F*cking steering colomn

I am replacing the turn signal switch in my 1967 GTO. Floor shift car.
What I am having a problem with, is the way the 3 screws go thru the switch into the upper bearing hub, thru the 3 springs into the locking plate.
I can't seem to get the screws to start into the locking plate. I can get the housing tight and keep the springs in place, but the locking plate in the back will move, then the screws will not catch. I have pulled this thing apart at least 10 times.
What do these 3 springs do? Do I need to reinsatll them?
Any tips, to this.?
I see how the locking bar, will turn clockwise to sit snug left to right, but not backwards and forwards.
Standard colomn, non tilt.
Worst project I have done on this car. And I am 95 % done on the Restoration...:CRY: .. I would imagine that all the GM colomn's are the same.

If you are having problems starting the screws why not get 3 longer screws and 3 nuts run the nuts all the way against the head of the screw. start the longer screws. run the nuts down to compress the springs. then remove the long screws one at a time replacing them with the stock screws.

The screws must go thru the housing also.
What I did was put the housing on, insert the springs on the back of holes, thread the screws thru. Then tighten all three. I used 3 inch masking tape over the housing seam. This now holds the springs tight under the housing, under load in a sense, but you then need to remove the 3 screws...all of them...to fit the bearing hub on, then the switch, then screw all together. What happens is when the screws are removed, the springs push the locking plate away. I can't see how you can remove one at a time.
Am I supposed to fit everything together first? If I could bypass having to remove the screws to fit the switch or the bearing housing on.....

Well with out seeing what you have there I can give you the book answer
#1 Remove steering wheel
#2 Remove cancelling cam and camspring.
#3 Remove turn signal lever.
#4Push in and unscrew hazard warning knob.
#5 Remove turn signal cover.
#6 Unfasten (3 screws) and remove switch.
#7 Disconect turn signal harnes to allow removal of switch. Reverse procedure to complete instalation.
Hope this helps

thanks....I got the same book.
What it doesn't tell you is when you remove the 3 screws the 3 springs come out. Then you need to remove the upper bearing housing.
This project would be alot easier, If I didn't need to reuse those three springs.
The locking plate behind all of this is the key...Once it moves the holes are out of alignment. I can align the switch, the bearing hub, the coloumn housing, and get the screws to go into everything with the 3 springs, but the springs put preassure on the plate, that makes it move.
There has to be a way to secure that plate, I would think.
Thanks for your help. I would just say screw it and buy a new coloumn, but they are 6 weeks for delivery, and $450.00
What do the 3 springs do? Press the housing forward?

I have no pictures to go by. can you use a pc. of thread to hold it together till you get the screws in??? It almost sounds like the springs should be a part of the switch not a seperate items.

Thanks, I will try again tonight.
I had to walk away for a night, very frustrating job, for anyone with big fingers.
The " reverse procedure for install " is a little off. Makes it sound easy.
What about the parts that fall out?