Can’t get steering wheel back on

[70furyiii]

I replaced the turn signal switch on my 1970 Plymouth Fury III and now I can’t get the the steering wheel back on. I’ve lined up the spline but can’t get it to go for the life of me. Now I’ve stripped the bolt threads. I used a tap and die to get the threads back. But I’m at a loss on getting my wheel back on.

Thanks in advance

 

[3C's & a D?]

Wait for a cold winter day? Freeze spray?

 

[Toolmanmike]

I replaced the turn signal switch on my 1970 Plymouth Fury III and now I can’t get the the steering wheel back on. I’ve lined up the spline but can’t get it to go for the life of me. Now I’ve stripped the bolt threads. I used a tap and die to get the threads back. But I’m at a loss on getting my wheel back on.

Thanks in advance

Did you line up the flat on the spline?

 

[70furyiii]

Did you line up the flat on the spline?

Ya I had it lined up right.

 

[Toolmanmike]

Ya I had it lined up right.

I was just into my 64 Polara so I had to ask.

 

[CBODY67]

Is the issue getting the lock plate compressed against the spring and the circular wire retainer in its groove to hold the lock plate compressed? There is a tool for that that many auto supplies should have for rent/loan, or used to. Once all of that is done, the steering wheel and horn contact interface should line up and the steering wheel pretty much SLIPS back onto the mounting shaft. Pictures in the 1970 Factory Service Manual.

From my experiences,
CBODY67

 

[70furyiii]

I was just into my 64 Polara so I had to ask.

I was just into my 64 Polara so I had to ask.

All good! Any and all help is appreciated! Thank you

 

[Mr C]

From your post (galled threads etc) I bet you have a tilt tele column.

Tilt-tele wheels are a nightmare to get back on because the spring is fighting and the telescoping inner shaft is not "firm". I think those need a special tool to replace the wheel. I did not have the tool and I eventually got it on but it was a massive struggle.

Non-tilt wheels are an easy install...a little fiddly is all. Push it on until you can get the nut started and then ease it back on with the nut.

 

[Toolmanmike]

From your post (galled threads etc) I bet you have a tilt tele column.

Tilt-tele wheels are a nightmare to get back on because the spring is fighting and the telescoping inner shaft is not "firm". I think those need a special tool to replace the wheel. I did not have the tool and I eventually got it on but it was a massive struggle.

Non-tilt wheels are an easy install...a little fiddly is all. Push it on until you can get the nut started and then ease it back on with the nut.

Tilt/telescopic is a definite possibility. It sure would be easier to help a guy if we knew the whole story.

 

[CBODY67]

T&T on a Plymouth of that year? Tilt but no telescope is cataloged. BOTH had the flaky Rim Blow steering wheel, though.

CBODY67

 

[Toolmanmike]

T&T on a Plymouth of that year? Tilt but no telescope is cataloged. BOTH had the flaky Rim Blow steering wheel, though.

CBODY67

My Swinger came with a Rim Blow. I have a nice one that needs painted and a new horn contact. I'm about half afraid to fix it up and install it. They are really bad news. I think I would like a Tuff Wheel better.

 

[Gerald Morris]

T&T on a Plymouth of that year? Tilt but no telescope is cataloged. BOTH had the flaky Rim Blow steering wheel, though.

CBODY67

****, I thought only FORD was so stupid as to devise a "rim blow" steering wheel. I had such in my '70 Mock Wun Disgustang. I'm glad I stick with Slabbies!

 

[CBODY67]

"Rim Blow" was the latest "luxury/upscale" steering wheel option for Chrysler, Ford, and GM, in the 1970 era. Chryslers felt rock hard. Fords were squishy, and GMs were somewhere in-between them. After a few model years, they were gone. As if some vendor sold one OEM on them and the others "had to keep up" to allegedly stay competitive.

A neat idea to keep hands grabbing the steering wheel in order to honk the horn, BUT they could be "triggered" during normal driving, when not desired. Whoops!

Enjoy!
CBODY67

 

[Gerald Morris]

"Rim Blow" was the latest "luxury/upscale" steering wheel option for Chrysler, Ford, and GM, in the 1970 era. Chryslers felt rock hard. Fords were squishy, and GMs were somewhere in-between them. After a few model years, they were gone. As if some vendor sold one OEM on them and the others "had to keep up" to allegedly stay competitive.

A neat idea to keep hands grabbing the steering wheel in order to honk the horn, BUT they could be "triggered" during normal driving, when not desired. Whoops!

Enjoy!
CBODY67

Mine worked when I first got that 'Stang, but one hung-over evening, (worked nights) the damned little insulator in one spot finally gave out, and my horn blared away until I cut the wire at the horn. After that, I just cursed and screamed at people for another year. I belonged in a padded cell back then, but so did most of the State, so I didn't trust anyone....

 

[Lefty71]

only FORD was so stupid as to devise a "rim blow" steering wheel.

Had a '79 Mustang with the sport interior.....you push in on the turn signal lever to honk the horn....great in panic situtions lol. Rim blow def would have been a better idea.

 

[Gerald Morris]

Had a '79 Mustang with the sport interior.....you push in on the turn signal lever to honk the horn....great in panic situtions lol. Rim blow def would have been a better idea.

That was their Lowest Point methinks. My MOTHER had something like that.

 

[Rubatoguy]

Would you be able to post some photos of your column without and with the steering wheel? That would help in getting you the answers you need.

 

[70furyiii]

sorry for the delay, here are the pictures of my wheel and steering shaft.

 

[Gerald Morris]

Before your attempt at attaching the steering wheel, did the intermediate mechanisms, like the turn signal switch and horn all go into place nicely? Did you torque down those 3 screws which secure the turn signal mechanism to their proper level? Care must be taken with those! I see a clear snap-ring groove in the shaft, as was typical. Were you able to slide the turn signal down, then slide the snap ring down and snap it into its proper place in the groove? If any of those parts don't fit just so, then the steering wheel won't go on correctly either. While I don't have a '70, this assembly doesn't look any better or worse than the Saginaw turn signal assembly on my '68. I admit I might be quite wrong about that of course.

 

[70furyiii]

everything went back into place nicely....well i thought so. I do have the snap ring that I have not put back in place yet. I will double check all the parts and try that. Thank you!!