Converting a tilt-auto column - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*FormerMember* · 11-08-2005, 09:41 AM

Ok, I have a tilt auto column. I have an auto transmission, but I plan to use a Lokar shifter.

Either I need to trade for a manual tilt column (does one exist?) or I need to remove the shifter arm and clean it up.

How does one make an auto column a manual?

Tx Firefighter · 11-08-2005, 10:31 AM

The floor shift, tilt columns were available, but are definitely the rarest of the rare nowdays. You do occasionally see one on the parts board though.

**Yukon Jack** · 11-08-2005, 10:44 AM

The auto columns are very easy to convert. Here is a link to pictures of the one I have done for the 69 which is a four on the floor. I looked for a manual tilt for a while, but like said above, they are rare and when you do find one, get out the $$.

Auto Tilt to Manual Tilt

The material grinds off real easily and then it is just a matter of smoothing it out. I took a beer can and cut a couple pieces to use as patchs. I put them under the areas that needed to be filled in and then used JB Weld to secure them. Then ground it all smooth and the body shop took care of getting it ready for paint.

**Palf70Step** · 11-08-2005, 11:01 AM

That was nice work Yukon. Definitely worth remembering.

Putter · 11-08-2005, 11:15 AM

Looks like you ate okay that night, too.

6 of those things???????

**Yukon Jack** · 11-08-2005, 01:27 PM

That's pretty funny, that must be a picture from when I was over at the body shop, cause I don't have a work bench like that and don't remember eating any of those sure to be yummy steaks.

Americanrider · 11-09-2005, 05:37 AM

So what did you do to the bottom end? Just cut off the shift tab and cover the hole up? Manual steering columns have the little curved tab that bolts over this opening, I was thinking of using that.

**Yukon Jack** · 11-09-2005, 10:58 AM

I just cut that part off and didn't make a cover. Probably should have but honestly didn't even think about how that should actually look if it were actually a manual tilt column. My K5 has a non-tilt column for a four on the floor, I will have to look at it to see if I can do something simple to clean that up.

11-08-2005, 09:41 AM	#1
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Converting a tilt-auto column Ok, I have a tilt auto column. I have an auto transmission, but I plan to use a Lokar shifter. Either I need to trade for a manual tilt column (does one exist?) or I need to remove the shifter arm and clean it up. How does one make an auto column a manual?

11-08-2005, 10:31 AM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Converting a tilt-auto column The floor shift, tilt columns were available, but are definitely the rarest of the rare nowdays. You do occasionally see one on the parts board though. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-08-2005, 10:44 AM	#3
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Converting a tilt-auto column The auto columns are very easy to convert. Here is a link to pictures of the one I have done for the 69 which is a four on the floor. I looked for a manual tilt for a while, but like said above, they are rare and when you do find one, get out the $$. Auto Tilt to Manual Tilt The material grinds off real easily and then it is just a matter of smoothing it out. I took a beer can and cut a couple pieces to use as patchs. I put them under the areas that needed to be filled in and then used JB Weld to secure them. Then ground it all smooth and the body shop took care of getting it ready for paint. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 Last edited by Yukon Jack; 11-08-2005 at 10:46 AM.

11-08-2005, 11:01 AM	#4
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: Converting a tilt-auto column That was nice work Yukon. Definitely worth remembering. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

11-08-2005, 11:15 AM	#5
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Re: Converting a tilt-auto column Looks like you ate okay that night, too. 6 of those things??????? Attached Images __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket** Last edited by Putter; 11-08-2005 at 11:16 AM.

11-08-2005, 01:27 PM	#6
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Converting a tilt-auto column That's pretty funny, that must be a picture from when I was over at the body shop, cause I don't have a work bench like that and don't remember eating any of those sure to be yummy steaks. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

11-09-2005, 05:37 AM	#7
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	Re: Converting a tilt-auto column So what did you do to the bottom end? Just cut off the shift tab and cover the hole up? Manual steering columns have the little curved tab that bolts over this opening, I was thinking of using that. Attached Images

11-09-2005, 10:58 AM	#8
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Converting a tilt-auto column I just cut that part off and didn't make a cover. Probably should have but honestly didn't even think about how that should actually look if it were actually a manual tilt column. My K5 has a non-tilt column for a four on the floor, I will have to look at it to see if I can do something simple to clean that up. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

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