<VV> '65 Tele Sport Steering Wheel

[Steve Hammatt, Mount Vernon WA USA]

I should clarify.  Yes, we (Mom) took delivery in November 1964.
She saw the ‘65 Corvair while trying to purchase a ‘64 Impala and 
happened to see the Corvair in the dealer’s basement a couple of 
days before they were on display.  She immediately (with my assistance) 
placed an order, custom built to her (my??) specifications.
It is a telescoping, Sport wheel with a definite early build date.

Steve Hammatt
Mount Vernon WA USA

From: Sethracer at aol.com 
Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2016 9:30 PM
To: gsteve at hammatt.com ; virtualvairs at corvair.org 
Subject: Re: <VV> '65 Tele Sport Steering Wheel

No special trick on the Sport Wheel option (A couple if the wood wheel is on a telescoping column) I will assume it is an early 65. Just use a regular 2-bolt puller. On the early 65, the steering wheel is fixed in place, relative to the dash, since the shaft is solid, all the way to the steering box. The outer column can be adjusted to take out that extra gap. After you are done re-installing the turn signal stalk (probably after replacing the turn signal actuator casting) Bolt the wheel back on. There are two big vertical bolts under the edge of the dash. Loosen them a bit. Then, down at the firewall, there is a clamp around the column. The clamp is part of the 3-bolt flange that retains the column to the firewall. Loosen the clamp. No need to loosen the three bolts into the firewall. At this point, the column outer jacket should be able to move up toward the wheel, removing the gap. It will probably resist, be careful! I suggest you leave a little gap, since the stamped steel outer jackets on the Sport Wheel hub often have some run-out. If it contacts the column outer "bell" it will squeak something awful when you turn the wheel! I can personally testify to this. When you have the gap you want and the clearance you need, just tighten up the clamp at the firewall and the two bolts under the dash. 

If there is no clamp at the firewall and the 3-bolt flange seems to be spot welded to the outer diameter of the column - you have a late 65 (same as 66) column, and the above method will not work. The relative location of the column bell is determined by the space between the seating snap ring at the top of the column and the small clamp at the spring at the bottom of the column. I would probably remove the column to make this adjustment. 

- Seth   

In a message dated 12/4/2016 9:04:31 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, virtualvairs at corvair.org writes:
  Undergoing garage rebuild and all my books, etc. are in storage.
  Is there any trick to pulling the steering wheel assembly (the turn 
  signal stalk is very “wobbley”) for a look-see?  It’s a 1965 factory 
  equipped “wood” steering wheel.  Also, the rim is in excellent condition 
  expect at the “joint” there’s an 1/8” gap.  How or who to fix this 
  gap?
  Thanks.


  Steve Hammatt
  Mount Vernon WA USA

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