86 tilt to 69 ?

[mikey531]

I tried to search but.. so I have to ask if this steering column will work in my 1969 GMC w/350 auto?

http://maine.craigslist.org/pts/1357378186.html

Thanks !
Mike

[Longhorn Man]

you can make it work, but only after a lot of workl on your part.
make the dash opening bigger for larger diameter column
remove ignition cylinder and locking assembly and do body work to repair OR rewire to use the ignition switch in column and have hole in the dash.


Do you just want the tilt, or do you want the locking ability?

[mikey531]

I thought I wanted a tilt, I just happened to see this one for $30. and wondered. I am very happy with what I have too.

[Longhorn Man]

tilts are great, one of the first mods I do to all my trucks, and I always keep a spare on hand for the next truck (have one hanging from the rafters over my tool box right now for the next truck)
Look into a van column. Dirt cheap (I've never paid over 25 bucks for one) and somwhat common. They look original and are an easy mod to install.

[BAGNDRAGIT]

what year van should i be looking for? and does that shorten the column at all? cause maybe its the wheel but my column sticks out a little far for me.

[Longhorn Man]

72 - 81... any year WITH a tilt, and WITHOUT the ignition switch in the column.
It actually lengthens it, but that's one of the modifications in making it work. You can actually make it shorter than stocl.

JFYI, you can push the stock one down too.

[BAGNDRAGIT]

thanks, now my question is how do i go about pushing the column down? by the slip joint under the hood?

[special-K]

Yes.You can drive it in to the correct length.

Another reason an automatic column from a`73 or newer truck won`t work is the shift indicator is in the dash and not the column.

[tdave00]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

72 - 81... any year WITH a tilt, and WITHOUT the ignition switch in the column.
It actually lengthens it, but that's one of the modifications in making it work. You can actually make it shorter than stocl.

JFYI, you can push the stock one down too.

Why won't the columns with the switch on the column work? Are they totally different or are you saying for it to remain original/stock looking? Thanks.

[special-K]

He`s saying you`ll have two ignition switches.

[tdave00]

Originally Posted by special-K

He`s saying you`ll have two ignition switches.

Should make it all that much easier to start.

Is it basically the same column other than that though??

[westofb]

Originally Posted by tdave00

Should make it all that much easier to start.

Is it basically the same column other than that though??

No the newer ones are larger diameter and mount to the dash and floor very differently then the 67-72. I was looking at this mod myself, I have an 85 column...besides the mounting issues, the shift indicator (I think it could be mounted inside in the dash of our trucks with a little effort), locking ignition (that was one of the things I liked), the wiring harrness is totally different (ignition, cruise, and wiper wiring added to newer ones), it should be a breaze to install...lol. I have since changed my plans and will keep the factory non tilit auto column for now...may look into finding a van column at a later date.

[57larry]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

tilts are great, one of the first mods I do to all my trucks, and I always keep a spare on hand for the next truck (have one hanging from the rafters over my tool box right now for the next truck)
Look into a van column. Dirt cheap (I've never paid over 25 bucks for one) and somwhat common. They look original and are an easy mod to install.

can you hook me up with one for $25? thanks

[Longhorn Man]

I said this in the PM to 5 ppl asking...
I dont have time for that anymore. Even selling them for 100 - 125, I just don't have time. I only have one spare right now, and it is going into my next project.