<VV> Running changes, was:: Late model steering box housing numbers

[Mark Corbin]

Actually, for a more accurate description, that should be 1) ‘65 standard column first design, 2) ‘65 tele first design, 3) ‘65 all second design and ‘66 all, and 4) ‘67-9 all. There was a mid ‘65 design change (commonly called “first design/second design” in the GM parts book), commonly known as a running change.

For sake of reference, I once had a late ‘65 with the second design column in it. It had several other running changes on it that are associated by Corvair people as only (supposedly) on ‘66-later cars. Such is the nature of running changes (just ask a ‘60 owner – they can go on for days telling of their changes!) Actually, seems there are very few years that didn’t have at least one running change, when you really get right down to it.

-Mark 

From: 66vairman at comcast.net 
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2014 12:07 PM
To: Sethracer at aol.com 
Cc: scg-list at tiger.skiblack.com ; virtualvairs at corvair.org ; Mark Corbin 
Subject: Re: <VV> Late model steering box housing numbers

Seth:
Thanks for your response.  I am talking specifically steering box here exclusive of the shafts or the internals.  I think all late model boxes have this same 5678921 casting number and are identical for the complete 1965-69 model years.  It is the second and third row numbers that I thought could determine the year and month of production.  I am not sure if these box numbers have ever been discussed in the past by any Corvair group or enthusiast.  If I was given or planned on purchasing an NOS or good used empty late model box, it would be nice to know at least, the year of the box.  
Tom 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sethracer at aol.com
To: 66vairman at comcast.net
Sent: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 02:06:45 -0000 (UTC)
Subject: Re: <VV> Late model steering box housing numbers
Tom - I don't think so, at least not by casting number. To differentiate 
between years, you just have to measure the length of the input shaft off the 
cast box. For 65 and later there are four different lengths. Early 65, early 65 
with Tele Column, 66 and 67-9. - Seth

In a message dated 3/16/2014 6:02:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, 
66vairman at comcast.net writes:
  Hello 
  everyone: 

  Is there any way to determine the year of the 1965 to 1969 
  steering gear boxes. It appears most of them have a casting number of 5678921. 
  Under this number then, is a single digit ( I have a '4' on one and a '9' on 
  the other). Under this number then is a two or three digit number ( I have an 
  '89' on one and a '151' on the other). Is the 2nd row single digit possibly 
  the year of the box? Thanks for your responses. 

  Tom Rahochik 

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