What is The Deal With Van Tilt ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72MARIO · 11-30-2002, 01:42 PM

Does the coloum fit ? I have a shaft from a original auto . But do you still need to shorten the shaft ? Thanks to the person who clears this up for me!

**Classic Heartbeat** · 11-30-2002, 01:56 PM

You will have to shorten the shaft. Most people just drill out the nylon pins so the lower piece will collapce in itself and run them that way. You should also relocate the nutral safety switch to the bottom of the column so your wires will reach it. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

the binder · 12-02-2002, 03:28 AM

i started the day attempting to install my van column and found it to be a bit of work,i drilled out the nylon bushings that leaves you with less crash cushion, the neutral switch i think can be used
in the upper position if you move the brake push rod to the other side of the foot lever, otherwise how much work is it to cut a new hole?

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-02-2002, 08:23 AM

I believe that you are better off making the hole and welding a tab onto the shift column. It is not that difficult. Moving the brake rod may cause some misalignment and binding. Also, the wiring may be a problem.

There is a magazine article on this site:

www.geocities.com/sshevnock/home.html

If you click on the link, once you get the home page, click on the magazine tech articles. Swapping out a van column is the first item.

Jim

VDOG · 12-02-2002, 08:16 PM

What year van column did you use? If you don't mind me asking?
I use a 76 or 77 chevy van coulmn on my truck. It installed without any trouble. I had to add a part for the netural saftey switch. But other than that, it bolted right in.

VDOG · 12-02-2002, 08:18 PM

Also, it does not have to be those years, 76 or 77. My father-in-law has an 83 chevy van, and his ignition is on the dash, not the column. Thats what you are looking for, dash start.

the binder · 12-03-2002, 03:58 AM

you said you added a part is there a different netural safty switch i can use ?and i am not thrilled about taking apart my tilt mechanism,i dont know the year of the van i was to excited that i found one.

DanoDMano · 12-03-2002, 01:33 PM

That is a great link JimKshortstep4x4 !!
All kinds of cool stuff......

VDOG · 12-03-2002, 06:40 PM

you said you added a part is there a different netural safty switch i can use ?

The shaft in the middle of the column is what I had to change.
Some trucks/cars have the netrual saftey switch on the transmission instead of the steering column.
So the part that looks like a half circle, that sits on the column will not work on trans netrual switchies. On the shaft, of or truck columns, there is a piece of metal that sticks up. When you put your truck in gear, this piece moves the switch and tells the truck which gear you are in. P.R.N.D.1.2.

Southpa · 12-03-2002, 09:14 PM

When I installed my van tilt column I found the brake pedal arm was also hitting the neutral safety switch. I solved the problem by cutting about 1/2" off the end of the switch w/ a hacksaw. Works fine now! Sure I'm nutz...whats yer point?

**PICKMUP** · 12-03-2002, 09:39 PM

That article by Bill Turner has some errors, so don't swear by it. His articles on 67-72 GM trucks have all seemed to be a little off. There is some much better and more accurate info on this board...like on this thread.

Rod · 12-03-2002, 09:44 PM

I used the van neutral safety.... just cut out a hole in same place as a truck column.... then I drilled a hole in the inner tube for the prong from the van switch to go into.... had the make an adapter for the plug as the two neutral safety switches usediffernbt plug for the nuetral safety.
If you use the trucks neutral safety then you would have to weld a tab to the tube fir the for the trucks neutral safety.

11-30-2002, 01:42 PM	#1
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	What is The Deal With Van Tilt ? Does the coloum fit ? I have a shaft from a original auto . But do you still need to shorten the shaft ? Thanks to the person who clears this up for me! __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

11-30-2002, 01:56 PM	#2
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	You will have to shorten the shaft. Most people just drill out the nylon pins so the lower piece will collapce in itself and run them that way. You should also relocate the nutral safety switch to the bottom of the column so your wires will reach it. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

12-02-2002, 08:23 AM	#4
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	I believe that you are better off making the hole and welding a tab onto the shift column. It is not that difficult. Moving the brake rod may cause some misalignment and binding. Also, the wiring may be a problem. There is a magazine article on this site: www.geocities.com/sshevnock/home.html If you click on the link, once you get the home page, click on the magazine tech articles. Swapping out a van column is the first item. Jim Last edited by JimKshortstep4x4; 12-02-2002 at 08:27 AM.

12-03-2002, 01:33 PM	#8
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	That is a great link JimKshortstep4x4 !! All kinds of cool stuff...... __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

12-03-2002, 09:14 PM	#10
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	When I installed my van tilt column I found the brake pedal arm was also hitting the neutral safety switch. I solved the problem by cutting about 1/2" off the end of the switch w/ a hacksaw. Works fine now! Sure I'm nutz...whats yer point? __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

12-02-2002, 03:28 AM	#3
the binder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: monrovia,ca Posts: 14	i started the day attempting to install my van column and found it to be a bit of work,i drilled out the nylon bushings that leaves you with less crash cushion, the neutral switch i think can be used in the upper position if you move the brake push rod to the other side of the foot lever, otherwise how much work is it to cut a new hole?

12-02-2002, 08:16 PM	#5
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	What year van column did you use? If you don't mind me asking? I use a 76 or 77 chevy van coulmn on my truck. It installed without any trouble. I had to add a part for the netural saftey switch. But other than that, it bolted right in.

12-02-2002, 08:18 PM	#6
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Also, it does not have to be those years, 76 or 77. My father-in-law has an 83 chevy van, and his ignition is on the dash, not the column. Thats what you are looking for, dash start.

12-03-2002, 03:58 AM	#7
the binder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: monrovia,ca Posts: 14	you said you added a part is there a different netural safty switch i can use ?and i am not thrilled about taking apart my tilt mechanism,i dont know the year of the van i was to excited that i found one.

12-03-2002, 06:40 PM	#9
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	you said you added a part is there a different netural safty switch i can use ? The shaft in the middle of the column is what I had to change. Some trucks/cars have the netrual saftey switch on the transmission instead of the steering column. So the part that looks like a half circle, that sits on the column will not work on trans netrual switchies. On the shaft, of or truck columns, there is a piece of metal that sticks up. When you put your truck in gear, this piece moves the switch and tells the truck which gear you are in. P.R.N.D.1.2.

12-03-2002, 09:39 PM	#11
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,158	SOME ERRORS That article by Bill Turner has some errors, so don't swear by it. His articles on 67-72 GM trucks have all seemed to be a little off. There is some much better and more accurate info on this board...like on this thread. __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170 Last edited by PICKMUP; 12-03-2002 at 11:23 PM.

12-03-2002, 09:44 PM	#12
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	I used the van neutral safety.... just cut out a hole in same place as a truck column.... then I drilled a hole in the inner tube for the prong from the van switch to go into.... had the make an adapter for the plug as the two neutral safety switches usediffernbt plug for the nuetral safety. If you use the trucks neutral safety then you would have to weld a tab to the tube fir the for the trucks neutral safety. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

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