CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: Hans L on August 23, 2013, 04:41:17 PM

Title: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: Hans L on August 23, 2013, 04:41:17 PM
I recently had my steering column restored.  Unfortunately, the steering column sticker was too far gone to be salvaged.  Does any know if these are reproduced?  And if so who?   Much appreciated.

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Steering%20Column%20Restoration/SteeringColumn9_zpsc404cc0a.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Steering%20Column%20Restoration/SteeringColumn9_zpsc404cc0a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: 69Z28-RS on August 23, 2013, 04:55:43 PM
How would you go about trying to 'salvage' it?  other than to mask if off and 'restore' around it??   can such a sticker be removed and re-applied after the cleanup or  restoration work?
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: cook_dw on August 23, 2013, 06:23:59 PM
Hindsight now but I would have tried a heat gun to see if the decal would soften up enough to come off.  If you can find someone that has a picture of one; heck try the pic you posted, you might be able to recreate one using adhesive paper for your printer and photoshop.  To my knowledge there is no one repoping these..  Maybe someone else has a lead..
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: ko-lek-tor on August 24, 2013, 02:33:01 AM
I kind of mess around with antique tractors, along with my Camaros, and guys are able to get unique or scarce decals made reasonably by taking a good picture and and matching font with pic  image and printing off from computer using self adhesive sticker sheet paper found at most office suppliers. Should be somewhat easy with the steering column sticker as it is just one line and just numbers. If you feel it is too difficult for you, then contact our dear friend and CRG member Don Lightfoot and see if he can assist in making a repro label.His attention to detail is second to none.
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: z28z11 on August 24, 2013, 02:48:42 AM
Lightfoot can use this one as a guide if he wants - my original column, '69 X77, 01C build. Ignition switch is dated 8J11. There is a green sticker down below the floor cover, no discernable printing, though.

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: Hans L on August 24, 2013, 04:15:41 AM
Excellent.  Thanks guys.  I will either try the advice or see if I can contact Don Lightfoot to produce one.

Here's a better picture of my former tag.   Standard column with standard wheel.   O4B LA built RS Z.   I can't quite decern the part numbers - are the same as Steve's?

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Steering%20Column%20Restoration/SteeringColumnTag_zps98e1d388.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Steering%20Column%20Restoration/SteeringColumnTag_zps98e1d388.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: 69Z28-RS on August 24, 2013, 05:31:59 AM
they look the same as the more legible one hans...
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: festival on August 24, 2013, 10:28:40 AM
On my monitor it looks to be TK 7202300 on that sticker.
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: ZLP955 on August 24, 2013, 12:23:38 PM
7804300 is the part # for 69 steering column assembly, all floor shift except w/tilt wheel (group 6.518) in the November 1968 Parts Catalogue
http://www.gmpartswiki.com/getbigpage?pageid=76171
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: firstgenaddict on August 24, 2013, 02:38:58 PM
TK would have been the letter code in the steering column box on the build sheet.
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: 69Z28-RS on August 24, 2013, 02:42:46 PM
thanks ZLP.. That's a nice piece of information to store away *S*
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: Hans L on August 24, 2013, 11:16:04 PM
Appreciate all the input - here's my first pass at a reproduction, using MS Powerpoint.    Struggling to find exact fonts as the "4" differs the most.   

I used "Tw Cen MT Condensed Extra Bold" for the "TK" and "Trebuchet MS" for the numbers.   I played around with font spacing between the characters as well in an attempt to mimic original spacings.

Still playing around, but here's a start:

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Steering%20Column%20Restoration/SteeringTag_zpse80f199b.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Steering%20Column%20Restoration/SteeringTag_zpse80f199b.jpg.html)

Next:  Need to scale for the correct dimensions.   Measurements anybody?   I can probably use the pics and use the electric connector as a reference point.

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: z28z11 on August 24, 2013, 11:23:58 PM
I'll be glad to measure or scale my tag when I get in this evening. By your pic, you're pretty close ! Post in a while (soon as I can get in ).

