Tilt column gear selection pointer, through '85

[nograin]

If anyone has an '85 or earlier tilt column gear selector, I'd appreciate a picture from the side. Just trying to understand how far back or forward the pointer sits from its bottom guide.

I don't know the first year for this style. Lindel posted that its unique to AMC. '86 and up is a different style.

Original (broken) from my '85

The bottom arm rides in between the black metal and the plastic housing. The notch pulls the pointer in or out when tilting the steering wheel.


My mockup seems to sit rather far back. That's why I'd like to see an original (don't need to remove it - just a side view like one these)

[men in black]

By these photos it looks like the lower finger and the indicator face are the same length.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AMC-JEEP-Tilt-Automatic-Steering-Column-w-cruise-76-86-CJ7-CJ8-GM-J10-Wagoneer/401467659135?hash=item5d7956537f:g:gOAAAOSwi5RaRban&vxp=mtr

[nograin]

Yes! or maybe the notch arm is a hair shorter. Nice photo find!

[nograin]

Removing Gear indicator

Probably worth pointing out that the rectangular hole in the back of the gear selector housing is for the retaining clip. Its a flat hairpain spring. It clips into the hole in the metal tab shown below. To remove, squeeze gently and pull it straight toward the front of the jeep.



The left side of the housing is held by the double spring hooks. Wiggle the plastic housing left and right while lifting the right side away from the column.

[440sixpack]

It's a bit of a hokey set up like lots of AMC set ups.

This is the same basic column GM used but since their indicator was in the dash they never over engineered the on column indicator.

my indicator is in good shape but it's 40 years old I know one of these days it's going to break. seems like an easy part for someone to repop I know they could sell a few.

[rang-a-stang]

Men In Black sells them! I have one in my rig right now and it's AWESOME! Going from broken and crusty to a nice new one was great. They are very reasonable from him, too.

[nograin]

Here's how the final version from M-I-B looks when installed. IMO, silouette is very close to the original. If, like me, you like the original shape, a medium file works nicely. See the last two pictures for the results of that work.

Easiest install for me was to apply parking brake, shift into 2 and install the pointer and housing cover.
When the cover is on the column, make sure the pointer's hook is still locked between the plastic and the black metal.
Reinstall clip. Shift to P, lock ignition. Done.

Full Tilt Down








Full Tilt Up


Filed to taper sides and create the peaked top.

[treetopflyer910]

Dead thread, I know, but this should be a sticky somewhere? Great info & photos...just what I needed when I needed it. Any source for replacement CLIPS that hold the housing to the column?

[jeepman42]

clip for column indicator '84,85

Used a flattened picture hanger app. 1/16 thick, 3/8 wide 1"long. Tapered last3/8" to make finding hole(slot) easier . Hope this helps

[kilroy26]

By these photos it looks like the lower finger and the indicator face are the same length.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AMC-JEEP-Tilt-Automatic-Steering-Column-w-cruise-76-86-CJ7-CJ8-GM-J10-Wagoneer/401467659135?hash=item5d7956537f:g:gOAAAOSwi5RaRban&vxp=mtr

Any chance you still have any of those gear pointers laying around?

[devildog80]

This guy makes them, and other FSJ hard to find parts.

JohnsonProductionJP.com