I'm working on a '79 project car that I'm hoping to turn into a little street rod. Nothing too crazy, but a nice ride. I'm having trouble getting the steering column out thought. I've got everything under the dash loose (2 suspending nuts; plastic cover; 4 fire wall bolts) However the steering column will still not break free in the engine bay. Also...what the heck is the dang bracket coming off the steering column just outside the fire wall for?

 

Probably rusted together inside the slip joint splines. You can pull it apart at the rag joint to get it out, and then once it's out you can get it upside down and spray penetrant into the splined joint to get the splines freed up. If that doesn't do it, then it might need some heat and penetrant to free the slip joint.

 

Yeah I was thinking ill try heat and penetrating oil. I guess I'm pulling the whole shebang out! Any idea what the bracket is for?!

 

been too long since I've seen one. If you could post a picture it might jog my memory. I don't remember a "bracket". I remember an arm that attached to the trans linkage to make the indicator on the dash move, if it's a console equipped car.

 

That's what I figured he was he's talking about. Btw, with a manny tranny (has no column shift indicator) that arm acts as a neutral safety interlock to prevent the key from turning if the shifter is in gear.