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: MO on August 24, 2013, 11:43:18 PM
Nice job!
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: z28z11 on August 25, 2013, 02:30:04 AM
Try this. I apologize for the freehand (my graphic arts are a little rusty, but you have to remember I was out of school pre-computer and pre-CAD). Measurements are as close as I could measure them - +/- .001".

Hope this helps - be sure and post your final design.

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: Hans L on August 25, 2013, 03:46:04 AM
Try this. I apologize for the freehand (my graphic arts are a little rusty, but you have to remember I was out of school pre-computer and pre-CAD). Measurements are as close as I could measure them - +/- .001".

Hope this helps - be sure and post your final design.

Regards,
Steve

Thanks Steve!   I'll size it tomorrow and post the results.
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: Hans L on August 25, 2013, 10:19:46 PM
Here's the latest - I scaled it to the dimensions Steve provided (much appreciated!!).  Test printed and I think the dimensions are pretty close.   I did change the "4" font to a different style ("KaiTi") which seemed closest to the original.     Off to Staples to find some sticker paper.   Appears the original paper had a slight gloss/sheen to it, so hope to find something close.

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Steering%20Column%20Restoration/SteeringColumnTag_zps46e15bab.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Steering%20Column%20Restoration/SteeringColumnTag_zps46e15bab.jpg.html)

Looks like I can't post  MS PPT.  I'll convert it to a MS Word file and post that later.
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: ZLP955 on August 26, 2013, 03:09:21 AM
TK would have been the letter code in the steering column box on the build sheet.
I believe it was Box 61 on the BBC.
Oh, and nice work there Hans!
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: z28z11 on August 26, 2013, 04:12:12 AM
TK would have been the letter code in the steering column box on the build sheet.
I believe it was Box 61 on the BBC.
Oh, and nice work there Hans!

Amen. I believe you should do this as a secondary income producer - dead nuts pefect in my opinion.

Regards,
Steve

Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: tom on August 26, 2013, 07:37:57 AM
You should be able to save the image from MS PP in *.gif format, and then post or print the *.gif image.
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: z28z11 on August 27, 2013, 12:57:14 AM
Hans,

I mentioned this before, but I thought I had better post this so you can complete your restoration of the column tag(s) - there is a green tag, same overall length and width, just above the firewall boot and below the backup switch as pictured. No printing of any kind visible on the surface, only a bright Rally Green colored tag as shown in the attached pics. Obviously an assembly reference tag of some sort - probably to give a reference to boot placement or column installation position ? You might as well get it completely right when you've gone this far with details. Incidentally, this column has been out of the car since it was disassembled and stored in 1980 -

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: firstgenaddict on August 27, 2013, 11:55:15 AM
was something hand written on the green tag?
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: z28z11 on August 27, 2013, 12:51:35 PM
James,

   If there was, the surface has eroded to the point where I can't see any traces of it - if anyone has a better surviving tag please post a pic of it. Considering the dimensional aspects, I'm pretty sure it was added at the same time as the part number tag was applied - they are exactly the same size and configuration, just different colors. The surfaces of these tags are pretty fragile - I'm surprised the colors and printing have lasted this long. Must be this good Tennessee atmosphere -

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: cook_dw on August 27, 2013, 01:11:01 PM
Must be this good Tennessee atmosphere -

 ;D
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: Hans L on August 27, 2013, 05:01:50 PM
Hans,

I mentioned this before, but I thought I had better post this so you can complete your restoration of the column tag(s) - there is a green tag, same overall length and width, just above the firewall boot and below the backup switch as pictured. No printing of any kind visible on the surface, only a bright Rally Green colored tag as shown in the attached pics. Obviously an assembly reference tag of some sort - probably to give a reference to boot placement or column installation position ? You might as well get it completely right when you've gone this far with details. Incidentally, this column has been out of the car since it was disassembled and stored in 1980 -

Regards,
Steve

Very interesting.   Would be pretty easy to replicate as well.    I don't remember seeing any trace of this tag on my column.  I'll double check pictures I took.   Really appreciate it!
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: Hans L on August 27, 2013, 05:10:58 PM
I converted the MS PPT file to a MS Word Doc.   See attached.     Feel free to use for your restorations as needed.

