i have just recently purchased a 1978 buick electra limited 4 door V8 403 6.6 liter that has been sitting for thirty years in a garage. theres some problems but here are the main two. the gas pedal has zero tension. its straight to the ground and i pick it up it just flops back down. someone tried to break into the car but failed and now there is a big hole on the side of the steering column. it cannot be started with a key but by doing something with a screwdriver in the hole. im not sure what or how thats just what the owner did to start it for me. i dont wanna take out the entire steering column assembly i just wanna fix what i can from inside the car. provided is a photo and a video link showing the two issues. hopefully someone can help me with my issues. thanks


video:

 

If you can locate a GM vehicle in a salvage yard with a similar steering column set up , (Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile ) that would be the better way to tackle this. You are going to need some special tools to handle the tilt wheel section and it would be a good idea to do some homework on this first. Sorry no shortcuts here.

 

i have already done that and i do have the tools to do this i just need to know if theres any way to get the housing off or if i have to work and get all the middle parts out to replace the housing and "wire" because i do not know what i am missing that is not making it start.

 

First, I don't even know if you can purchase the needed parts for that year. Have you checked if they are available for purchase?

Second,,,,,You just need power going to the + side of the coil when the key is on and the starter is operating.
Next , Did you check if you have spark?
I believe the vehicle has a carburetor. Are you sure fuel is getting up to the carb?
These are basic checks, let us know if any are absent.

 

the car runs beautifully starts right up with the screwdriver jammed in somewhere in that hole with the key in the ignition but i dont wanna do that everytime i wanna start the car so im trying to repair the steering column completely and yes i have another steering column im using for parts for this car. thanks for the information about the power going to the coil ill see what i can do