66 Skylark Steering Column Replacement

LJC

LJC

Active Member
Had to replace upper steering column bearing but the housing that it mates to is made of plastic and is chewed to pieces from not being replaced by the previous owner I can't seem to locate this part and feel I might be better off just replacing the column itself looking for suggestions were I might find one? The pic on the right is the sleeve that I'm looking for it is worn out
Column Shift
 

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The upper steering shaft bearing mounts in the turn signal switch on non-tilt cars. The turn signal switches are available as reproduction parts and appear to come with the bearing installed.

The left picture shows the lower steering shaft bearing however judging by the adjuster clamp being visible.

Is this a tilt column car? Do you need the outer mounting for the upper or lower steering shaft bearing?
 
Thanks

It is the lower bearing assembly that mounts at the bottom of the column. The plastic or nylon piece is worn out causing the shaft to move all over the place so I'm looking for something to hold the bearing in turn holding centering the shaft it is an automatic with column shift
 
The piece is called “Adapter, Steering Shaft Lower Bearing”.

The part number is different for tilt vs non-tilt columns.
 
The GM part no is 385983. That part number was used on 1965-66 Buick Skylark with automatic, non-tilt column. Was not able to find any listings for this part (new, reproduction, or used).

Some similar adapters are being reproduced. A steering column rebuilder dealing in muscle cars might be able to supply this part. Application data shown by some suppliers is suspect. It does not agree with the original GM master parts book references I used.

The 1964 GM Chevelle, Skylark, Cutlass intermediates used a part no 383873 adapter which mounted to the column with a snap ring. Chevelle continued to use it in '65 and '66. This one is being reproduced. My guess is it would be a long shot to adapt it to fit your car.

www.chicagomusclecarparts.com

STEERING COLUMN LOWER BEARING ,NEW 64-66 A-BODY

Steering Column Bearing, lower, new, for non tilt column, This assembly installs into the mast jacket like the original and attaches to the mast jacket with wire clip. No modification to the steering column is needed to install this assembly. This assembly replaces GM #383873 adapter and 7802845...
www.chicagomusclecarparts.com www.chicagomusclecarparts.com

The Cutlass for '65-66 used a part no 385984 which is also being reproduced. This one bolts to the column. You might be able to tell if it could be modified for the Buick.

www.chicagomusclecarparts.com

STEERING COLUMN LOWER BEARING ASSY ,NEW 64-66

Steering Column lower bearing, new, for non tilt columns. This assembly replaces GM adapter # 385984 & bearing # 7802845 . This assembly installs into the mast jacket with 2 bolts, like the original and attaches to the mast jacket with 2 small stainless steel screws that are included rather than...
www.chicagomusclecarparts.com www.chicagomusclecarparts.com

Here is a reference for a column rebuilder who indicates they have adapters available. The 2040-parts.com site appears to be defunct as the listing is very old. However the rebuilder CJ's Rods and Machines Pfafftown, NC (336) 922-1873 appears to still be in business.

Buy 64-66 Chevelle & Impala New Lower Steering Column Bearing WO/Tilt, 100% USA L@@K in Pfafftown, North Carolina, US, for US $65.25

Buy 64-66 Chevelle & Impala New Lower Steering Column Bearing WO/Tilt, 100% USA L@@K in Pfafftown, North Carolina, US, for US $65.25
www.2040-parts.com www.2040-parts.com
 
Yes very hard part for sure might have to replace the column any idea what might fit?
Info is always appreciated
 
Use a piece of Delron & cut & fit into shape. Have done it in the past. Used two small self tapping screws to hold it in place. If screws are mounted & spaced properly the screws can hardly be visible.

Tom T.
 
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