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Discussion Topic:
Column Drop Remove
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hardtop25 |
07-22-2020 @ 7:00 PM
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Member
Posts: 67
Joined: Dec 2009
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I'd like to remove my column drop from one steering tube then mount it on another. Is soaking, drilling, easy-out the only way to separate the pieces? Thanks.
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40 Coupe |
07-23-2020 @ 3:52 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1679
Joined: Oct 2009
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Yes. just one headless bolt and make sure the lock bolt inside the drop is retracted (unlocked)
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JM |
07-25-2020 @ 4:52 AM
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Senior
Posts: 823
Joined: Oct 2009
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I don't care to use an easy out on that one headless bolt that clamps the drop to the column tube. I prefer drilling a series of small holes across the center of that headless bolt to form a flat blade screwdriver slot. Then use a hand held impact driver fitted with a flat blade screwdriver bit, and impact that bolt to start it moving out in a counter clockwise direction. Then just finish backing it out with a hand held screwdriver. Once that bolt is out, I use a small wedge to open the collar on the drop enough to slide the drop off the column tube. This method has never failed to work for me.
John
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hardtop25 |
07-25-2020 @ 12:04 PM
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Member
Posts: 67
Joined: Dec 2009
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Thanks John. Does the headless bolt, now with flat blade slot, then thread back in to clamp unto replacement tube?
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3w2 |
07-26-2020 @ 6:41 PM
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Senior
Posts: 843
Joined: Oct 2009
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Why not replace it with an original bolt with a twist-off head? They are available for suppliers like Third Gen Automotive (Michael Driskell).
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JM |
07-27-2020 @ 6:46 PM
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Senior
Posts: 823
Joined: Oct 2009
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Hardtop25, if I do a neat job of making the slot in the head of that bolt, yes, I reuse them. This prevents me, or the next owner from having to cut another slot in a breakoff bolt. My cars are all drivers, I could care less about looking 100% correct. Also, that slot is not readily visible unless you're crawling on the floor under the steering column and decide to look up.
John
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hardtop25 |
07-28-2020 @ 6:08 PM
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Member
Posts: 67
Joined: Dec 2009
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Thanks all! I think I got this. Yep, my '36 Pickup will be driver all the way.
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