# 1960 CC Continental upper steering column bearing **URL:** \ **Category:** PARTS\ **Created:** [August 24, 2025, 9:38pm UTC](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/t/1960-cc-continental-upper-steering-column-bearing/516 "2025-08-24T21:38:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![meisterj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/278dde/32.png) [@meisterj](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/u/meisterj)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2025, 9:38pm UTC](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/t/1960-cc-continental-upper-steering-column-bearing/516/1 "2025-08-24T21:38:10Z")
I’d like to have the chromed tube that houses the steering shaft re-chromed. Not sure I can get the bearing for the shaft out of the tube without damaging it. So, before I potentially ruin it, is a replacement bearing available and if so where/what part number? I’m guessing it’s probably the same as other steering components from late 50s, early 60s boats and not specific to the Continental. ---
**Author:** ![WoodenPony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ba0ec/32.png) [@WoodenPony](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/u/WoodenPony)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2025, 6:57pm UTC](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/t/1960-cc-continental-upper-steering-column-bearing/516/2 "2025-09-30T18:57:48Z")
I am looking to do the same exact thing with the chrome tube on my 1955 Capri. My understanding is **parts can and often must be masked off** prior to re-chroming (electroplating). Masking is a critical step in the metal finishing process, particularly for **selective plating** where you only want the chromium deposited on specific areas. I think the bearing could be left in the tube and masked off - there are various ways this can be achieved with tapes, liquids, wax, etc. The plating shop would know best which to use. ---
**Author:** ![meisterj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/278dde/32.png) [@meisterj](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/u/meisterj)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2025, 8:18pm UTC](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/t/1960-cc-continental-upper-steering-column-bearing/516/3 "2025-09-30T20:18:21Z")
After talking to several restorers, they use a dowel and socket/washer that is close to the inside diameter of the tube to pound out the bearing, and pound it back in after plating the tube. I did this to remove it, and it came out fairly easily, without obvious damage. The parts are at the plater. However, I believe I have identified the bearing, from an old ford steering column. I’ve ordered one to confirm one way or the other. If it’s correct, I’ll post the link. ---
**Author:** ![WoodenPony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ba0ec/32.png) [@WoodenPony](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/u/WoodenPony)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2025, 8:40pm UTC](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/t/1960-cc-continental-upper-steering-column-bearing/516/4 "2025-09-30T20:40:46Z")
Great tip - thank you for sharing - and best wishes with the restoration! ---
**Author:** ![meisterj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/278dde/32.png) [@meisterj](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/u/meisterj)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2025, 1:18pm UTC](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/t/1960-cc-continental-upper-steering-column-bearing/516/5 "2025-10-11T13:18:56Z")
It’s bearing C3DZ-3517-A. Google it, available multiple places. I got mine from Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts for about $10 plus shipping. ---
**Author:** ![WoodenPony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ba0ec/32.png) [@WoodenPony](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/u/WoodenPony)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2025, 6:32pm UTC](https://forum.oldboatshome.com/t/1960-cc-continental-upper-steering-column-bearing/516/6 "2025-10-11T18:32:01Z")
Awesome - thanks for the info. BTW - I got my bearing out easy-peasy following your tip - first soaked the bearing end with PB Blaster penetrating oil for couple nights and inserted a dowel slightly smaller than the diameter of the tube into the other end and slid it down - the bearing popped right out!