Tilt Column Swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dooce · 01-07-2009, 08:44 PM

I just did a search but couldn't find any definite answers. I am looking to swap my non-tilt column for a tilt version. I have a 76, what years are are direct swap. Meaning I do not want to be cutting and splicing wires, or hunting down other parts that I will be needing. it will be going in my '76 1/2 factory 4 speed, if that matters. Thanks

72 CustomCamper · 01-08-2009, 12:50 AM

73-83 will be the best to swap in. In 84 they moved the high beam switch and the wiper switch to the column...

Chuck

dooce · 01-08-2009, 01:10 AM

Yeah, I saw that mentioned many times. Does anyone know what years are going to be a bolt in replacement? Or is it going to be 73-83?

72 CustomCamper · 01-08-2009, 02:39 AM

The 73-83 column is a direct bolt in swap. 84-87 is also a bolt in, but the 2 switches are different. Basicly any column from a square body style will be a bolt in swap...

dooce · 01-08-2009, 02:48 AM

What two switches are you referring to? Thanks for all the info.

*78 Chevyrado* · 01-08-2009, 03:05 AM

Beat again by mere seconds....

72 CustomCamper · 01-08-2009, 03:04 AM

The high beam switch and the wiper switch...

*78 Chevyrado* · 01-08-2009, 03:04 AM

84 on up will have the wiper control and high-beam switch on the turn signal lever, instead of on the dash and floor respectively.

dooce · 01-08-2009, 03:22 AM

Ahh, that makes sense. Thanks

James McClure · 01-08-2009, 05:06 AM

Gentelmen, let us not forget most tilt wheel colunms were for colunm shift. If you have a manual trans your going to have to do something with the shift bowl. I have an 84 with a manual trans and had to use parts from 3 or 4 colunms to get it right. I have over 30 years w\Chevrolet and the tilt wheel mechanism is not for the weak hearted. You'll need a few special tools too if you have to tear it down. jim

vtwinsport · 01-08-2009, 09:10 AM

For what its worth, my 76 had a column put in it by the previous owner from an 82. The harness connector coming down from the 82 column did not match up to the 76 harness (fuse panel side). They had used some jumper to make them meet but it didn't allow for the horn to work. In the end I had to salvage a column harness from a wrecked 76 and solder it into place on the 82 column using a wiring guide to make it all work. Everything works including the horn but it was 6 hour job.

bigblock73 · 01-08-2009, 09:39 AM

vtwinsport is correct, the column harness plug ins changed...saying all 73-83 columns are a direct bolt-in is not entirely accurate.

I do not know what the break down on plug ins is either.

dooce · 01-08-2009, 11:04 AM

Okay, thats what I was afraid of. What is the actual name of the connector?

dooce · 01-08-2009, 11:06 AM

James, I am getting a tilt wheel from a factory manual trans truck to go into a factory manual trans truck. Will I run into any problems?

**N2TRUX** · 01-08-2009, 11:21 AM

Jeff is correct. There were at least two changes between 73-83 for the harness and plug. There were also changes in the intermediate shaft, so it may "bolt in" but it won't match the splines.

There was a guy on eBay that specialized in 73-87 columns. I can't find his user name but it was something like column specialist. He would build a column exactly the way you wanted with fresh parts inside.

Jeff- Do you know who I am referring to?

bigblock73 · 01-08-2009, 11:30 AM

steeringcolumnologist was his user name Ken (name was Randy I believe), I don't think he is on there much any longer. I got my 4 speed tilt and intermediate shaft from him. Great deal and great guy.

**tkeduk8r** · 01-08-2009, 05:43 PM

If you want to go from a 77-83 column to a 73-76 cab, all you have to do is change the pin placement on the female connector (cab harness). Its real easy, just take a jewelers flat head screwdriver and carefully remove the metal wire end from the connector and move it to another port on the female connector that lines up witht e appropriate wire on the columns male connector. I did this in my 74 and worked perfect. IIRC the colors of the wires were consistent from 73-83, so you may not even need a wire diagram.. I did have a 78 and 74 truck service manuals when I did it, but I dont remember analyzing them for long... hope that helps...
--Mike

dooce · 01-09-2009, 12:58 AM

so 73-76 columns is what I will be looking for? I have a buddy back home who has one from a 73 that I could get, but don't want to pay to have it shipped over here if it is not correct. Thanks

