Steering Column Question

Did you remove the "C" clip at the top of the steering shaft, right above the hub?

If you remove the old ignition section, you'll have some ugly holes in the shaft in several places within view - better to get an early Beetle column at a salvage yard for a few bucks (if you can even find an old Beetle column!!)

Slightly related, are the steering columns marked in any manner, to determine the year? My pan is a 73' Super. I'd like to replace the column, but not sue what would fit.  My beam  is from a later model  '69+, not sure if this enters into the equations.

Art

"Slightly related, are the steering columns marked in any manner, to determine the year?

No, just the model differences between a pre-'65 or so and what came after with the locking column in several variations.

"My pan is a 73' Super. I'd like to replace the column, but not sure what would fit.  My beam  is from a later model  '69+, not sure if this enters into the equations."

Nope - as far as I know, the steering shafts at the flex (rag) joint are interchangeable.    I would opt for the later, collapsing steering shaft but closely inspect it for any cracks in the collapse cage.  That shaft will fit the earlier column but I can't remember if you'll need the early or late bearing at the top of the column - the later one is slightly different but I think the ID/OD are the same (make sure you use the nylon spacers with the later one to make it fit properly).

Also, Al Merklin installs some sort of hard vinyl bushing at the bottom of the column to keep the shaft centered.  It's something easy to find for a different application, but I can't remember what.  I don't use them, just make sure the column and shaft are installed straight and you probably won't need it.

Gn