Steering Column Difference

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565bbchevy

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Aug 8, 2011
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I eventually want to run a center console in my 86' Regal and will be looking for a floor shift steering column but I know they changed some of the wiring in the later columns so my question is there a way to identify the year of the column if it is out of the original car?
What year did the wiring change start?
 
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pontiacgp

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Mar 31, 2006
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I think the only change was when they took the wiper switch off the dash and put it in the lever on the steering column
 
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Bonnewagon

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Aside from moving the switch to the column, the only wiring change I know of is the type of wipers. Up to '83 is negative switched, and '84 up is positive switched. That is what you have now, right? That means the switch is "hot". I know the harnesses used similar if not the same color codes- but I'm not sure if the order changed. The real difference is the switch itself. The negative switched model with a tilt wheel and delay is worth it's weight in gold. If you end up with an old column parts are scarce or you could swap your system parts over. So try and stick with a column using the later positive type system you already have. The parts are at least available.
 
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Speedy94c

Apprentice
Sep 3, 2016
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I think you can buy just the coller that is without the place for the shifter and replace just it and you can keep your original column.
 

565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
9,590
12,612
113
Michigan
Aside from moving the switch to the column, the only wiring change I know of is the type of wipers. Up to '83 is negative switched, and '84 up is positive switched. That is what you have now, right? That means the switch is "hot". I know the harnesses used similar if not the same color codes- but I'm not sure if the order changed. The real difference is the switch itself. The negative switched model with a tilt wheel and delay is worth it's weight in gold. If you end up with an old column parts are scarce or you could swap your system parts over. So try and stick with a column using the later positive type system you already have. The parts are at least available.
I want to look for the newer style column but need a way to verify that it would be the 84' and up version since most of the ones I see for sale are already out of the car.
 

Bonnewagon

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Supporting Member
Sep 18, 2009
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Queens, NY
I know no way of determining the actual year. But I know the newer style uses a larger/different switch housing on the side of the column.If you see them side by side you will know what I mean.
 
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