Modifying Steering Column?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mtrhd329 · 02-15-2008, 07:28 AM

Ok I have a few questions that I cant seem to find the answer to on here by searching....

I have a 79 c-10 and I am wanting to do two things to the column. First, I was wanting to upgrade the turn signal switch to the newer assembly with the lights switch, cruise contol, and wiper controls integrated into it. Is this possible?

Second I have converted to a stealth ignition system and there is no need for the ignition switch. Is there any way to swap in a turn signal housing piece(name?) That is from a pre 72 truck so I dont have the hole for the ignition switch anymore?

Basically I want to get rid of the ignition swtich and put a newer turn siganl arm in with all the goodies. Any one have any ideas?? No worry on the wiring as I am making my own harness for this truck.

BLE 'BURBAN · 02-15-2008, 07:42 AM

Contact www.ididit.com They should be able to help you out.

7T7 · 02-15-2008, 08:30 AM

Call Wayne Wiles / 260-747-7756

He can probably build or rebuild you a column to your specs.
His business is called GM tilt steering.
http://gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/

**Captkaos** · 02-15-2008, 08:59 AM

I recommended Wayne to a friend of mine also, he was very happy with the results. Just specify you want a 83-up column if you want stuff on the stalk.

If you are looking at ididit, let me know, I can get those ..

Mtrhd329 · 02-15-2008, 09:24 AM

Is there any way to put the new iper arm in place of the old one? Or has no one does this before?

Ill give Wayne a holler and see what he says. Not really looking to spend that much on a sterring column. Hopefully there is a way I can just take mine apart and put the new switch in.

D13 · 02-15-2008, 06:59 PM

Drop in an 83-up column. Remove the key cylinder, weld up and smooth the hole in the shield. Paint the color of your choice.

You can pick up non-tilt columns cheap

Mtrhd329 · 02-20-2008, 03:39 AM

Ok I got a tilt column out of a 86 burban. How do I get my key clyinder to work in the new column? Does anyone have any wiring diagrams for these? I think most should wire up but I know some of it wont...NSS, wipers. Help!!

**Captkaos** · 02-20-2008, 03:54 AM

If you are wanting to put the key cylinder from your 79 in the 86, you just need to tear down the column to the release and pull it out and put in in the new column. It is just a rod that controls the switch.

Or are you wanting to know how to get the switch from the 86 to work on the 79 wiring? If that is the case, just take the switch off the 79 and put it on the 86.

Mtrhd329 · 02-20-2008, 07:12 AM

Yes I am looking to take the switch from the 79 and put in the 86. Cant figure out how to take the lock plate off though. Is there a tool that compresses that and removes the ring. After that it looks pretty easy. I messed around a little with a busted one in the "yard" and saw how it goes together.

Also where do i find out how to wire this "new" column into my truck. I have int. wipers but the colors dont match. THe n86 has two plugs for the NSS where mine has one. Im pretty good with wiring I just need toget a hold of a diagram for the 86 column. I have a chilton that has 81-87 years as well but it doesnt show the column only vauge block diagrams that dont include the wires Im working with. I can figure out the ignition switch as GM is very consistant and I have put many alarms in these trucks. Thanks

Mtrhd329 · 02-20-2008, 01:20 PM

Well since I have read of a few wanting ot do this swap I thought I would post my finds here since no one seems to have any diagrams that I have been able to find yet.

I found a lock plater removal tool at the local parts place. I was able to talk them into letting me "borrow" it for a few days. Got my "new" column apart and replaced the lock cylinder with the one from the "old" column. This site helped A LOT.
http://elcaminocentral.com/article95.html

Cleaned up the column and compared the wiring plug from the two columns. I think I can make the ignition switch wiring work for me as my ignition switch will be a looks only piece when I get the truck to a permanent place. (not sure which state uncle sam is having me go to yet)

There are three wires going to the dimmer switch on my floor and three to the dimmer switch on the coumn so a little testing should figure that one out. The NSS has two plugs and I could only see one on my column. Havent pulled it out yet though. And I am thinking that I can just plug in the turn signal connector. Not too sure on how to wire the wipers yet.

