universal steering column?

[Spblack]

I am in the market for a after market steering column for my 59. I seen some for my truck going for $500 and up. I seen universal ones going for 150 and up on ebay that are 30-32". Has anyone used any of these and if so, how did they work out? I really do not see much difference. What should I keep an eye out for with my year model? Also, I am running a 77 Camaro front clip up front.

[Dan in Pasadena]

The eBay ones are Chinese knockoffs and I've herd bad reports. Stick with OEM Chevy or name aftermarket ones like ididit, Flaming River, Limeworks, etc.

[Daze57]

x2 what dan said

[dwcsr]

I used to sell these and they were very profitable for me but as time went on I found if something other than the switch went bad you junked it and bought a new one. If the shift collar broke or any of the tilt parts broke it was trash, you had to go to china to get a part IF you could find the maker. I don't sell them any longer. Get one off craigslist from a 67- 72 truck or later Van rebuild it and you'll have it for life.

[OrrieG]

hard to beat original GM parts, usually relatively inexpensive and parts are easy to find locally. Chinese do not care once its shipped.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

I used to sell these and they were very profitable for me but as time went on I found if something other than the switch went bad you junked it and bought a new one. If the shift collar broke or any of the tilt parts broke it was trash, you had to go to china to get a part IF you could find the maker. I don't sell them any longer. Get one off craigslist from a 67- 72 truck or later Van rebuild it and you'll have it for life.

Thank you Dave.

After reading this I will look for parts to buy from you. What is your website address?

It is refreshing to hear a seller say he will no longer carry merchandise - despite it being profitable - because the merchandise won't be satisfactory to their customers. Sure, the customer service aspects were a hassle to you - so continuing to sell it would make little sense. That's just common sense for a business, but many would continue to sell the product for the profit.

EDIT: Oops, just saw your website name.

[whitedog76]

I had an 85 Dodge van, I swear the column was identical to a GM one. You may want to look the Mopar way for your column too.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Thank you Dave.

After reading this I will look for parts to buy from you. What is your website address?

It is refreshing to hear a seller say he will no longer carry merchandise - despite it being profitable - because the merchandise won't be satisfactory to their customers. Sure, the customer service aspects were a hassle to you - so continuing to sell it would make little sense. That's just common sense for a business, but many would continue to sell the product for the profit.

EDIT: Oops, just saw your website name.

There are a lot of vendors here that feel the same way i'm sure, I just couldn't justify selling a $200 item that couldn't be repaired if it broke. I had some where the chrome pealed off the column in sheets and some broken signal switches right out of the box.

Now sell mostly items we make or that have a good track record that I can warranty for a year. Its just so much easier selling better quality parts but on the other side of that low price still rules our market and quality is third on the list after shipping cost.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by whitedog76

I had an 85 Dodge van, I swear the column was identical to a GM one. You may want to look the Mopar way for your column too.

Thats a good idea. Who cares what its out of as long as it works and fits

[_Ogre]

i can buy most any oem column for $35 and that's what i did. (non-air bag)
keeps the overall project cost down by using jy finds.

jy rearends cost $200 around here vs many many times that for a new one
people have no problem using used rearends

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Thats a good idea. Who cares what its out of as long as it works and fits

Only issue might be wiring the column if the OP uses an aftermarket harness set up for GM columns with the key/turn etc. Not impossible, just requires a little more thought. If all he has to worry about is the horn wire then not an issue.

[Spblack]

thanks guys. ill keep my eyes posted for a good column.