'56 gear shift selector bushings

[tbaker1]

I need to know where the gear shift selector bushings for a standard steering column goes. They aren't shown in the '56 manual but are just mentioned. I've removed the steering wheel and looked everywhere inside but there is no sign of the old bushings. The gear shift is very hard to move. I have used oil and sprays on the selector and all inside the upper shaft but that didn't work either. Also if all else fails, is it possible to find a new steering column that fits?

[Larry]

I am not familiar with the rubber bushings you are referring to. Any more info to share about them?

I assume by "steering gear" you are referring to the steering gear box assy. If so, not much luck on interchangability.

If you have standard steering, only the '56 Pontiac unit fits. Although the '55 Pontiac will interchange with drilling new holes in the frame.

If you have power steering, only the '56 Pontiac unit fits.

There are no interchanges with any other GM cars either.

The above is all as shown in the Hollander Interchange Manuals.

[tbaker1]

Thanks for the reply. I have standard steering on the '56 and what I should have been more specific about is replacing the whole steering column with another model vehicle if possible, if it fits of course. For instance, I have a catalog of tri- five chevy parts from Danchuk that has brand new steering columns but I don't know if one would fit a Pontiac. The other parts are the gear shift selector bushings and the selector rod bushing. Where these bushings go on the column is not in the manual. As a long shot I wanted to see if any member replaced any of the above.

[Larry]

I apologize for my questioning the "steering gear" reference. I was corn-fused. That termonology was from Hollander, not your original question.

Unfortunately, it doesn't change the answer. I double checked Hollander and the '56 Pontiac is the only one interchangeable (with itself).

Now about the bushings.... I hope I am reading that correctly. Check the 1956 Pontiac Service Manual information below (especially Figure 7-12). I don't know if it is that same Service Manual you are referring to mentioning but not showing the bushings. I hope it helps. If not, just yell and I'll check somewhere else in the manual for you. I checked the 1955 manual, and it has about the same info as the '56 does.

One day we will have all these manuals posted in our On-Line Reference Manual Library. Lots of work, but we'll keep plugging away at it.

This 1956 manual is thanks to Jeff Redhage of Sullivan, Missouri who picked it up at Norwalk a couiple of weeks ago (along with a '55 and '57 manual) and donated them to this project. THANKS!