The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 47-55.1 Steering column replacement advice

**mr48chev** · 08-02-2022, 01:23 PM

The problem is is that isn't the 75/81 GM Van column that everyone wants, it is the later Key switch van column. The loose column is moving the switch rod and triggering the switch that is down on the side of the column. 75/81 vans still had the ignition switch in the dash and that is what makes those years of van columns desirable for older trucks. No ugly key switch, no ugly dimmer switch on the column and very clean lines.

This is a 75/81 Van ignition switch. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=520338

This is an ebay link to a 73/80 tilt https://www.ebay.com/itm/30442935724...0AAOSwsJJiTNus

I'm thinking your column must be 82 and up. You could go up a few more years and get a column with the proper shift quadrant already on it plus your key on the column.

This is a link to an 89 van column on Ebay and they are kind of bulky ugly and cluttered in comparison to a 79 column. https://www.ebay.com/itm/17531769093...0AAOSwDEtiqIwJ

Here's a 2012 thread covering a 78 Tilt column rework. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=520338

I've tightened up an untold number (or same one several times) of GM tilt columns that my wife messed up by pulling herself forward so she could reach the ignition switch. That was in cars and mostly Cadillacs. I never had to replace anything but even locktite on the screws doesn't keep her from tearing them up. Her VW doesn't have a tilt so she doesn't screw it up.

Flaming river have factory Saginaw Tilt internal parts in their columns. They both have done that since the get go as they are a good design and they build their columns around them.

08-02-2022, 01:23 PM	#11
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,838	Re: Steering column replacement advice The problem is is that isn't the 75/81 GM Van column that everyone wants, it is the later Key switch van column. The loose column is moving the switch rod and triggering the switch that is down on the side of the column. 75/81 vans still had the ignition switch in the dash and that is what makes those years of van columns desirable for older trucks. No ugly key switch, no ugly dimmer switch on the column and very clean lines. This is a 75/81 Van ignition switch. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=520338 This is an ebay link to a 73/80 tilt https://www.ebay.com/itm/30442935724...0AAOSwsJJiTNus I'm thinking your column must be 82 and up. You could go up a few more years and get a column with the proper shift quadrant already on it plus your key on the column. This is a link to an 89 van column on Ebay and they are kind of bulky ugly and cluttered in comparison to a 79 column. https://www.ebay.com/itm/17531769093...0AAOSwDEtiqIwJ Here's a 2012 thread covering a 78 Tilt column rework. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=520338 I've tightened up an untold number (or same one several times) of GM tilt columns that my wife messed up by pulling herself forward so she could reach the ignition switch. That was in cars and mostly Cadillacs. I never had to replace anything but even locktite on the screws doesn't keep her from tearing them up. Her VW doesn't have a tilt so she doesn't screw it up. Flaming river have factory Saginaw Tilt internal parts in their columns. They both have done that since the get go as they are a good design and they build their columns around them. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.