69 Dart steering column issues

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Dartvader440gt

Dartvader440gt

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Hi all. My Dart, 69 GT center console shifter so no column shifter.
My issue is that when I put the column back together (still mounted in the car) the bolts that sandwich the turn signal section came loose and the whole assembly would move around. Took it apart again and re-aligned them and it was good until I leaned on the steering wheel to get out and the turn signal section came loose again and is flopping around. I have it apart in the car again. Is there something I'm missing before I attempt it for the 3rd time? It's the 2 nuts with the square head bolts under the plastic turn signal assembly.
 
Where the nuts are underneath and screws go in from top, those 2 nuts are not square. The hole is offset so the nut has a long side that should catch notches in the tube. I have to think the reversed hardware would be the same, bolt heads not square either. If they aren't in the notches properly they will tighten anyway, just not holding anything.
 
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I got it all apart and tried multiple times to get it back together. Every time I get those 2 nuts tightened down they either pop out again or I can put pressure on the hub and one pops out. The bearing is tight (I'll probably replace it anyway since I have it apart). The hub looks like it has some wear. here are some pics.
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Head of the bolt is in a 3 sided box. 2 walls are taller, 3rd wall has a ramp. So with nuts on enough to hold the bolt from turning between the 2 taller walls, Put the collar on. As you tighten the nuts, the ramp carries the bolt head toward and into the slot. Hard to tell if you have distorted the part/pushed slot(s) away but one shown doesn't look exactly round.
 
Yeah, not sure if it's just worn. I used a small file to sharpen the edge of the square headed bolt. Upper one worked better. Lower one still comes undone. I'm going to try some JB weld to try to build up where the 3 sided channel is worn.
 
I dont know. You might bend the notches outward toward the bolts. Snug gear screw clamp around it for support and tap lightly? Might have to take the part i=of the column to get a hit at it.
Interesting/puzzling that this backer block is a good size while the other is so small.

column part.png
 
RedFish said:
I dont know. You might bend the notches outward toward the bolts. Snug gear screw clamp around it for support and tap lightly? Might have to take the part i=of the column to get a hit at it.
Interesting/puzzling that this backer block is a good size while the other is so small.

View attachment 1715587513
Click to expand...
I was thinking maybe epoxy a very thin strip of metal in there to see if that would help where it's worn. If it doesn't work at least I could grind it off.
 
Ok, I tried to epoxy some strips to tighten it up. No go. I've kept trying and trying. They just pop out so I tried something. I made these bolts with hooks at the head to grab the slots inside the column. Then I dremmelled slots on the end so I could maneuver the hooks in place with a small flathead. Seems to have worked. It's tight and all together now.
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This seems to have worked. I started it up today and drove it around the yard with no issues.
 
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