It's time to get back on the horse

[jlemler]

When I last posted many, many things have happened.  My father passed.  He was the inspiration for me and the car hobby.  We were going to rebuild the steering columns for a 70 Challenger and 70 Cuda.  That was March 2018.  He passed June 2018.  We never got to it.  After my father's passing a combination of many things keep me out of the garage.  Dealing with his business, estate, my mother with dementia, family members, working.  I think we all get the drift.  So I am ready to rebuild the steering columns. I have watched the videos Here are the opening questions:

1. Are the cuda columns and challenger columns the same?
2. Was are the tools and parts I need to get this job done, basically a list.  I like to have things laid out before I start.
3 I'm sure there will be many other questions before I start, during, and before I end.

Thanks, Jeff

[7E-Bodies]

First of all, I'm very sorry for your losses and trials as I'm no stranger to them myself. Condolences from the heart. I also want to jump in this thread as my 70 Challenger "auto on floor" column rebuild awaits me. I'm hoping you'll post back to this thread with any special tool needs or pitfalls you meet. I've also watched the videos made by @Cuda Cody and am grateful yet apprehensive. I'm comforted that @MoparDave at Roseville has us covered with rebuild kits. I tagged these guys to draw them into this. Your success is my success. Best wishes.

[Chryco Psycho]

Special tools would be a long reach or small puller to fit inside the crush can to remove it & snap ring pliers , everything else is just basic hand tools .

My condolences on your loss & difficulties , most of us have been through it at some point , it is far from easy .

[JS29]

The hardest part is removing the crush can. If i remember correctly, i used an old 1/2" extension between my puller and the shaft, longer bolts for the can, and left the nut on loose to not damage the threads. You can get the long bolts from a hardware store or tractor supply.    My condolences about both of your parents!

[Cuda Cody]

Sorry to hear about your father passing.  It's never easy.

Yes, the Cuda and Challenger columns are the same.  You can rebuild the column with basic hand tools, but there are some specialty tools that make it easier if you plan to do a lot of them.

[RJChallenger]

Sorry for your loss. It can be a very stressful time. Watch the  Cuda Cody video's. once, twice or more if needed.He covers every thing you need to know, perfectly. I don't think you could improve them in any way, but that's just my opinion. I've used his video's , and that of Legendary Interior video of bucket seat cover installation. Both were extremely accurate and helpful . just do what you see in the video and you will be very pleased with the results 

[Claudia]

  Steering column rebuild is probably just about as easy as it gets for a DIY project . . . even for a novice such as myself!    I have a bunch of disassembly pictures from when I did my "automatic on the floor" steering column tear down if you need any.  Everyone on here should be able to assist with anything that you would run into.  As mentioned, a puller, snap ring pliers, basic hand tools and of course, patience is all that is needed!  Parts list would depend on how far you are wanting to rebuild . . . when I did mine, I replaced the following parts:

Turn Signal Switch
Upper Steering Column Bearing
Ignition Switch
Key Buzzer Switch
Lower Steering Column Seal Retainer
Steering Coupler Components (rebuild kit)

Rest of the components I just cleaned up or media blasted and painted.

Super easy and satisfying! 

[7E-Bodies]

@Claudia that's reassuring, thank you!