73 Skier Restoration

Moving right along. The engine is out and all the cables, wires, etc have been pulled out of the air box. It is supposed to snow this weekend so probably will plot and scheme.

Tim I should probably stick to the original plan of removing one side at a time, there is not much left of the starboard secondaries, so I will take those out first.

I tried to get the steering wheel out yesterday, but I need a flathead screwdriver that can get into a 1" space. Maybe one shaped like an allen key? At least I think that will do it. Have not had time to search for a thread on this today.

As for the coupler, it seemed to stay right were it was. Before I disconnected it I could easily spin the shaft by hand, but it did make some noise. Now it spins very freely and does not make the noise. I can slide the shaft up and down a couple of inches too. Is that normal? It seems good to me but not sure what problems to look for.

In and out I guess. There is no play side to side or up and down, so yeah I guess that does makes it in and out. Jeez that hurt my brain... had to think about that.

These are the lag bolts from the engine mounts. No wonder they would not hold torque

The key is a woodruff key, There is a slot in the tapered shaft and in the hold in the steering wheel. Keeps it straight where you put it. Then the nut press fits the wheel onto the shaft. Just get a cheap $10 puller at a Napa or such.
What do you mean you have the gear part out? Did you disassemble the help from the inside?
Just an idea, save up all the parts like the helm, shifter box, and others and have them powder coated. It looks nice and I like the finish than paint. Of course, I suck at painting.

Keegan,
You'll need a plate style puller like this. You'll thread it into the center hub of the wheel.



Real cute!! Watch out in 10 or so years!! Where's the red hair come from?

8122pbrainard wrote: Keegan, Real cute!! Watch out in 10 or so years!! Where's the red hair come from?

We're just a bunch of Scotch, Irish, English skallywags! All her cousins on my wife's side are reds. All I can say is that she won't have a problem with people pushing her around!

Here is a picture of my steering wheel as it sits now. The gear box(whats it called) that the steering cable runs through has been removed from the back already, and it seems like the whole thing would come out if I just got to those screws. I am having a hard time visualizing how the puller works, but I will think harder I promise.


What is this called?

Keegan,
Pull the center cap off the wheel and under it will be the big nut that Mike referred to. Next to the main shaft will be the holes to thread the puller bolts in.

8122pbrainard wrote: Keegan, Pull the center cap off the wheel and under it will be the big nut that Mike referred to. Next to the main shaft will be the holes to thread the puller bolts in.

Thanks I hate multiple trips to the store. You guys really look out and I appreciate it! Ok how do I pull that cap off without damaging it? I was not sure IF it came off so I was hesitant to start prying around with a screw driver. While we are looking at it- what is the best way to restore the steering wheel. The chrome looks great and the wood will probably look good with a little oil on it but the actual rim looks rough. My thoughts were to buff it? Any ideas?

While the small puller may work too, I used a larger puller with arms on it every time I have removed a steering wheel. The arms will adjust so you can just hook the back side with the edge. They are a fairly light interference fit and do not take much pressure to remove.

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/teleflexSeal.html


Sorry, my stupid computer will suddenly not let me do a custom link.

NOt sure what to tell you on the center cap other than to be careful.

Jewelers and fools, Pete!    
My wife did the same thing with a watch of mine when we were first married. I never saw the watch again as more than just the back flew off and into the ether.

79nautique wrote: I would say the round center chrome piece is what should pop off.

Bingo! There are a bunch of small tabs holding the round cap on- just get a screwdriver behind it and it will pop off.

The rest of the metal insert (one piece) is held on with the nut that holds the whole steering wheel on. Once thats off, it comes apart.

Be careful pulling the weel... the plastic may be brittle! Ive got at least one of those wheels that's had the metal insert ripped right out of it.

Keegan,
Tim's talking about the very center round cap in the middle and not any metal next to the plastic.

Just a little tip for when you do get the cap off and get to the nut: don't remove the nut completely, keep it threaded onto the end of the shaft when you use the puller. This does two things; keeps the wheel from flying off and prevents the end of the shaft from mushrooming under the tension of the puller.

I learned that trick the hard way.

Keeganino wrote: Thanks for helping me try to solve this but there is no center cap. All that chrome is one solid piece.

I promise that this center cap is removable.