[graygator]

I just tried to reinstall the steering column in my 69 Lemans convertible. See the photos. The upper column support bracket slot comes up a little short. And while wrestling and pulling on the column I managed to break one of the die cast inserts. The upper column looks fine and does not appear to be collapsed. I assume the intermediate shaft is slightly collapsed. This car has power steering and also has a new rag joint.
Does anyone have a known good intermediate shaft that you could take a length measurement on?

I've had this column in and out several times and don't recall it being a problem before. But I did stand the whole assembly, upper and intermediate shafts, on end recently. I had just painted the upper column and installed a new turn indicator switch. Then I stood the whole assembly on end while I installed the column lock plate and keeper ring. Hmmm.
Anyone know where I can buy just the die cast insert, like I broke?

[graygator]

Upon further inspection and research:
The upper column was collapsed 1/2" to 3/4". Images found on the internet showed almost no shaft visible beyond the spines at the bottom of the upper column. Mine had 1/2" to 3/4". Similar evidence was observed based on the location of the position feedback lever which interacts with the column locking mechanism. I was able to pry the inner tube out of the outer tube by this amount.
You can't typically buy just the die cast inserts because they held in place with injected plastic to hold them in the upper column support bracket. When you have a wreck and are thrown into the steering wheel the plastic shears and the bracket slides forward out of the die cast inserts which are bolted to the dash bracket. The plastic in both die cast inserts were previously sheared on my car. See image below.
This car was wrecked sometime in the distant past, based on several other pieces of evidence. Frame was straightened before I got it and again during my restoration (it wasn't right).
The lower or intermediate steering column must have been collapsed by a similar amount. It is moving back to what I assume is the original length relatively easily.
Guess I'll be buying a replacement bracket, complete with inserts from Ames.

[OG68]

You may want to disassemble the column and inspect for further damage. On the previous generation of collapsible column (67-68) there are injected plastic inserts that hold the inner tubes together and another on the actual shaft itself. Upon impact that plastic piece shears away allowing the inner column and shaft to collapse.
I can't say the 69 and up column has the same thing but it may be worth your while to take a look, now that the column is out.

[Tuske427]

Maybe give Frank a call/ email. Seems he has columns available with these parts included. He might have them separately, too? https://frankspontiacparts.com/usedparts/gtoparts2.htm