corvette wiring harness will connect to

either switch, the steering column rod pushes to actuate the standard switch (GM 1990115)

into the START position whereas the T&T steering column rod pulls to actuate the T&T switch

(GM 1990116) to the START position.

Ignition Lock Cylinder (1969 – 1978) All GM columns use interchangeable ignition lock

cylinders from 1969 thru 1978 (GM 20071252).

Key Warning Buzzer Switch (1969 – 1979) Available from GM.

Used on all standard GM columns of that era (GM 7804414)."

You can check availability of GM part numbers here: http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

(your column number didn't get a hit, but I didn't really expect it would)

Lastly, it might be worth contacting Dan Booth at Nostalgic Motorcars to see if he

has any info or parts (he might even have complete columns, but I expect they would

be expen$ive, whereas replacement lock parts should be much more reasonable); it's

possible he'd know the AMC model that used the same column, assuming one did.

Good luck, and please share (with us) any info you gain in your quest.

[Paul K.]

Thanks, The locksmith said he had seen this problem before and it is cheaper/easier to replace than repair due to the parts availability and labor. The lock is good, it is the ratchet-like mechanism inside the column that rolls over which connects the ignition lock to the ignition switch rod. The column is a tilt and spring loaded so taking apart may be easy but getting back together may be another story. Thanks for the Corvette info.

[Gunslinger]

If replacement is necessary and you have problems finding a good AMC or Chrysler unit (whichever is applicable), you might look into a steering column from Flaming RIver or Ididit that are available from sources like Summit Racing or Jegs. They come in various lengths, tilt, ignition switch in the column or not, and chrome or paintable. The difference is installation costs is probably minimal between a used unit and a new one.

Depending on the configuration, they might not be cheap, but neither is looking forever for a good used replacement that doesn't have questionable parts.

[Paul K.]

Well, I got the lock mechanism fixed for a total cost of $0. I was correct in the ignition lock rack mechanism (rack) being jammed but it is usually because the nylon toothed part breaks. Mine was not moving because it it also connected to the steering wheel locking pin. The pin was "frozen" stuck from the old grease and the car sitting for 20 years. If the pin is stuck, the lock or ignition switch rod won't move either. Always fun resurrecting an old car.

[Gunslinger]

Congrats! That's the best kind of repair...you were able to diagnose and fix it yourself at no cost. If only all repairs could be like that.