Formula Wheel Hub Not Seating
 

Got a new tilt column and formula wheel kit from PY for the latest project. Did the install, and the hub won't seat on the column the last 1/8", and is leaving an unsightly gap between the hub and the column, can see all the guts for the lock plate etc.

I checked the splines on both the column and hub, lightly touched a couple areas up, but still no-go.

Any suggestions here?

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I seem to recall that the formula wheel hub would sit further out on a tilt column, and nearly flush on a standard column - but that does sound funny.

Are you confident that the column has been (re)assembled properly and the lock plate for example hasn't been installed backwards?

Bump - to see if you can get your answer.

Hm. More space for tilt columns. Hadn't thought of that, but think it pivots at a different point.

It's assembled right, lock plate is correct, don't think you can flip it over, the snap ring won't be retained, if you can even get it on there.

It is sinfully ugly this way, really hope that's not how it should be. I may take some pics and post, sure most would agree. I don't ever recall seeing any with this large of a gap, even with tilt.

Without the center nut on, you can see the collar in the hub that should mount flush with the splined area, and it's raised like an 1/8", about the same amount I would expect it to tighten up (that gap).

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do you have the cover plate installed? it is the steel plate with 3 screws to attach to the lock plate.. it will fill in that 1/8 gap..I have 3 cars here with tilt.. and they all have that 1/8 gap... BUT that cover plate fills it in nice..they are usually black in color

Just looked at closest FS tilt column core with original Formula wheel attached. The distance between the edge of the upper tilt bowl and the cast alum hub is more like 3/16". That particular column is '76-78 Bird, never disassembled.

'69-75 Saginaw tilt cores used the screw on style stamped steel tilt only dust cover with 3 small thin plastic washers under the cover. For near 20 years, for tilt builders, I pulled the screw on style tilt dust covers in the cheapee yards along with the matching lock plate. Most freshly built restoration type Saginaw '69-74 tilt columns, today, are assembled with the '75+ lock plate and the later plastic cover. IF no plastic dust cover is present, you will need one to hide the view of the lock plate.

Hey HWYSTR455... Forrest was correct... make sure you have that cover plate at the top of the column... That will fill in the gap. Tilt plates are different than std columns... The screws are near the center shaft on std columns and are further away on tilts. Later columns... 75 & later they were plastic that snapped over the retaining plate, BUT that retaining plate has 3 extra tabs to lock this plastic cover... so you can't mix and match...

VERY interesting, no, as a matter of fact, I don't have the plate cover. Now I wonder if I have a plate with the 3 screw holes or not. I should have one tho in a box somewhere, remember seeing it. But then again, my memory and all...Oh, it won't matter, I would only have a STD column plate anyway, drats. do they repop those? Guess I need to check my plate, too.

Yeah, it's about 3/16" of a gap, dang. all starting to make sense, riddle seems solved. Dang, I even beat on the hub a little in the area where it goes onto the shaft. Went around with a rod, tapping with a hammer, seeing if it was something with the nut or horn assembly, which I had out while tapping. (Can see some in the pics)

Ok, well, let me see what I can come up with, thank you all! I just needed some educating is all!

These forums I swear is one of the best out there, some of the smartest people, no kidding! A blessing, I swear!

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if the tilt cover was the same as a non tilt cover, I'd offer to send you one... but I only have non-tilt parts.

Thank you for the kind offer, but yeah, like me with only STD column parts, and are different.

OPH - Guessing this pic is of the later plate, since there's no holes in it? Are the 75-up covers available repop?

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What column do you have..can't tell from the picture.. it is a 69-72 a body one? Is that the lock plate that came with your"new" column? I can say that it does not look like the ones that came on the 69_ 72's..at least not the ones I have

Correct, rebuilt by a service, sold thru Ames. It's listed as a 70-72 column, but as previously stated, it appears the lock plate is of 75-up application.

So I need the plate cover for a 75-up, plastic, snap on. You can see the ears on the plate.

Guess if I had a part number for the cover that might help?

I see some listed for both tilt and non-tilt, working on both, but guess that really depends on the column/plate.

I'm concerned about getting the correct cover.

I see this one, but don't believe it's correct for my app/config:

http://www.steeringcolumnservices.co...er-7819738.php

It's listed as 1969-90, and looks different than some I've seen.
That's why maybe I need the part number for the lock plate I have?
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So it is an original 69-72 factory column that has been restored..? Just looking at your picture.. I don't see the tilt lever? maybe hiding behind the turn lever..or not installed yet (screwed in)

Yeah, hiding, you can kinda see it in the last pic I posted if you look close.

As for it's original app/origin, I would imagine it's somewhere in that range, but has a mix of parts, guessing due to availability. Like I said, it seems it's a 75-later lock plate.

Not sure how much that matters, I'm still just now getting some schooling, mostly from this thread!

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yep..that lock plate is a later (later than 72 that is !)...anyway the lock plate column services sells don't have the holes drilled for the original type covers.. looks like the one they carry is a fit all type..guess that's the one for you!?

Not sure, but the 75-up ones, as OPH pointed out, has no holes, they snap into place.

EDIT: Mine has the tabs that's for the snap on ones.

I really would like to make sure I get the right one. More so because of the time issue, the common ones are not that expensive.

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I was talking about the holes drilled in the lock plate..yours does not have them either.the original 69-72 does have them... yours is the later style one (no holes).. so that cover you linked to looks like it will work fine

Yeah, looks like, I would just like to be sure!

If I put one on there and it's not as wide, it may not do the job.

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Hello
 

I just put anew ignition tumbler n key in my 85 GMC Jimmy blazer yesterday and almost took pictures of it apart
its a tilt also
that plastic cover is used on tilts in the trucks ... impalas ... cutlass... 76-mid 80's
and 91 in suburban and blazer if you have a local yard.... column or floor shift

tilt tele I think is different ..caddy toro etc

I would be happy to pull the steering wheel and get the sheild in the mail today for you
as the column is a spare tight Silverado 84-91 I am putting into my steering column inventory

Scott
I can overnite it also if you have a cruise this weekend
gotta call me tho just in for lunch and back out to the shop for the afternoon
206 465 9165

Wow that would be great! I don't have that much of a rush, but even just being able to have an application reference, and try one, that would be fantastic!

I will text you, stand by...

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notice that the plastic lock plate cover is for tilt and non tilt?

... I am concerned that the gap you have shown IS in fact larger than I would think should be there.

That plastic cover essentially covers from the front face of the lock plate back - nothing forward.

So I am concerned that you will buy this cover, and it won't solve your issue.

Is this a reproduction collar?

what is the measurement from the rear lip down to where it seats against the lock plate - because it should pretty much butt up against the lock plate - at least that's my recollection.