Another Column Question, Fastening?

[DakotaKid]

After Reading through everything on the FAQ something that was never answered. How did you attach the Tube to the mount. the 2 bolts that hold the column to the mount right above the Ebrake on at least my 62.. The van columns and the 67-72 Columsns do not have this provision. do you Drill and use a Nutsert? Drill and Tap the tin tube? just a little more inisght to this mount would be appreciative.

i want to keep the original Ebrake and stuff, i have a decent 71 auto column and a aftermarket 32" chrome column. just wasnt sure how you all were fastening them other than the clamp at the Firewall.

[Joe Pass]

I did the same as you are asking...I drilled into the column to attach the stock bracket to the column. With caution I opened the hole up with a Unibit so I could place some 5/16 flange nuts in the hole upside-down. The nut drop into the column and I tigged the flange of the nut to the column. On this after market column there was not enough depth for a nutcert or I would have done exactly that...Its doable, just be cautious of your signal wires running through that area...Here are some pictures I have, not the detail you would like to see but I think you get the Idea
Joe

[DakotaKid]

thats the exact kind of answer i was looking for. i think i have the exact same column too. do you have any picts of the shifter linkage?

Thanks Joe i really appreciate it.

[DakotaKid]

Joe on the Chrome Column, do you remove the chrome before you tigged those on? i have a tig machine but have never even ptried it yet, but a buddy does, and ill prep it all and have him do it. just curious what had to be done.

Thanks again, youve been a big help.

[Joe Pass]

Yes I did remove the chrome...Just in the area of the weld of course, but still hidden from view underneath the bracket. Good idea not to be your first weld job on that...Don't over do it on the welding also, to much heat around the wires is not good.
I'm running a TH350 and will be able to take some pictures of the linkage today and post them later today if that works or you.
Joe

[Joe Pass]

Here's some pictures I found....let me know if you need more specific ones..
Joe

[DakotaKid]

excellent, thanks Joe. i appreciate it.

[markeb01]

I took the easy approach and drilled the support mount for a muffler clamp to retain the upper portion of the column. The bottom of the U barely shows above the parking brake pivot. Been in place for over 20 years and saw no reason to change it when I recently swapped in the chrome column:

[Joe Pass]

That worked well also...

[Joe Pass]

Here are 3 pictures I took today.....a little better view
Joe

[markeb01]

Your approach is certainly more professional and factory looking, especially with the light colored paint highlighting the area. If I had welding skills and equipment, that would have been my preference. But since I didn't, I just went for functional, and all the details are concealed in black paint.

[DakotaKid]

my truck will never be as detailed as Joes truck.... that thing is gorgeous. i like the Muffler Clamp Idea too. Thanks Markeb01. more info is always nice.

Thanks for the extra Pictures Joe.

[Joe Pass]

Thanks for the compliment... helping each other where we can is what its all about...

[Joe Pass]

markeb01, your build thread is awesome...you inspired me to use a Ron Francis panel and the under dash lights add that touch of cool.
My dad always said "If it was easy everyone would have custom truck"

[pimpston65]

you fancy...