**tkeduk8r** · 01-09-2009, 05:22 PM

Yup 73-76 would be the easiest....
--Mike

01-07-2009, 08:44 PM	#1
dooce Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tinker, OK Posts: 369	Tilt Column Swap I just did a search but couldn't find any definite answers. I am looking to swap my non-tilt column for a tilt version. I have a 76, what years are are direct swap. Meaning I do not want to be cutting and splicing wires, or hunting down other parts that I will be needing. it will be going in my '76 1/2 factory 4 speed, if that matters. Thanks __________________ 1976 Chevy 1/2T 2wd SWB 327/Saginaw 4spd 3.73:1 LQ4 6.0/T56 Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772071 LFSalleeII@gmail.com

01-08-2009, 12:50 AM	#2
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Re: Tilt Column Swap 73-83 will be the best to swap in. In 84 they moved the high beam switch and the wiper switch to the column... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

01-08-2009, 01:10 AM	#3
dooce Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tinker, OK Posts: 369	Re: Tilt Column Swap Yeah, I saw that mentioned many times. Does anyone know what years are going to be a bolt in replacement? Or is it going to be 73-83? __________________ 1976 Chevy 1/2T 2wd SWB 327/Saginaw 4spd 3.73:1 LQ4 6.0/T56 Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772071 LFSalleeII@gmail.com

01-08-2009, 02:39 AM	#4
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Re: Tilt Column Swap The 73-83 column is a direct bolt in swap. 84-87 is also a bolt in, but the 2 switches are different. Basicly any column from a square body style will be a bolt in swap... __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

01-08-2009, 02:48 AM	#5
dooce Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tinker, OK Posts: 369	Re: Tilt Column Swap What two switches are you referring to? Thanks for all the info. __________________ 1976 Chevy 1/2T 2wd SWB 327/Saginaw 4spd 3.73:1 LQ4 6.0/T56 Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772071 LFSalleeII@gmail.com

01-08-2009, 03:05 AM	#6
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Tilt Column Swap Beat again by mere seconds....

01-08-2009, 03:04 AM	#7
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Re: Tilt Column Swap The high beam switch and the wiper switch... __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

01-08-2009, 03:04 AM	#8
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Tilt Column Swap 84 on up will have the wiper control and high-beam switch on the turn signal lever, instead of on the dash and floor respectively.

01-08-2009, 03:22 AM	#9
dooce Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tinker, OK Posts: 369	Re: Tilt Column Swap Ahh, that makes sense. Thanks __________________ 1976 Chevy 1/2T 2wd SWB 327/Saginaw 4spd 3.73:1 LQ4 6.0/T56 Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772071 LFSalleeII@gmail.com

01-08-2009, 05:06 AM	#10
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: Tilt Column Swap Gentelmen, let us not forget most tilt wheel colunms were for colunm shift. If you have a manual trans your going to have to do something with the shift bowl. I have an 84 with a manual trans and had to use parts from 3 or 4 colunms to get it right. I have over 30 years w\Chevrolet and the tilt wheel mechanism is not for the weak hearted. You'll need a few special tools too if you have to tear it down. jim __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.

01-08-2009, 09:10 AM	#11
vtwinsport Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: edmonton, alberta Posts: 293	Re: Tilt Column Swap For what its worth, my 76 had a column put in it by the previous owner from an 82. The harness connector coming down from the 82 column did not match up to the 76 harness (fuse panel side). They had used some jumper to make them meet but it didn't allow for the horn to work. In the end I had to salvage a column harness from a wrecked 76 and solder it into place on the 82 column using a wiring guide to make it all work. Everything works including the horn but it was 6 hour job. __________________ 76 Silverado, 2wd, long box, 350/th350, 3.42 posi, edelbrock performer 64cc heads, edelbrock 1405, 2101 intake, Hedman Headers, Comp Cam XE262 http://beerbreadbike.wordpress.com/

01-08-2009, 09:39 AM	#12
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Tilt Column Swap vtwinsport is correct, the column harness plug ins changed...saying all 73-83 columns are a direct bolt-in is not entirely accurate. I do not know what the break down on plug ins is either. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

