67 tilt&telescope C-clip

[TomB]

Hi all, I am about to pop this c-ring (or clip) out of the upper steering shaft. The indicator light switch needs to be replaced and finally able to get to the switch...but if I pop that c-clip, will I ever be able to get it back in without special cadillac tools? SEE PICTURE

[J. Doogla]

Looks like a "c" clip, should be able to reuse and install without much trouble. Looks like it goes in 2 grooves, so it will install in the same place it comes out of. Just use a pair of pliers to reinstall, maybe see if you can find some spares at a hardware/parts store, in case that one goes flying

[TomB]

Thank for your tip. The c-clip is also called a horse shoe clip. It is heavy duty since the spring underneath it is ludicrously strong. Getting the clip out is easy, getting it in requires  a special tool that applies a shitload of force to press the plate in and revealing the grooves for the c clip. Got a useful tip from J Doogla through another post. hopefully it helps others too.

Cheers.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

If that is similar to the Tele-Tilt column in the '72, then a simple tool can be made to ease the pressure, and also lock the tele part in place.

The central bolt has to be long enough to enter the shaft and lock it in position and then, using the nut on the back of the "U" shaped piece, press the "U" piece downwards to free up the C clip.

Bruce.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Seeing as the earlier column doesn't have the steering wheel locking disk, then the positioning of said feet will need careful positioning so as not to break the plastic.

Plus, note which way around the C Clip comes out, as it will have to go back in the same way.

I forgot to mention that the threaded rod (Bolt) in my case, acts as two parts of the tool.   The head acts as a tightening means of securing the sliding motion of the tele part, and the nut is the compression part of the steel "U" bend.   There is a simple hole in the "U" piece that allows the threaded rod to pass through.

If you need a better series of pictures, please advise.

Bruce.

[J. Doogla]

Oh yeah...that spring under the disc...those u shaped pushers do the trick. Maybe since the 67 doesn't have a metal disc over the plastic, a large washer could be used, or maybe a piece of pvc if the diameter is the same, cut down to a height that wont interfere with the ability of the spring pusher working. Pvc might be a good way to go, as you could cut a notch for the ends of the tool to fit in, so nothing slips.