Lurker OrrieG Progress Pics

[hotrodsbyray]

Just a tip I found working on my 57 - I got a tilt column from a Chevy Astro van and the shift arm is on the driver side of the column so no engine interference. It used these big old adjustable rods that looked hard to adapt so I am gonna use a Lokar type cable shifter I got on the e-nasty auction for $40. [Some day I am gonna actually start my thread with pictures and everthing]

[OrrieG]

It its last life I had a 67 Camaro floor shifter but found when I had one of the kids in the middle seat they would sometimes kick it out of gear and I want to keep the floor as clear as possible. I went with these seats because of the integrated seat belts too, minimize interior cutting and reinforcing on the body for the upper third point attachment. I looked at the Astro columns but already had the eldo column before I found this site, and like others bucks are tight.

Hotrodsbyray - have you put on the shifter cable assy yet? From the pics at the Lokar site it looks pretty straight forward.

[OrrieG]

Here are photos of the steering column drop bracket I fabricated. It uses the stock bracket modified to fit a muffler U bracket. The drop is acheived using 3/8" couplings and threaded rod. The first two photos show the stock bracket from the bottom and side. Next ploto shows the modified bracket, the sides towards the firewall and stock dash mount wings are trimmed off, spot welded to the U piece. I then checked the fit and welded it up, last photo shows the finished piece ready to paint. It will be covered after installation.

[50adrod]

using your head and stuff you probably had lying around. good job

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by 50adrod

using your head and stuff you probably had lying around. good job

I've got 40 years of stuff to draw from. Drives the wife nuts but I just remind her of all the old fabric and furniture refinishing stuff she has in her stash! For me that is the fun part of this, figuring out the most elegant solution to each fabrication.

[OrrieG]

Todays progress was finishing up the bottom steering column bracket and continuing work on the seat frame now that the steering is set. First photo shows the bracket, shaped to fit in the odd shaped recess. Bonus is it covers the clutch and elongated steering holes. I made it in two pieces and welded it to the column, makes for a sturdy clean floor. Next photo is the rear seat frame to floor bracket. Bottom is in the stock location, top will be drilled for a 1/2" bolt to allow adjustment. Last photo is a mock up of the front using 5/8" threaded rod for adjustment.