I want tilt steering.

[garybuick]

Please help.

[73 Centurion]

Yes, you do want tilt steering. It's very nice to have and is particularly nice for long drives when you want to settle in with everything in just the right place.

Your question is a bit vague so here are some points to consider. Think them over and let us know a bit more about what you're asking.

A Tilt column from any full size GM 1971-1976 should fit in a Centurion. Try to get as close to your make and model as possible. Just in case there are subtle differences.
Try to get one with the key, and try to get the doorlocks from the same car. That way 1 key will open the doors and operate the ignition.
You can swap your ignition lock cylinder into the tilt column. But it's easier to change the doorlocks.
There is a spring behind the steering wheel in a tilt column. If you remove the nut that holds the wheel on it can toss the wheel at you. Usually not very hard but it's surprising if you aren't expecting it.
You need a special tilt steering wheel tool to compress that spring if you've had the steering wheel off.
Feel for any play or looseness in the column. There are some bolts way down in the column that are notorious for loosening up. There are some good tutorials on the web on how to dis-assemble the column and tighten these up but it's time consuming.
The wiring harness is fairly standard and should plug right in. The tilt column I put in had a 2 or 3 inch connector that changed the wiring slightly. If you're pulling the part from a salvage yard check for this.
Removing a column in the junkyard will tell you all you need to know about how to remove and install a column.
There's the wiring harness, bolts that support the column at the bottom of the dash, a collar that's bolted to the firewall and a way to disconnect the steering shaft under the hood.
Avoid any car with heavy front end damage. They are no good after they've collapsed, or bent even a little.
There are companies that specialize in refurbishing columns and they may have something that's ready to bolt in. It'll cost more but you know it's been checked over.

Good luck,

John

[garybuick]

thanks for the detailed response...where can I the special tool for removing the tilt steering wheel? I have a steering wheel puller and have removed many but never a tilt. Or youre saying to put it back on you need the tool? Where can I get one or can I do it without the tool? This guy has a riv and may have a tilt column for me. thanks again.

[Smartin]

My convertible had tilt steering, and I never ran into a spring when I had the wheel off. I think the spring you're referring to, is further down in the column itself.

[EEE]

The spring is further down, you undo a c-clip and a plate comes off and the spring is underneath. You need a compressor to hold down the spring so you can put the c-clip back on. I have one of those tools, I'll check for it tomorrow.

[73 Centurion]

The tool is cheap and available at any parts store. It's like a horseshoe with a threaded rod in the middle. It lets you compress the spring to get the c-clip on.

I ran into 1 in a junkyard where the c-clip failed and tossed the steering wheel into my lap. :eek: