Do the two people give any hints?

That'* a weird bit of trivia for two people to know related to a platform that was stamped out by the bajillions with few changes from 1977 through 1990.

No hints. Its been particularly frustrating looking for information for this platform as is. For as many of these cars that were made, information seems to be sparce. At this point, I think Im just going to tear the column out and start taking measurements. Ive been reluctant to do so until I had a replacement column. If I had some measurements, at least I could look at aftermarket stuff.

you could use a 1995 truck column if you wanted
or a 1968-9 ish chevy impala column

its just a matter of matching features/wiring
A 1989 column of most GM platforms would have similar features. If you have an automatic, grab one with the same amount of speeds so the shifter detents are proper
1 1989 most likely doesnt use a cable to shift the gear positions on the trans, should be a direct linkage
A 1989 with different cruise control or wiper options as yours can be made to work, since the stalk just stabs in the column and the wires go to the switch they can be replaced fairly easily

A tilt column isnt necessary but it is nice
You can use your original steering wheel

the cutlass cruiser is a FWD ciera wagon, not a Custom Cruiser which is B body wagon RWD

I imagine the columns are similar, tbh.





Here is a 1988 Cutlass Ciera I used to own. See the gear pattern on the dash? The PRND21 , that means its a 3 speed. If it was a 4 speed, it would have a [D] and either "D" or a "3" next to it , meaning 4 positions for forward movement. Match your donor column in number of speeds.

I have an 88 Ciera sedan also. I found what seemed to be an 84-88 (thats how it was labeled) column, but Im told that something in 89 was different and the 88 column wont fit. I dont have a ton of information to go on, which is why Im hunting. Any ideas what would be different between the 88 and the 89? Different shift linkage, removal of the cable connected to the column for a direct connect or something like that? Controlled by the computer? Just curious what could possibly be different between the two columns.

When you say a 1995 truck column would fit, do you mean from a S10 or full size? Or are both columns the same length. I get the part about matching up the features, which is just going to be electrical stuff. My priority now is to just get the car moving. Things like wipers and cruise I can resolve. Right now i cant even move the car and thats kind of important since its currently sitting in a space that I need for other projects.

It started out as one of those gut feelings that the column needed replaced, but I couldnt explain why. Tightening the tilt bolts was a good idea and certainly easier than replacing the column. Whoever owned this car before me apparently beat the hell out of the car because tightening the bolts made no difference. The repairs Ive had to make to it so far just to get it going again just have me shaking my head about who actually worked on it. At this point, Im just working toward chicken salad instead of chicken sh*t.

This has all been helpful. I appreciate all the feedback

I mean both full size and S10, i was being hyperbolic since the steering wheel wont match, and the amount the column sticks out at you in the cabin would be different. a van column, likewise, will point very steeply upward and stick out compared to the others.

The columns, literally can be adapted to fit just about every application, all it takes is wiring and mating the shafts essentially
A fwd column uses a double u jointed shaft to connect to the steering gear, or uses a D shaped slip-on shaft over a matching D shaped stub on the steering gear

A rwd column almost entirely will have a rag joint between the steering gear and the column

But they can all be made to fit one another.

1988

1989

1989 part one

1989 Part two





The 1989 above is to be compared to the 1988 below


1988

only relevant stuff I can find in the service data:

Ignition Lock Cylinder - On Vehicle

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with Airbags, disable airbag system prior to performing service procedures.

1.Remove turn signal switch as outlined under TURN SIGNAL SWITCH.
2.Remove buzzer switch and spring clip. On 1990-92 models, ignition key must be removed from lock to remove buzzer switch. On 1991-92 models, switch and spring clip are one assembly.
3.Turn lock cylinder to Run position on 1989 models or Lock position on 1990-92 models, then remove lock cylinder retaining screw and the lock cylinder.
4.To install, rotate lock cylinder to the stop while holding housing. Align cylinder key with keyway in housing, then push lock cylinder into housing until fully seated. Lock cylinder must be in Run position to install buzzer switch.
5.Install lock cylinder retaining screw, then the buzzer switch, turn signal switch and steering wheel.

OR

Refer to Figs. 2 and 3 to remove ignition and dimmer switches. On 1985---88 models with tilt column, position ignition switch slider to extreme right for key release feature, one detent to left for park lock feature or two detents to left for all other columns.

1988

1989

I see a GM patent and some other things indicate the possibility of a key release button on the ignition tumbler of the 1989 but not the 1988, that may be relevant.

Thanks for the correction. Going into this thread yesterday I was thinking the FWD one, but then got to looking around and got "Custom" in my head instead of Cutlass.

Either way, they still built bajillions of these with just about the same steering column. The problem is that most of them are long gone, and there are very few salvaged parts of them left anywhere.

I still wonder what is wrong with the current one.

Regarding 89 versus every other year: If someone (or two) are telling you this and can't give any details, I'd discount it. Searching Google pictures for almost 45 seconds, it appears that the steering wheel hub shape can be different, and there are two different button arrangements. Get what matches your car and go with it. Or better yet, get us a picture of what you have and then we can do some pre-searching to help out.