I printed the tag out on both glossy and standard Avery labels.   Not absolutely sure which version to use, but leaning towards the glossy version.   I'll post pics tonight of the two versions printed.   Takes a steady hand to cut 'em out!
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: 69Z28-RS on August 27, 2013, 06:53:47 PM
I really like what Hans has done with the TK label, which is for floor shift, non-tilt columns, but what about the floor shift TILT columns?     We know the number (7808154) from the GM data posted by ZLP earlier, but what letter code does it get for a sticker?   The one I have was restored and doesn't have the sticker...
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: NoYenko on August 28, 2013, 01:04:15 AM
Hans & Steve, thanks for your work. Timing is perfect as I am rebuilding my column right now. My sticker was nice until 2 weeks ago I got it just damp cleaning the column. When I wiped it off the sticker fell apart. Don't care to destroy something that lasted 40 years without my help. So printing this is great.
I am working on rebuilding the coupler and thought this might be a good tag to the post. Found a date on the turn signal wire harness and on the coupler. I can read the cast date as 68 but hard to see in the picture. I drilled out the riveted pins so will make new ones and hope the rubber disc on order from Long Island Corvettes will be correct. It has screen wire cast into it for ground path.  George
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: z28z11 on August 28, 2013, 02:07:27 AM
I replaced my turn signal switch in this column many years ago (due to a broken base for the turn signal arm), but I saved the original, which is date coded both on the connector like yours, and on the switch plate itself. I haven't gotten around to the coupler yet (still on the box), but I'm sure it's coded as well - thanks for the heads up.

Hans L - thanks again for your great work. Things like this always give me a large dose of enthusiasm to get back to work on my projects. I appreciate the boost.

Anyone have a broadcast copy with the tilt column code ? Mine are all Norwood non-tilt cars, no broadcast copies evident.

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: 69Z28-RS on August 28, 2013, 03:06:00 AM
I have a 'production sheet' from a '72 Chevelle, which has tilt column and floor shift (auto), and it's steering column code is 'TT'..   Does anyone have any idea if this might have been the same code used on Camaros in '69?   I think from the previous posting by ZLP, all Chevrolet models used the same codes and numbers for the same type of columns, and if that is true, then the question becomes one of .   Did they change from year to year?    '72 Chevelle sheet attached..
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: NoYenko on August 31, 2013, 03:54:32 PM
I finished restoring the column and I really appreciate the help especially the sticker. Here are pictures of it finished with placement of sticker.  George
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: Mark on August 31, 2013, 04:22:23 PM
The letter code on the tag most likely specifies the column color to match the interior style and color.
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: JohnZ on September 01, 2013, 04:12:59 PM
The letter code on the tag most likely specifies the column color to match the interior style and color.


The columns were received from Saginaw Steering Gear in black primer, and painted interior color at the car assembly plant; the tag defined the TYPE of column (regular column shift, regular floor shift, tilt column shift, tilt floor shift, etc.).
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: tom on September 01, 2013, 09:24:59 PM
Any difference between auto and manual shift, or just floor vs column ?
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: z28z11 on September 02, 2013, 03:04:53 AM
George,

   Column looks great. Sticker looks perfect and in position. Shame it's not more in view when it's installed, but you have the satisfaction of knowing it's like it should be.

   Interesting choice of a holder for the column when you took the pics - exactly where I propped my column up (top of the radiator support), only my background was a '68 Z -

Regards,
Steve 
Title: Re: Steering Column Sticker
Post by: JohnZ on September 02, 2013, 02:58:12 PM
Any difference between auto and manual shift, or just floor vs column ?

Column shift auto and manual were different columns.