the perfect easiest automatic column?

[lasher78]

ok, i have tried using search option to research this topic but only get error messages so sorry this may have been asked a million times. i know alot of us nebies are wondering what the best and easiest automatic column with tilt is to put in our trucks. so everyone chime in on this thread with pics of your automatic tilt column and list any mods that had to be done. maybe we can get a collective thread for reference for everyone wanting to switch columns. i personally am interested in any 66's as i want to know what to look out for at junkyard. thanks in advance...
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[DPowers]

Post #13

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=291299

[lasher78]

tt
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[robber grin]

70's GM van tilt.

Sleeve diameter is nearly the same... (van - 2" / C10 - 1 3/4" {please correct me if I'm wrong}). Pretty sure I saw that in another post on here.

Similar overall structure, slightly longer than needed - so I took it up by shortening and drilling the D-shaft in the lower shaft section.

Firewall mounting the same with tab and clamp, upper mounting was done by welding two 1/4-20 hex nuts to the column sleeve and bolting up to bracket the e-brake cable and column mount too as before.

Van column shift linkage tab worked with my early 80's GM truck factory AT linkage by adding @ 4" to length on the rod that goes down to the transmission. Lower bracket was modified to work on the 62's boxed frame.

The shift lever, tilt lever, turn signal (with or without cruise), flashers all on the column with key on the dash... Close enough to perfect for me.

Let us know what you come up with.
rg

[lasher78]

thanks robber grin...nice pics and info. did you have to mess with nuetral saftey switch?
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[robber grin]

You're welcome...

I will be wiring NS and Back-up Lights to the van column's switch, but haven't started on that yet.

On the mechanical installation side I failed to mention I notched the E-brake/column mounting bracket out on the clutch pedal side (ds) to clear the wider neutral safety switch.

That's as far as I got with it so far.
bob

[lasher78]

so you dont have to relocate the NS like i have seen mentioned with other columns?
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[gofastnut]

Subscribed! This is some good info!
Thanks D Powers for the link to the links!

[lasher78]

i agree...im hoping more will chime in with pics of what they used and info on install, so we can see options all in one place.
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[robber grin]

I decided to double check the column sleeve diameter (not that it's a huge detail).

I'm pretty sure they are both 2 inches - so scratch that earlier statement about the 1/4" variance in diameter.

working on old trucks is some kinda fun -
rg

[luvbowties]

Having been involved in and using several different columns, the easiest & most straightforward has been a column from a 1974 motor home--looked just like and alterations were just like RG portrayed. Excellent write-up AND pics, RG!

That being said, I'd not look further--as was said already, "close enough to perfect for me".
sam

[robber grin]

Thanks Sam

[Bigdock]

Thinking this will be my next project too I found a 79 van tilt column on cl it needs took apart and painted does anybody know if that's a pretty easy task to take it apart and paint I bought it anyways so I'm hoping it is
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[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by Bigdock

Thinking this will be my next project too I found a 79 van tilt column on cl it needs took apart and painted does anybody know if that's a pretty easy task to take it apart and paint I bought it anyways so I'm hoping it is
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If column works well as it stands, I'd disassemble to the least degree possible; use masking tape generously, as it's much easier to remove than to figure out just how to re-assemble a column. Care with taping vs. dis- and re-assembly is a great time-saver as well as looks just as well.
Sam