Steering column questions

[wsurf4me]

I have a 58 Apache mounted on a 84 C10 frame. The previous owner had installed an older GM column that is shot, plus it has the key switch. I'd like to replace it with a tilt column with just turn signal, hazard switch and horn. I'm confused on what to look for or order, would it be for a 84 C10 or the 58 Apache? Also are the Speedway columns any good? They're on sale now.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Probably neither. The '70 Chevy van columns are in wide use on our trucks. Also I have no specific experience with Speedway columns but most of the cheaper columns are Chinese made and we've read plenty about dissatisfied customers with those. If you're considering new, consider ididit or Flaming River. Pricey but I've only ever heard good things about them.
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[dubie]

or you can use an early model Camaro tilt column. The van is the most common junk yard donor. I've never used an after market column so I can't really help you with that

[dirtracer81_2]

Originally Posted by wsurf4me

I have a 58 Apache mounted on a 84 C10 frame. The previous owner had installed an older GM column that is shot, plus it has the key switch. I'd like to replace it with a tilt column with just turn signal, hazard switch and horn. I'm confused on what to look for or order, would it be for a 84 C10 or the 58 Apache? Also are the Speedway columns any good? They're on sale now.

Hey will you be my friend??? haha. Id just like to see more pictures of what your truck looks like. Im using an 81 frame and everybody makes a big deal about them but if thats yours in your pic it looks awesome.

[wsurf4me]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Probably neither. The '70 Chevy van columns are in wide use on our trucks. Also I have no specific experience with Speedway columns but most of the cheaper columns are Chinese made and we've read plenty about dissatisfied customers with those. If you're considering new, consider ididit or Flaming River. Pricey but I've only ever heard good things about them.
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Originally Posted by dubie

or you can use an early model Camaro tilt column. The van is the most common junk yard donor. I've never used an after market column so I can't really help you with that

Thanks, junkyard pickin's are slim to none around here on the old stuff. I'll take a look at the Ididit and Flaming River.

[wsurf4me]

Originally Posted by dirtracer81_2

Hey will you be my friend??? haha. Id just like to see more pictures of what your truck looks like. Im using an 81 frame and everybody makes a big deal about them but if thats yours in your pic it looks awesome.

I bought the truck already mounted on the frame so I don't know how much help I would be. I can snap some pictures of how it's mounted, just send me a pm with a email address.

[mr48chev]

Guys like the Chevy Van column because it is rather slim for a tilt and clean and scab free unlike the car and later truck columns that have the key and are on the fat and bulky side and often don't lend themselves to a clean uncluttered look.

If I was going cheap I'd go with a factory GM tilt and be done with it and go Flaming River or Ididit if I wanted aftermarket. This is one area where you really do have to bite the bullet and spend the money for the good one if you want the aftermarket column as the "cheap" ones are just that and there are a lot of guys who thought they would save a few bucks and get one and ended up throwing it away and buying a good one.

[wsurf4me]

Well I've decided to go with the Ididit tilt column. I'm looking at the old installation and they hacked a hole in the firewall that doesn't even line the column up with the V on the gauges. I'm looking at using the old hole for the column but this will offset it from the gearbox. What's the best way to tie it all together?

[wsurf4me]

I mocked up the old column just to get an idea of the length needed for the Ididit. The old column is 35 inches, looks to me that I should go shorter to keep it out of the way, I'm thinking 30 inches. I assume a couple of universals and a support will get me where I need to be, anyone have any insight on the best way to do this?

[parkwood]

This an Ididit column in a '56. I think i comes through the fire wall a little too far but was what we had to work with. I'm not sure how long it was but like i said i think it could have been at least 3" shorter..

[wsurf4me]

Originally Posted by parkwood

This an Ididit column in a '56. I think i comes through the fire wall a little too far but was what we had to work with. I'm not sure how long it was but like i said i think it could have been at least 3" shorter..

Thanks Parkwood, do you remember how much the column drop was? Did you use the original firewall opening?

[mr48chev]

Good choice. This is one place where spending the extra money for the "good" unit pays off in the long run. One of the things that is universal on all forums for modified vehicles is that the "cheap" tilt aftermarket columns are a way to waste good money as most people have ended up turning around and buying one of the "good" ones after being dissatisfied with the cheap ones.

[parkwood]

Originally Posted by wsurf4me

Thanks Parkwood, do you remember how much the column drop was? Did you use the original firewall opening?

I used the stock column drop, not sure how much it is but around 2-3" and as you can see i welded up the stock hole where the stock column went through and cut a new hole. hope the pictures answer you questions better than i can .

[wsurf4me]

Originally Posted by parkwood

I used the stock column drop, not sure how much it is but around 2-3" and as you can see i welded up the stock hole where the stock column went through and cut a new hole. hope the pictures answer you questions better than i can .

That's perfect, Thanks.

[OrrieG]

I used an 82 Eldorado column. Tilt/telescope, locking column with ignition in the column, shift on the column, etc. Same features as GM columns from the time, but only 32" long so it only goes into the fire wall a couple of inches. Compatible with aftermarket wiring harnesses. You can see it in this photo. This will give you an idea of how a shorter column will fit.

[wsurf4me]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

I used an 82 Eldorado column. Tilt/telescope, locking column with ignition in the column, shift on the column, etc. Same features as GM columns from the time, but only 32" long so it only goes into the fire wall a couple of inches. Compatible with aftermarket wiring harnesses. You can see it in this photo. This will give you an idea of how a shorter column will fit.

Thanks Orrie, I was thinking of going 30" but that may be cutting it a bit close from the looks of your 32". I'll give it another measure tonight, though it's tough to get a really good feel just mocking it up.