need diagram - 73 chv 2wd steering column

[tasunkawtko]

hey, all - new member here with a quick question

there was no section for steering columns, so i am posting this here; if it belongs somewhere else, i would appreciate it it the admin can move it there.

anyone out there have a diagram and/or information for the upper steering column (non-tilt) for a 1973 chevrolet 2wd (automatic transmission). having a problem with the ignition switch and whatever it engages with.

we have the haynes book but it hasn't been much help.

thanks!

ron

[VileZambonie]

What exactly is going on with the ignition switch issues?

[tasunkawtko]

g'morning, VZ -

thanks for the quick reply; here is a little more information:

the ignition switch is new and turns (too) easily when installed. the problem seems to be related to to whatever the switch engages with; when you turn the key, it doesn't "ratchet" through on, acc, start etc. and the engine does not turn over. we replaced the ignition switch because of some extreme difficulty getting the switch to move at all.

somehow the gearshift lever is also involved; there is trouble going INTO park and it seems as if a piece is either bent and interfering with that action OR a piece has broken off and fallen in.

i was able to work around both of these problems for years by going easy on both actions and also by doing both actions "just right." no one else seemed to be able to have "the touch" and eventually someone managed to finally break whatever was wrong.

thanks for any information you can provide.

ron

this work is a little out of my comfort zone, but my dad can lend a hand and my #2 son is a quick learner with it.

thanks!

[VileZambonie]

So you replaced the ignition switch or the ignition key cylinder? It is quite common for the rack gear mechanism to break. There's a few threads on the same problem if what you are saying is you turn the key but it is not actuating the switch correctly. Basically the key cylinder rotates actuating the rack and cam moving the rod which actuates the ignition switch on top of the column.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=10484.0

[tasunkawtko]

VZ - thanks for the link, i will take a look at it right now.

you are correct; what we replaced was actually the ignition key cylkinder as you suggested and it is the stuff between that and the ignition switcch that must be the problem. something similar happend to an 74 nova that i once owned and i was actually able to keep starting it by removing the key cylinder, sticking my finger in the hole and moving the rod, but that isn't the case this time.

i'll take a look at the info you provided and i think that will get us back on track.

thanks!

ron