Steering Column

[dlarson1956]

Ok I found a 1954 FORD steering column for sale and I was wondering if anyone knows if it will fit in my 1956 Chevy.. I really don't have the money to buy an IDIDIT so I am trying do what I can !!! I know that putting anything ford in a Chevy is probably punishable by death, but a man has to do what a man has to do!! HAHHA

[Mac the Yankee]

Try looking for a 70's Chevy van tilt if you want to keep the key on your dashboard (found mine for $50, or you could use an Astro Van tilt for a little more modern look, but still keeping the smaller diameter column- passed by two in the local salvage yard today.

[_Ogre]

the 55-59 columns are integral to the steering box, the only column that will fit without modification is the 55-59 column
not saying you couldn't make it fit, but it would probably cost more than buying the correct 55-59 column
plenty of builders on this forum that are removing theirs to go with an ifs, maybe someone will offer one up
i gave away all of my take offs

edit: what mac is suggesting will only work with an ifs and will not bolt to the stock straight axle

[Mac the Yankee]

Good point, Ogre!

[mr48chev]

That model of Ford is an integral steering column too and it would be a pita to try and adapt.

If you are running a floor shift the 67/72 Chevy truck columns from trucks that had four speeds are real clean and simple columns.

The van columns mentioned above are great if you want a column shift automatic or that can be cleaned off fairly easily for a floor shift
I have never paid attention to an Astro van column to form an opinion on it.

I usually try to stick to GM columns as most wiring kits are designed for them and color coded to them. That and I pretty well know how to work on them. With that, Ford pickups had the key on the dash well into the late 70's and have fairly clean looking columns. You want to look for 68 or later columns though as many earlier ones are one piece with the steering box.

[Rude Dude]

Here is one in Florence Az

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/pts/4788249515.html

[AZ59apacheguy]

I have an extra 55-59 steering box/column I'd be willing to let go. I'm in the PHX Metro area. I just got done swapping out a bad one I had, it's not a hard job to to do at all. The one I'm willing to part with is NOT the bad one ;-)

[dlarson1956]

Thanks Guys for all of the helpful advise!
Yeah, I looked more at the dimensions on the 54 ford steering Column and it is 54 inches long. The one I took out of my truck was a tilt Column shift that is approx. 28 inches long. I don't have an original steering box and I am hesitant to go back to the original steering box and column as I don't like the look of the old column shift. I am really new to this restoration stuff and am learning a lot and having fun. Maybe I will check the local salvage yard for a 70's van column. If any of you guys live in the Phoenix/Glendale area and would be willing to stop by and give me some pointers it would be appreciated... Thanks everyone!!!
David

[dlarson1956]

Here are some pics of the one I took out. What do you think it is?

[dlarson1956]

Here are some more pics

[OrrieG]

Looks like an 80's GM auto that has been shortened. I used a 82 Eldo Tilt Tele column because it is much shorter so the wheel is closer to the dash and it only extends a couple of inches into the engine compartment. I wanted it so the key, shift, signal, cruise, etc. would all be on the stalk to clean up the floor and conflict with exhaust would be minimized. Yours has been shortened, good thing is all new wiring harnesses are plug and play. You can use yours with a CPP box that goes in the stock location, get a stock column and use a "column saver" kit (also from CPP), of a van column if you don't like the bulk of the 80's one. Install of all have been discussed in threads and builds here, use the search function at the top, checked to this site, to find them.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by dlarson1956

Ok I found a 1954 FORD steering column for sale and I was wondering if anyone knows if it will fit in my 1956 Chevy.. I really don't have the money to buy an IDIDIT so I am trying do what I can !!! I know that putting anything ford in a Chevy is probably punishable by death, but a man has to do what a man has to do!! HAHHA

you initial post led me to believe you had a stock column and steering box
you have to add all pertinent information if you want useful information back
what steering box do you have? obviously not stock
and if that is the case any column short enough to fit... will