Shortening my column question?

[srziemkowski]

I have my collar with the two screws cut but cant find anything threadwise good for referemce on area TO cut on the main column and to i cut the outside and inner tubes of the column,yes i would assume but some help would be great?

[64shortbox]

Are you talking about moving the Neutral Safety switch further down the column - or actually shorting the column, shift tube & shaft?

[theastronaut]

I've got a thread bookmarked with info on shortening the column on my computer at work, I'll post a link tomorrow. IIRC, it's in Shrunkenstroker's build thread. I'm planning on shortening mine also.
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[Rich 5150 69]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

I've got a thread bookmarked with info on shortening the column on my computer at work, I'll post a link tomorrow. IIRC, it's in Shrunkenstroker's build thread. I'm planning on shortening mine also.
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I think all he did was bump the inner shaft with a hammer, sinse all it is is a collapsible shaft you end up breaking the plastic retainers and slide the shaft up into the column, you can also use a Jeep Cherokee column, as seen here `84 to `90 I believe as they were shorter to begin with, keyed column made by saginaw same as GM the only differance is wiring colors.

[srziemkowski]

Shortening the column itself,the only thing i found on shrunkenstroker's build was already done pictures and where the collar was cut

[srziemkowski]

The shaft is one thing though,the column assembly without the shaft has two tubes

[64shortbox]

I think I see what you mean now. You want to cut the shift bowl & move the column closer to the dashboard? So you will have to cut the column itself to make up for the difference?

[srziemkowski]

I cut the collar with the two screws under the shift bowl three inches,now i have to cut three inches from the column but i was wondering on the inner tube inside the column if it needs to be cut also,but doesnt seem like any other way it could work without being cut because it would be to long so this weekend i guess they both get cut and see how it goes.measured and marked to cut already.

[theastronaut]

Looked up that thread I had bookmarked, it was Shrunken66stroker's build thread. Post 652 and 654 have info on where to cut.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...mn#post4644658

[srziemkowski]

My problem is though astronaut isnt where to cut that collar,its where to cut the main column thats under that collar and the inner tube.

[64shortbox]

I realize you want to shorten the steering column, I'm guessing to get the column closer to the dash. But I don't understand why you want to shorten it. If it's to reloacte the mounting points once it's moved downward closer to the dash - There's a real easy way to do that, all it takes is a grade 8 3/8" X 3/4" long bolt a 3/8" jamb nut and a small 1/4" piece of rubber & a 3/8" drill bit. I got the idea from looking at a 68 C-10, the factory used a locatiing opin and a U strap to hold the column in place. The factory 60-66 column mount will wedge the column tight against the dash. In the first picture you can see where I drilled my locating hole in the column and the 3/8 X 3/4 long bolt with jamb nut installed. The 2nd picture shows the 1/4" thicK rubber pad in place. I punched a 5/8" hole in the ruber to clear the jamb nut. The 3rd picture shows how well the factory column mount wedges the column against the dash. The 4th picture shows my steering U joint and just how far down I shoved my column. The U joint just barely rubs my U joint and one of these days I'll get around to grinding the sheet metal cover a smidge to clear the joint. I'm about the laziest SOB you will ever meet in your life and I WILL find a way to make my task easier.

[srziemkowski]

What is that shaft from?

[64shortbox]

The shaft is from a 74 Chevy C10. If I remember correctly my column was a 3/4" X 36 Spline shaft & the stainless U Joint I got off eBay it's 3/4" X 36 spline one end & 3/4" Double D for the intermediate shaft end. When you get your intermediate shaft once you sit on the ground and smack it to break the plastic pins make sure you slide it up & down until it moves freely. It will help a LOT when you reassemble everything.

[chad64chevy]

i shortened my column, i seen what shrunken66stroker did and i cut the three inches out of it and i have a few pictures i can share! all i got left to do is grind down the welds and paint it!

[srziemkowski]

My issue is what did you do to the inner tube the shaft goes into?

[theastronaut]

I assume that this is an original auto or three speed column and not a later model column? Post some detailed pics of it taken apart (the shift tubes removed) and we'll try to help!

[chad64chevy]

are you talking about the thing that looks like a funnel, thats on the top part of the column shaft? i didnt cut mine, it's only like 6-8 inches long and fits inside the column you cut below that, like "theastronaut" and i have done! post some pictures so we might be able to help you out some, its hard to tell what your actually talking about, thanks!!

[srziemkowski]

Here where the shaft goes through

[srziemkowski]

Does this inner tube have to be cut as well,like i was saying before i would think you would have to.

[theastronaut]

That is the shift tube, right? If so it will have to be cut as well. Find a smooth, straight section to take the material out of it. Make sure you take the exact same amount out of every part, and everthing has to go back together square and flush with the welds ground down for everything to fit together correctly and for the shifter to work properly.

[srziemkowski]

Ok thank you i will do then