Seat Mounting & Steering Column

Hi all, newbie here. I just bought my first CJ5, a 1974 model 304 3spd. The tilt steering column has WAAAY too much play in it (all seems to be in the tilt section), does anybody know of any other steering columns that will bolt up and be close on the wiring? I'd like the original but not having much luck finding it. The other thing would be to rebuild this one, are there kits available?

The other question has to do with seats. Someone put a set of brand new fiberglass and vinyl race seats in the jeep and monkeyed up a set of mounts. Does anyone have pictures of how the original seats mounted in this jeep? Please send complete pictures of seats and mounts in relation to the floorboards. I am also missing the passenger side toolbox cover but assume I can fabricate one to work? You may send pictures to Browns_Sporting_Goods@msn.com if you like, they will be appreciated!

If anyone is looking to put in a NEW set of high back race seats and has a decent set of highback CJ seats I would be open to trades........

Thanks in advance guys for the help.

 

First if you have a tilt column in your jeep it is probably a GM column, and parts are available at your flaps. As for seats standard was a low back seat and my mounts are messed up so would not help with a picture use the search function on the forum lots of good info here and good pictures.

 

Thanks Dave, I plan on pulling apart the column this weekend to see what is up if I can find some time. Anybody else have some pictures for me?

 

FWIW, I have a tilt column that is all wiggley. I found a dude that will rebuild it for about $100 bucks. FOr that, I'll let him do it. But mine is a Jeep column.

Funny thing is, I tried to rebuild it but could not get it completely apart. After two days, I've given up.

If it's GM and you can get it apart and find parts, then by all means rebuild it.

But I looked and looked and could not find out what GM column would match mine, or even if one would.

I have diagrams of it at home. Email me at aallison@cherrytreecustomwoodworks. com and I'll send you the exploded views.

 

You should be able to find a toolbox cover. They are all the same, from 1954 through 1975.

<edit> I took a lot of pictures of my '75, and it's mostly original. This is a CJ-6, which has a longer wheelbase than your CJ-5, but it's the same except for the section of floor added between the seats and the rear floor. http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~reese/ResizedJeepIPics/ There are a few pictures of the interior here that might help.

 

My 75 has the original seats and mounts. I'll try to get some pix up in the next few days. You may find a tool box cover at 4WDHardware.com. I saw a tool compartment w/lid listed there. Pt #32272.

Tilt steering had to be added by a PO. My buds have used Chevy steering columns for theirs.

 

Here's a few seat mount pix. Left two are drivere side. Right passenger. I have a few more if you email me I'll send em.

 

Back of under driver seat mount to body.

 

(I like the rim-fire casings scattered under the seat... R)R)R))

 

I do believe hose are left over from my last gopher exterminating expedition. Any way seems there are always a few layin around under the seats.

 

Thanks everyone for the pictures, offers of more to come, and the links. Keep em coming. They are all appreciated and will be used. I plan on going over the links in more detail this evening, right now work is calling, I own my own business, I am the only employee, and the boss (me) still won't give me any time off!! Such is life.........

 

I know the tilt columns in jeeps from the mid 70s on were made by GM, and when they get loose its always because the 4 bolts just below the tilt housing have backed off. It is very easy to fix for someone that is familiar with the column, but it's easier if you have the special tools, it takes about 30 minutes. (I did alot of them back when GM was still using that column)

 

I hope it's that easy this time! I am NOT familiar with the column but am VERY mechanically inclined (I was a certified mechanic for 25 years BEFORE we had computers to diagnose the problem) so I am willing to try anything once....... Do you have any special secrets??

Again, thanks to all.

 

I don't really have any special secrets, but you will need a steering wheel puller, a tool to compress the spring under the lock plate so that you can remove the retainer and another puller to remove the tilt pivot pins on the sides of the column, there are several small parts that have to be lined up correctly when you reassemble the column. If you are going to attempt this yourself send me a PM and your # and I'll send you mine and I will try to talk you through this.

 

And you never fixed a GM tilt column? Must have been a fleet mechanic R)

The secret is in using the special tools. It's virtually impossible to do without them. Plan on an afternoon to do it, and don't hesitate to pull the turn signal swich and wiring. You'll fight it tooth and nail if you leave that in, it's not worth the hassle since the wiring is easy to fish back into the column.