Tilt steering for a `71 Centurion convertible.

[Boscoe]

Does anyone here have one, or know where I can get, a tilt steering column for my `71 Centurion convertible? My car didn't come with it and I'd like to add it. Of course, I'd like it to be mint, both operationally and cosmetically, and I'd prefer a black column if I'm lucky enough to have a choice. Thanks.

[Boscoe]

I'm in touch with a guy who is parting out 2 Electra 4-doors, a `71 and a `73. The `73 has a black interior and tilt wheel, so I may have found my my tilt column. The `71 has a tan and brown interior and the seller is going to see if it has tilt wheel. Both cars have power windows and power seats. The seller is also going to check on power door locks and RH mirrors.

The tilt wheel column has the same part number, 7813066, for all 3 years of Centurions, Electras, and Rivieras with column shift. So, unless Buick changed the part without changing the number, I should be able to bolt the black column from the `73 in place of my non-tilt column. If the `71 has a tilt column I may go for that one even if it has to be painted. I guess I should go for whichever one is in the best condition.

I'm guessing that the power window mechanisms from a 4-door will not transfer to my convertible. Maybe the fronts would fit but I doubt the backs would. I do think I could probably pull the power door locks from the front doors and transfer them to my car. Would that work?

The seller lives about 2 hours away from me so I might see if I can go over and pick the carcass clean. Does anybody need anything off a `71 or `73 Electra? I can ask the seller if he still got the parts or put you in touch with him.

[SBRMD]

Four-note horns if present!

Thanks in advance,
Steve.

[Boscoe]

Four-note horns if present!

Thanks in advance,
Steve.

Seller will check and let me know.

[Boscoe]

The guy with the `71 and `73 Electras hasn't gotten back to me yet about the `71 column and if it's tilt or not. Meanwhile, I've located a black tilt column out of a `72 Centurion convertible and it's supposed to be in nice shape. The coulmn is listed as having cruise control. My `71 doesn't and I have no particular desire to add it. Will this column work in my `71? What differences will there be because the donor car had cruise control?

Well, I went ahead and bought it for $125. According to the guy on the phone the only external difference is that the turn signal lever will have the cruise button on it. Can I change it over to my lever?

[Robroy]

I’m not 100 % sure but I think the cruise control shouldn’t affect the steering column, only difference inside the car should be that you have a turn signal lever with a cruise control switch at the end of it.
Switching the lever shouldn’t be a problem.
Maybe someone else can confirm that I'm correct about this?

[Boscoe]

I couldn't find a picture of the `71 cruise control set up that included the button on the turn signal lever but I did find one of the `70 version. It looks like the lever can easily be changed and the wiring removed. I'll find out when the tilt column arrives.