Another tilt question

[1LIME69]

This is probably a stupid question, but I have a chance to buy a late 70's pickup tilt column with all new internal parts for 300.00 and I want to know if it will bolt straight up to my 69' c10.

[Bob Moore]

I would recommend a van tilt rather than a later P/U column. The diameter of the P/U is larger requiring the gauge cluster plastic be modified, the wiring is different, the key on the column, and the shaft exiting the firewall is different requiring the 73+ intermediate shaft. Some people have done this swap but I really think the van tilt is a better option.

[1LIME69]

Thanks for the info Bob, what year van columns will work?

[70GMCer]

You can buy them late 70's pickup tilts all day for around $40.00. I sold one not too long ago for $25.00. Just wanted it gone. You want the van tilts up to 1981. They have the key in the dash like our trucks.

[Longhorn Man]

72 - 81 and a hand full of 82's

[1LIME69]

That helps me alot, thanks guy's!

[hogrocket]

I just finished putting a tilt from a 75 truck in my 72. The bigger column fits under the plastic dash cluster without modification. Use the firewall brace from your truck in place of the later model one. I have a manual shift, so I ground the shifter nub and ignition switch nubs down , took out the inners for shifting and steering wheel lock and used JB Weld to fill the holes. Painted up it looks like a stock tilt column for a standard truck. You can buy a wiring harness adaptor from the dealer for about 8 bucks. You also have to lengthen the column about 2 inches by sliding out the sleeve. Also, I had to use a little creativity with the under dash mounting bracket. Not a big deal. So although it's a little more work, these columns can be used and are a viable option. However, I would not pay 300.00 for one just to tear it a part. Like 70GMCer said, you can buy them all day long for 40.00. A van tilt may be easier, but they seem to be getting harder to come by.

[hotrod 80]

I did the van tilt yesterday . Bought the column from a board member for $125 shipped to the door . I have a 68 with a 3 speed column shift . I had to move the reverse /neutral safty switch down by the fire wall . Did it by hand , except for a cordless drill , in less than 3 hours . With the 2nd gen camaro 4 spoke wheel I bought off ebay , i have about $150 and 3 hours work tied up in the whole conversion . I vote van tilt , looks factory .

[1LIME69]

I'm on the look out for a van tilt. Thanks for all the helpful info.