VIN 4728 Running Resto

[Rich_NYS]

Progress:

Car is running & driving again, so the big stuff should now be out of the way.

I'm working on changing the steering wheel & directional assembly, but the wheel is stuck. The air chisel method isn't working, so I pulled the column and propped it upright to allow ATF/acetone to creep into the splines Hopefully today is a better day.



I need to change the rear brake hoses, then bleed the system. I haven't yet found a cap for my pressure bleeder, so last night I came up with this:

IMG_3775.jpg

[Mark D]

Progress:

Car is running & driving again, so the big stuff should now be out of the way.

I'm working on changing the steering wheel & directional assembly, but the wheel is stuck. The air chisel method isn't working, so I pulled the column and propped it upright to allow ATF/acetone to creep into the splines Hopefully today is a better day.



I need to change the rear brake hoses, then bleed the system. I haven't yet found a cap for my pressure bleeder, so last night I came up with this:

IMG_3775.jpg

Ha! That's awesome...talk about using what you've got on hand... that looks like an old water pump coolant hose, right?

[Rich_NYS]

Ha! That's awesome...talk about using what you've got on hand... that looks like an old water pump coolant hose, right?

Yep.....see what you inspired? Haha.....I bet even Steve couldn't redneck a better solution than that!

[Andrew]

Progress:

Car is running & driving again, so the big stuff should now be out of the way.

I'm working on changing the steering wheel & directional assembly, but the wheel is stuck. The air chisel method isn't working, so I pulled the column and propped it upright to allow ATF/acetone to creep into the splines Hopefully today is a better day.



I need to change the rear brake hoses, then bleed the system. I haven't yet found a cap for my pressure bleeder, so last night I came up with this:

IMG_3775.jpg

The steering wheel is a pressed tapered fit. The best way to get it off without breaking anything or knocking a tooth out is to use a steering wheel puller. You'll need two long bolts to thread into the wheel and washers. IIRC they are M8, but check the forums to be sure. I used and air hammer quite a bit with no results. Once I gave in and bought the steering wheel puller, I had the wheel off in 30 seconds :-)

[Rich_NYS]

The steering wheel is a pressed tapered fit. The best way to get it off without breaking anything or knocking a tooth out is to use a steering wheel puller. You'll need two long bolts to thread into the wheel and washers. IIRC they are M8, but check the forums to be sure. I used and air hammer quite a bit with no results. Once I gave in and bought the steering wheel puller, I had the wheel off in 30 seconds :-)

Thanks Andrew, the air hammer isn't working. I'm going to get a puller and try to figure out what to do about bolts....probably tap the holes bigger as Dave M suggests.

[Bitsyncmaster]

The steering wheel is a pressed tapered fit. The best way to get it off without breaking anything or knocking a tooth out is to use a steering wheel puller. You'll need two long bolts to thread into the wheel and washers. IIRC they are M8, but check the forums to be sure. I used and air hammer quite a bit with no results. Once I gave in and bought the steering wheel puller, I had the wheel off in 30 seconds :-)

I'm pretty sure the wheel threads are M6 which is why they often pull the threads. Twice I have had to drill and tap to a larger 5/16" bolt.

[Rich_NYS]

This steering wheel is a pain in the ass; I pulled the m6 threads, and now trying to tap 5/16 threads.

If this doesn't go well, I'm going to post a pic of a steering wheel cut into two pieces.

[Bitsyncmaster]

This steering wheel is a pain in the ass; I pulled the m6 threads, and now trying to tap 5/16 threads.

If this doesn't go well, I'm going to post a pic of a steering wheel cut into two pieces.

Put some torque on the bolts and then tap (with a hammer) the bolt that is pressing on the center column stud. Keep adding more torque and keep tapping that bolt and it should break free.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Put some torque on the bolts and then tap (with a hammer) the bolt that is pressing on the center column stud. Keep adding more torque and keep tapping that bolt and it should break free.

I forgot to state that the "bolts" in the wheel you want to have those fully seated as far as they go. Then you use the nut on the bolt to add torque.

[Rich_NYS]

Thanks Dave,

I finally got it....thanks for stayin' in the game with me.

I think your advice to tap to a bigger size appears to be a "must do" for a stubborn wheel like this one.


It's still in one piece...I'll be listing it for sale soon.


Soooo....now I think I really am past all the hard stuff and should make my goal of being ready & waiting for driving season.