When I get more info I will have to write up exaclty how I spliced into the wires so that maybe someone lese wont have to go through that hair pulling that I am going through now. Will keep you guys updated

02-15-2008, 07:28 AM	#1
Mtrhd329 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chowchilla, Ca Posts: 115	Modifying Steering Column?? Ok I have a few questions that I cant seem to find the answer to on here by searching.... I have a 79 c-10 and I am wanting to do two things to the column. First, I was wanting to upgrade the turn signal switch to the newer assembly with the lights switch, cruise contol, and wiper controls integrated into it. Is this possible? Second I have converted to a stealth ignition system and there is no need for the ignition switch. Is there any way to swap in a turn signal housing piece(name?) That is from a pre 72 truck so I dont have the hole for the ignition switch anymore? Basically I want to get rid of the ignition swtich and put a newer turn siganl arm in with all the goodies. Any one have any ideas?? No worry on the wiring as I am making my own harness for this truck.

02-15-2008, 07:42 AM	#2
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? Contact www.ididit.com They should be able to help you out. __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

02-15-2008, 08:30 AM	#3
7T7 Regular guy Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Round Rock TX Posts: 518	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? Call Wayne Wiles / 260-747-7756 He can probably build or rebuild you a column to your specs. His business is called GM tilt steering. http://gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/ __________________ 'Frank' 77 Silverado 18 & 20 American CL205s Edelbrock MPFI, 700r4, Baer Brakes 9" F@rd rear, Vintage air, Bags etc etc..

02-15-2008, 08:59 AM	#4
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? I recommended Wayne to a friend of mine also, he was very happy with the results. Just specify you want a 83-up column if you want stuff on the stalk. If you are looking at ididit, let me know, I can get those .. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

02-15-2008, 09:24 AM	#5
Mtrhd329 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chowchilla, Ca Posts: 115	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? Is there any way to put the new iper arm in place of the old one? Or has no one does this before? Ill give Wayne a holler and see what he says. Not really looking to spend that much on a sterring column. Hopefully there is a way I can just take mine apart and put the new switch in.

02-15-2008, 06:59 PM	#6
D13 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Memphis MI Posts: 1,851	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? Drop in an 83-up column. Remove the key cylinder, weld up and smooth the hole in the shield. Paint the color of your choice. You can pick up non-tilt columns cheap

02-20-2008, 03:39 AM	#7
Mtrhd329 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chowchilla, Ca Posts: 115	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? Ok I got a tilt column out of a 86 burban. How do I get my key clyinder to work in the new column? Does anyone have any wiring diagrams for these? I think most should wire up but I know some of it wont...NSS, wipers. Help!!

02-20-2008, 03:54 AM	#8
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? If you are wanting to put the key cylinder from your 79 in the 86, you just need to tear down the column to the release and pull it out and put in in the new column. It is just a rod that controls the switch. Or are you wanting to know how to get the switch from the 86 to work on the 79 wiring? If that is the case, just take the switch off the 79 and put it on the 86. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

02-20-2008, 07:12 AM	#9
Mtrhd329 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chowchilla, Ca Posts: 115	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? Yes I am looking to take the switch from the 79 and put in the 86. Cant figure out how to take the lock plate off though. Is there a tool that compresses that and removes the ring. After that it looks pretty easy. I messed around a little with a busted one in the "yard" and saw how it goes together. Also where do i find out how to wire this "new" column into my truck. I have int. wipers but the colors dont match. THe n86 has two plugs for the NSS where mine has one. Im pretty good with wiring I just need toget a hold of a diagram for the 86 column. I have a chilton that has 81-87 years as well but it doesnt show the column only vauge block diagrams that dont include the wires Im working with. I can figure out the ignition switch as GM is very consistant and I have put many alarms in these trucks. Thanks

02-20-2008, 01:20 PM	#10
Mtrhd329 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chowchilla, Ca Posts: 115	Re: Modifying Steering Column?? Well since I have read of a few wanting ot do this swap I thought I would post my finds here since no one seems to have any diagrams that I have been able to find yet. I found a lock plater removal tool at the local parts place. I was able to talk them into letting me "borrow" it for a few days. Got my "new" column apart and replaced the lock cylinder with the one from the "old" column. This site helped A LOT. http://elcaminocentral.com/article95.html Cleaned up the column and compared the wiring plug from the two columns. I think I can make the ignition switch wiring work for me as my ignition switch will be a looks only piece when I get the truck to a permanent place. (not sure which state uncle sam is having me go to yet) There are three wires going to the dimmer switch on my floor and three to the dimmer switch on the coumn so a little testing should figure that one out. The NSS has two plugs and I could only see one on my column. Havent pulled it out yet though. And I am thinking that I can just plug in the turn signal connector. Not too sure on how to wire the wipers yet. When I get more info I will have to write up exaclty how I spliced into the wires so that maybe someone lese wont have to go through that hair pulling that I am going through now. Will keep you guys updated



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