Steering Column Date??

[kobi67]

Where is the date code on a steering column for a 67? I think I have an early 67 column in my late 67. Thanks, Kurt

[JohnZ]

It's stamped on the bottom of the bowl section, facing the floor; the first three characters are the julian date, the fourth is the calendar year.

[kobi67]

Thanks.. I found it where you said.. 349 6. My car is a 6/21/67 built unit. I guess I will need to find the later style column.. Maybe someone else has an early car with a late column and a swap will help both of us.. Kurt

[kobi67]

JohnZ, Any idea what the date would be around, when the column was changed in the lower bearing design? Kurt

[JohnZ]

I believe it was around the end of January '67, about VIN 9400.

[kobi67]

JohnZ, I was meaning the column date. I see one on Ebay with a 062 7 date. Thinking this would be a late column. The seller says it is an early type. The AIM calls for a new part # in late Feb 67. I was interested in what the column date would be around the time of the change. Any ideas?? Thank, Kurt

[JohnZ]

Just ask the seller what the bottom end looks like - if it has a long, fluted black plastic spacer and a steel clamp with a nut and bolt, it's the "late" column (photo below). There's also an orange sticker on top of the column where it bolts up to the support with the part number on it - 7802101 is the "early" column, and 7803156 is the "late" column.

[kobi67]

JohnZ, My current column is dated 349 6 with a orange sticker 5698346. It has an early style lower bearing. The number is nothing like you mentioned?? Kurt

[JohnZ]

Dunno what to tell you - can't find that number anywhere in my references, either for the standard or tele column; "569" prefix numbers were issued by Saginaw Steering Gear, but most are for steering gearboxes and component parts. A 349 6 date is mid-December 1966, which would make it an "early" column, before the change took place at the lower end.