01-08-2009, 11:04 AM	#13
dooce Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tinker, OK Posts: 369	Re: Tilt Column Swap Okay, thats what I was afraid of. What is the actual name of the connector? __________________ 1976 Chevy 1/2T 2wd SWB 327/Saginaw 4spd 3.73:1 LQ4 6.0/T56 Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772071 LFSalleeII@gmail.com

01-08-2009, 11:06 AM	#14
dooce Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tinker, OK Posts: 369	Re: Tilt Column Swap James, I am getting a tilt wheel from a factory manual trans truck to go into a factory manual trans truck. Will I run into any problems? __________________ 1976 Chevy 1/2T 2wd SWB 327/Saginaw 4spd 3.73:1 LQ4 6.0/T56 Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772071 LFSalleeII@gmail.com

01-08-2009, 11:21 AM	#15
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Tilt Column Swap Jeff is correct. There were at least two changes between 73-83 for the harness and plug. There were also changes in the intermediate shaft, so it may "bolt in" but it won't match the splines. There was a guy on eBay that specialized in 73-87 columns. I can't find his user name but it was something like column specialist. He would build a column exactly the way you wanted with fresh parts inside. Jeff- Do you know who I am referring to? __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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01-08-2009, 11:30 AM	#16
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Tilt Column Swap steeringcolumnologist was his user name Ken (name was Randy I believe), I don't think he is on there much any longer. I got my 4 speed tilt and intermediate shaft from him. Great deal and great guy. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

01-08-2009, 05:43 PM	#17
tkeduk8r Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Alexandria, MN Posts: 1,462	Re: Tilt Column Swap If you want to go from a 77-83 column to a 73-76 cab, all you have to do is change the pin placement on the female connector (cab harness). Its real easy, just take a jewelers flat head screwdriver and carefully remove the metal wire end from the connector and move it to another port on the female connector that lines up witht e appropriate wire on the columns male connector. I did this in my 74 and worked perfect. IIRC the colors of the wires were consistent from 73-83, so you may not even need a wire diagram.. I did have a 78 and 74 truck service manuals when I did it, but I dont remember analyzing them for long... hope that helps... --Mike __________________ 63 C20 2WD, 230/SM420/4.11 73K 68 C30 dump truck, 327,SM425,4.56 66K original 68 C10 2WD SWB Stepper, 250/3-tree/3.73 66K.... Wifes 68 Buick Skylark Custom Conv., 350/TH400/2.56 In our family since '79 69 GMC 1500 SWB 2WD, 350/TH350/3.73 posi... 70 K10 SWB 4X4 4-sp,ps, pb, tilt, buckets, console, sliding back window (Need AC parts) WIP 72 Chevy K20 4x4 350/350/205/4.56 donor 72 Vette 350/M21/3.70 posi, triple black and super fast 84 Olds Cutlass Brougham 350/2004r/4.11 was Dad's

01-09-2009, 12:58 AM	#18
dooce Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tinker, OK Posts: 369	Re: Tilt Column Swap so 73-76 columns is what I will be looking for? I have a buddy back home who has one from a 73 that I could get, but don't want to pay to have it shipped over here if it is not correct. Thanks __________________ 1976 Chevy 1/2T 2wd SWB 327/Saginaw 4spd 3.73:1 LQ4 6.0/T56 Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772071 LFSalleeII@gmail.com

01-09-2009, 05:22 PM	#19
tkeduk8r Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Alexandria, MN Posts: 1,462	Re: Tilt Column Swap Yup 73-76 would be the easiest.... --Mike __________________ 63 C20 2WD, 230/SM420/4.11 73K 68 C30 dump truck, 327,SM425,4.56 66K original 68 C10 2WD SWB Stepper, 250/3-tree/3.73 66K.... Wifes 68 Buick Skylark Custom Conv., 350/TH400/2.56 In our family since '79 69 GMC 1500 SWB 2WD, 350/TH350/3.73 posi... 70 K10 SWB 4X4 4-sp,ps, pb, tilt, buckets, console, sliding back window (Need AC parts) WIP 72 Chevy K20 4x4 350/350/205/4.56 donor 72 Vette 350/M21/3.70 posi, triple black and super fast 84 Olds Cutlass Brougham 350/2004r/4.11 was Dad's

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