Hello
I just purchased a 1987 fiero se missing its motor and trans that was formerly a manual trans, and i would like to rebuild it using my 1986 fiero se that's currently an automatic with a really rusted frame but every thing else is in excellent condition except for my steering column.
My key wont turn at all and was fighting me to take the key out for a while before it stopped working.
both columns are tilt and don't have slop
so my question is can i use the steering column that is currently in the 87 that was set up for a manual trans or do i have to fix and then swap out my column from my 86 that's from and a car with a auto trans?

What are the differences between the 2 other than the key lock?

Ryan

[This message has been edited by goatvenom (edited 12-06-2011).]

I think they are the same....but you may want to read through Jazzman's PDF on the column just to make sure.

http://www.diyfiero.com/dro...ing_Rack_Rebuild.pdf

To the best of my memory, the only difference is the lever that allows the tumbler to be turned back to the locked position. The interlock that goes to the automatic shifter is easy to install into either column. It just bolts onto the ignition switch with one little screw. To use an automatic column on a manual, you only remove the shift interlock, and you lose the lock lever that keeps you from turning the ignition to the locked position. Technically, this is a bad idea since you can easily accidentally lock the column while the vehicle is still moving. So this is not recommended, but possible.

I had to rebuild my column earlier this year. I had bought another column and was just going to swap them out. But I found that the replacement had a shorter lower shaft. One inch shorter. Just enough to not be able to engage the pinch at the floor board.
I had to tear both of them apart to salvage from one to rebuild the original.
I do not know what year/model/etc. it was that the replacement I bought came out of. Or even if it really came out of a Fiero. I got it on ebay.
Longer story short, two different length lower shafts in the columns.

Other than the Manual Transmission key release lever, fiero steering columns are the same. I have had several from many years in mine.
Other than the tilt option, they can be converted / upgraded / changed to add in features it didn't have (ie: convert it from manual to auto, add in Cruise control stalk, add in variable delay wipers)


n7vrz: I am pretty sure yours was not from a fiero.

-Dave

Thanks for the reply's guys, i didn't think there were any differences between the two i just needed to make sure before i ran into any problems.

Ryan

what IFLYR22 said. I took the lever out & used it in my automatic car.