Steering column experts needed

[ModernMuseum]

I just bought a steering column off ebay (that arrived a month late ) and I need some advice on hooking it up. My 69 Firebird has a painless harness in it right now. An L76/T56 Magnum is going in soon after.

Below are two steering columns - the one I intend to use is the one on the right in the first and second pics. The other one came with the car and has an extra electrical piece on it that I don't know what it connects to. The one I bought on ebay supposedly was for a Nova/Camaro.

Some of the main differences in the two columns include:

Differences:
The one I'm using has a plastic shroud - the other one is metal
The one I'm NOT using has the extra plug, as noted in pic #2
The one I'm NOT using has the reverse back-up arm.
The one I am using is a tilt - the other is a non-tilt.
The steering lock disc looks slightly raised on the one I'm using.

Same:
Lengths are the same
Mounting points appear to be the same

I guess my questions are:

1) What are the functions of each connector?
2)Do I need the extra connector at the bottom of the column I'm not using?
3) Where can I get the other halves of the connectors, i.e. the pieces on the original harness?



I guess I should also mention that I'm putting on a MOMO steering wheel, so any insight into what I'll run into is appreciated. I haven't got the adapter yet.

1


2 (old/non tilt on left and new/tilt on the right)


3


4


5


6


7

[claytonisbob]

I can say that the connector on the bottom of the column is for reverse light switch being that column was off an automatic. The other was probably off a manual car so it wouldn't have such a switch.

[ModernMuseum]

Ok, so I guess I don't need the half moon switch then.

The one in the middle is obviously for the main ignition switch. I don't know what the long, skinny connector is for.

The only other connector that I would need would be for the horn. Does anyone know if the connections for the horn are part of the long skinny connector or the middle connector?

Do you think a vendor would sell just the plug for the ignition switch (harness side)?

[barno68]

Ok, so I guess I don't need the half moon switch then.

You need this switch, it is not just for the reverse light, it is your neutral safety switch. Typically a manual car will have this switch mounted on the shifter in the console.

[Josh]

Thre are two types of neutral safety switches on an automatic column. Mechanical lock out and purely electrical. Put the shifter in drive and see if the key turns. If you cannot get it to turn then it is mechanical. This is controlled by a rod that extends from the shifter lever down to the large connector halfway down the colomn.
If the key does turn when in drive then it is controlled by an electric switch.

[esenior]

Horn is the black wire on the "skinny connector".

This may help...
http://www.americanstreetmasters.com/Wiring_101_16.jpg

[shep]

The skinny connector will have horn,turn,hazard,cruise and anything else that is on the column or steering wheel. The one that I don't know for sure what it is is the blue one on the side of the column.

[ModernMuseum]

Thanks for the input gents. I haven't forgotten about you

It turns out I have the Painless 18 circuit universal street harness for a non-gm column (P/N# 10202). I'm not sure what how the "non-gm column" version changes things, but I digress.

I am, however, looking for the female part that connects to the column since I am, in fact, using a GM column. Does anyone know where I can get one? I believe Painless gives you one in their kit, but it was missing when I got the car.

Are there any vendors here that sell the individual components? I just need this little part to finish out things. I have the male part (on the column) that is 3-7/8" in length (apparently there is one that is 4-1/4" as well).