Steering Column Options

[buildinga55]

I have a 35" GM Tilt column that came with my truck. My steering is all set up for this length column. However, I don't like the looks of this column as it is has the tilt rod and the dimmer rod all exposed on the outside of the column and looks like crap. What other column would be 35" in a standard GM column that would not look so bad and have a smooth steering column? I really don't want to drop $300-400 on one from Ididit or Flaming River. Those are nice, but I can live with GM column. Thanks

[mr48chev]

For just a straight column the 67/72 GM truck columns are pretty clean. A lot of guys run the 80 something GM full size van tilts and standard columns for the same reason. Car columns and later truck columns usually have too much extra stuff hanging off them.

[blackdiesel]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Car columns and later truck columns usually have too much extra stuff hanging off them.

Like the keys,, I like the 70's van columns because of the no key thing. You really need a tilt because you have to run it all the way down, to the lowest setting. The shaft of the column is at a steeper angle in the TF trucks, than the vans. On the other hand, I guess that the stock is streight so if that angle is good for you, than a non-tilt would be also.

[buildinga55]

I was told mine was out of an early 80's van. It has the square kind of area around the turn signal and kinds of wires and rods to make the bright lights work and all. All I need is a tilt and if it has a gear selector, I can cut it off. Don't need cruise, wipers all that stuff.

[ratrodmiller]

I used a 1988 chevy van tilt steering wheel , it worked out good , i built a drop bracket to bring the column down so it wouldnt be so for up and also moved it over to the left some to clear frame and headers.

[ambryatim]

Not to thread jack.....but...I was wondering if a column out of a 92 chevy truck would work??? I like the shifter on the column, keys, dimmer switch and cruise (I have a 5.3L) but I was worried about the length. Havent had a chance to measure it yet, but its a freebee all I have to do is go get it.

[ratrodmiller]

Well. I belive the truck column is too long .the van column is short.

[ambryatim]

I wonder just how much too long the truck column would be??? Could I shorten it some???

[OrrieG]

When I did mine I had a 74 truck column too. Working from memory I think it was at least 2 if no 4 inches longer than the 82 eldorado one I used. It was long enough that it interfered with the ram horn manifold and head. If you are running a six it would not be an issue. If you look at the photos of the cable shift linkage at the firewall in my thread, and imagine the column longer you can see the problem, especially if you are using the column shift.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=134

You can shorten them but it requires complete disassembly and good welding skills because you have to cut and reweld the shaft. I would use a column of the right length before I would trust one that had been cut and rewelded. Once you get it put back together there is no way to check for future problems.

[BlueJeep]

s10 column is shorter and has all the "stuff" on it.

buildinga55, I've read somewhere where people were taking 70's GM columns, cutting the tube off it and welding on a prettier one (with no do-dads and holes). This made them very similar to the aftermarket ones for very little $$$.

[c10addict]

Im thinkin of just gong with a standard "Hot Rod Column" and running a old school turn signal switch and hiding the horn button somewhere else... You can buy the column for $165.00 on e-bay

[BlueJeep]

And speedway has the hot rod columns too, $89 or $99 depending on length for steel ones:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/STEEL-...LUMN,9145.html

[Kabwe]

I like the chevy van columns for the same reasons as blackdiesel. A steering column can be shorten, with my dash mods I will have to really shorten the column a lot. Anyway here is what the van column looks like unpainted with the ugly steering wheel.

[buildinga55]

Still pondering this column situation. Since I am going to use a floor shifter, I really don't think I need the neutral safety switch on the column. I of course want a neutral safety on the truck, I think Lokar makes one for their shifter. So it is looking to me like here are my options, spend big bucks for Ididit or Flaming river, or find an older tilt column with that was for a floor shift and does not have the ignition on the column. I am guessing that brings me to a late 60's early 70's column. I am ultamately wanting a cleaner looking column with out all the stuff you can see attached to it under the dash like the neutral safety switch.

[blackdiesel]

In my 38 coupe I used a late 60's gm tilt from a car. I cut the shifter off, had to shorten it some, and covered it with a piece of ex. tubing, looks like a store bought.

[buildinga55]

That would be cool. One thing I like about messing with this old stuff is learning and figuring out what works and what does not. I am in a stupper about the best and most reasonable route to go on this column. I really hate to spend 300-400 on a column then another 50-75 on a borgeson joint if I can make something work. I already have the correct joint and steering linkage set up for the splined shaft on my column. I am wondering how these guys wire up the neutral safety switch on these GM columns with ignition on the column and have a floor shift. I am sure there is a way. I even thought of getting a column get rid of the shifter and the ignition and put the ignition on the dash. Don't suppose anyone makes new covers for the columns so you did not have to patch all the holes? Just grasping!!!

[pro1955]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

I like the chevy van columns for the same reasons as blackdiesel. A steering column can be shorten, with my dash mods I will have to really shorten the column a lot. Anyway here is what the van column looks like unpainted with the ugly steering wheel.

That's the column I have in my 56, it works well, ugly steering wheel and all.

[buildinga55]

Well I think after some further research I am going to go with the column I found that is very similar to the one you pictured, may be the same one. I think I will get rid of the column shift and the ignition and mount my ignition on the dash. That will get rid of the ugly neutral safety switch on the column and should be able to clean up the column nicely.