New guy 79 factory 4 speed wagon.

[t5montecarlo]

I don't like the cotter pin; it doesn't have the same side-load strength as the proper clip. When you go to a hardware store to get new steering column bolts, get another linkage clip.

I don't know that bolt size off the top of my head, but I suspect they are metric. Try some other small bolts in the holes, such as one from the gas pedal, to see what fits. One of the column bolts had a sheet metal thread stud on it, but I don't remember what for without looking. It may be to hold the small rubber boot in place that sits at the base of the column.

Dixie Restoration Depot sells the steering column-to-firewall gasket.

It looks like your master cylinder is weeping inside the firewall.

 

[Mighty]

Great info on the gasket and sheet metal stud column bolt. Little details like that are what make these forums super valuable to someone like me. Good eye, the master cylinder was replaced recently too

 

[t5montecarlo]

Didn't get an opportunity to take a photo today and also quite cold. Rain all day tomorrow. I will try on Sunday.

 

[Mighty]

Not a problem. I’ll be in a hurry when I finally get my column back lol

 

[t5montecarlo]

If I lived closer, I would give you a hand with the column.

 

[t5montecarlo]

I took some pictures under the dash. It looks much different from yours, but I don't know why. There may be difference in where the relays are mounted between 1979 and 1986.

The edges of the fuse panel do have additional parts that slide into it. You can see the tabs clearly in the 4th picture. If the large relay is mounted to a piece that slides onto the side, it may be possible to move the attached piece to a different side.

The first image shows where the stud bolt goes which holds the jute in place.

 

[t5montecarlo]

Here is an image of the fuse panel from the 1979 service manual, and it looks the same as my 1986. I don't know why you have such a large component so close to the clutch pedal.

 

[Mighty]

Interesting and thanks for the pictures. I’ll crawl back under there tomorrow and look around again. The driver side kick panel has been off of the car and was taken off by my dad way back when but he couldn’t remember why. He did he never messed with the fuse panel and he thinks he might have had it off to run a wire for the line lock. The drivers side A pillar is also off but he thinks he took that off when he had the windshield replaced and the window that someone broke out when they attempted to steal it. The horn isn’t even hooked up but I tested it and it still works. I might just pull the relay unless that will cause issues?

 

[t5montecarlo]

First, compare your fuse panel to the the image from the 1979 service manual and determine what that relay is for.

There is another panel for the relays and buzzers near the parking break release; I think it is called the Convenience Center. I am not sure if the horn relay is there or if it is in the left kick panel.

The 1979 service manual doesn't include the wiring supplement. I have a 1982 wiring supplement. Here is the drawing showing where the horn relay is located. It is somewhere tucked up high on the left side behind the dash.

 

[Mighty]

Crawled back under tonight and was looking at the “loom” I guess you would call it? That I have circled in the photo that you posted. I’m probably going to pull the big metal bracket back off that goes just above the steering column and look around. I had it off to get a little better access to the speedometer cable. Get it out of the way and compare what I see to your pictures.