[gr8art]

I have a 1965 Dodge Dart that I'm rebuilding. I'm converting the power steering over to manual, and have purchased a "Flaming River" column shaft adapter. My problem is that at the end of the stock steering column; there is a pin in the end of the shaft. I have tried everything I can think of to remove that pin, and it won't budge. Other Mopar enthusiasts have let me know that yes; the pin has to come out in order to disassemble the column. I thought I'd try here at this board to see if any of you have run across this type of problem. I took the column down to a machine shop yesterday to see if they could use a press to remove it; but they wouldn't even look at it (saying they don't do jobs that small) Anyway; any advice would be appreciated. I'm just pretty ignorant when it comes to machining and such. Here's a pic:

[66GMC]

Do the hot-rodder thing ... build your own tool
You can get considerable clamping force from Gr. 8 fine thread standard hardware ... probably more than enough to get that pin out.

Get 2 pieces of 3/8" flat bar stock.
Drill 2 7/16" holes in one, 2 7/16" holes in the other, as well as one hole in the center that is large enough to fit loosely over one side of the pin. You could also drill a shallow hole in the center of the other plate that would help to steady this "puller" on the pin.

Get 2, 3/8" x 2" fine thread gr.8 bolts and 2, 3/8" gr. 8 fine nuts, amd 4 flat-washers.

Assemble this tool over top of the pin, so that the center hole on the part with 3 holes fits over one side of the pin on the shaft. Be sure to lube the threads of the bolt and nut (with motor oil or anti-seize)

Alernately tighten each bolt/nut to keep even pressure on the pin. When it gets good and tight, you could give the tool a little "love tap" with a 16oz ball pein if you have to.

If things still don't start moving, try a little heat (propane torch) on the steering shaft ... close to where the pin goes through, and give it another tap with the hammer.

HTH,
Don

[gr8art]

Thanks Don! I'll give it a try. Good advice

[Jmark]

If its that stuck, personally, i'd cut it flush on both sides then begin drilling it out and then re-install a good quality roll pin. It may be in in a manner to make it a permanent type installation. Just my thoughts.

Mark

[gr8art]

I used a little variation of what you suggested, and finally I got it out! I've never come across a pin THAT stuck. Whew! I guess 41 years can really make things semi permanent. Thanks again guys for both of your suggestions

[73oldsman]

I would not give that machine shop any future business! All the shops I have used for work in the past were always glad to help, no matter how small. Glad to hear you got the pin out!

[gr8art]

Well;after all that, iy looks like I may need to go with a whole new column. It was pretty much toast inside. Evidently the wheel had been changed so many times over the years, there was hardly any threads left on the lock nut. In getting inside the column, I didn't see any way to give it a "clean" look after removing the dial and shift handle. I'm going to a floor shift anyways. So I guess I'll just check out "Flaming River" and other sites for a new column. Thanks everyone for the replies!