let's talk steering columns. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pat386 · 11-10-2011, 12:03 PM

I have a 35" tilt column that was put in my truck by the previous to previous owner. I know(assume) it's not factory (83' Scottsdale) as it has cruise and wipers on the stalk.

My truck also has a dash wiper switch.

Is there a shorter tilt column that will swap with relative ease? At a junkyard we found tons out of all 80's GM vehicles, but nothing quite will fit perfect. I believe mine is out of a suburban. Just want to have a little more room. thanks!

menace121978 · 11-10-2011, 12:27 PM

X2 great question pat! was going to start researching this very topic today

pat386 · 11-10-2011, 12:46 PM

My brother and I tried 80's s10 blazer, 80's cadillac sedan, they were shorter but not a direct swap
Posted via Mobile Device

pat386 · 11-24-2011, 06:47 PM

My 83. Now with 3 inches less of steering column.
Posted via Mobile Device

Restrorob · 11-24-2011, 08:12 PM

So what did you do Pat, Find the seat slider lever ?

pat386 · 11-24-2011, 08:25 PM

haha! My brother shortened a c10 column. Used a s15 jimmy shaft and had to do some welding for brackets. All in all, it feels better!
Posted via Mobile Device

menace121978 · 11-25-2011, 03:58 AM

hey pat, could i get some details on the steps took to do that mod?

pat386 · 11-25-2011, 05:06 AM

I will get have to get with my brother and get more detail. But I do know the shaft and tilt mechanism is out of a s10/s15 blazer/jimmy, nuts for the mounting bracket were welded on 3 inches higher, and the ignition switch had to be moved.

I think the external housing of the column was collapsed, and you could probably use a c10 shaft as long as you collapse it. We used the tilt top out of the blazer as we didn't want to tear my good tilt column apart so I have a spare. We might experiment with a cadillac tilt/relescope column. But the telescope feature kind of takes away from the column shortening anyways haha
Posted via Mobile Device

motornut · 11-26-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pat386

My 83. Now with 3 inches less of steering column.
Posted via Mobile Device

nice work I'd like to see how it was done too pls

FlossyB · 03-28-2012, 12:15 AM

I would love to have a steering column that short, but no idea how to accomplish. Would a custom built one work from Flamming River or someone else? I'm thinking tax return money might not make it so bad.

11-10-2011, 12:03 PM	#1
pat386 misshape grape Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the badger Posts: 385	let's talk steering columns. I have a 35" tilt column that was put in my truck by the previous to previous owner. I know(assume) it's not factory (83' Scottsdale) as it has cruise and wipers on the stalk. My truck also has a dash wiper switch. Is there a shorter tilt column that will swap with relative ease? At a junkyard we found tons out of all 80's GM vehicles, but nothing quite will fit perfect. I believe mine is out of a suburban. Just want to have a little more room. thanks! __________________ Don't you just love rumors? I always find out stuff about myself that I had no idea I even did..

11-10-2011, 12:27 PM	#2
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: let's talk steering columns. X2 great question pat! was going to start researching this very topic today __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

11-10-2011, 12:46 PM	#3
pat386 misshape grape Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the badger Posts: 385	Re: let's talk steering columns. My brother and I tried 80's s10 blazer, 80's cadillac sedan, they were shorter but not a direct swap Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Don't you just love rumors? I always find out stuff about myself that I had no idea I even did..

11-24-2011, 06:47 PM	#4
pat386 misshape grape Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the badger Posts: 385	Re: let's talk steering columns. My 83. Now with 3 inches less of steering column. Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images __________________ Don't you just love rumors? I always find out stuff about myself that I had no idea I even did..

11-24-2011, 08:12 PM	#5
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: let's talk steering columns. So what did you do Pat, Find the seat slider lever ? __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

11-24-2011, 08:25 PM	#6
pat386 misshape grape Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the badger Posts: 385	Re: let's talk steering columns. haha! My brother shortened a c10 column. Used a s15 jimmy shaft and had to do some welding for brackets. All in all, it feels better! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Don't you just love rumors? I always find out stuff about myself that I had no idea I even did..

11-25-2011, 03:58 AM	#7
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: let's talk steering columns. hey pat, could i get some details on the steps took to do that mod? __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

11-25-2011, 05:06 AM	#8
pat386 misshape grape Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the badger Posts: 385	Re: let's talk steering columns. I will get have to get with my brother and get more detail. But I do know the shaft and tilt mechanism is out of a s10/s15 blazer/jimmy, nuts for the mounting bracket were welded on 3 inches higher, and the ignition switch had to be moved. I think the external housing of the column was collapsed, and you could probably use a c10 shaft as long as you collapse it. We used the tilt top out of the blazer as we didn't want to tear my good tilt column apart so I have a spare. We might experiment with a cadillac tilt/relescope column. But the telescope feature kind of takes away from the column shortening anyways haha Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Don't you just love rumors? I always find out stuff about myself that I had no idea I even did..

03-28-2012, 12:15 AM	#10
FlossyB Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 24	Re: let's talk steering columns. I would love to have a steering column that short, but no idea how to accomplish. Would a custom built one work from Flamming River or someone else? I'm thinking tax return money might not make it so bad.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.