Steering Column (58-59) Question of the day - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Apachemike · 01-05-2015, 04:18 PM

Hopefully this is a simple question. Can I remove my stock column from my 59 and cut 2-3" out of the inner shaft to shorten the length? I'd like the column closer to the dash. I can have it welded back or grind it to install a D-D adapter. I just haven't figured out what to do for the outer cover

Apachemike · 01-05-2015, 04:19 PM

Oh, 59 3100

OrrieG · 01-05-2015, 04:56 PM

Assuming you are not using the stock steering box, but want to retain the original column, go to CPP and look at the "column saver" kit. It was made for doing just that. You cut the column to length, insert a bearing, then cut the shaft to length. You can grind for a DD fitting or use a pinned round one.

Apachemike · 01-06-2015, 12:54 PM

Everything is stock

**mr48chev** · 01-06-2015, 03:30 PM

I'd think that what you plan with grinding the ends of the shaft and using a double D connector would be the safe way to go and keep it appearing stock.

Just make sure that the shaft and the inside of the DD piece are the same diameter (round part of DD) before grinding the flats. I'd drill and pin it after I had it together. That would be a whole lot safer than cutting it off and welding it back together which isn't legal in some areas of the world.

Russell Ashley · 01-07-2015, 10:17 AM

I think you will need to remove the steering box and column from the truck to do what you want to do. The shaft doesn't stick out far enough on top to cut and the column jacket doesn't come out of the steering box. I think if I were doing it I would cut the column jacket and remove it. Then cut the shaft and remove the amount that you want to shorten it, and use DD or what ever method you choose to connect it back together. Then cut the exact same amount out of the column jacket, put it back on the shaft, and weld it back together. If you have a column shift you would have to shorten the shift rod the same amount as the column. I think the most time consuming thing will be removing and installing the steering box.

01-05-2015, 04:18 PM	#1
Apachemike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austell, Georgia Posts: 162	Steering Column (58-59) Question of the day Hopefully this is a simple question. Can I remove my stock column from my 59 and cut 2-3" out of the inner shaft to shorten the length? I'd like the column closer to the dash. I can have it welded back or grind it to install a D-D adapter. I just haven't figured out what to do for the outer cover

01-05-2015, 04:19 PM	#2
Apachemike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austell, Georgia Posts: 162	Re: Steering Column (58-59) Question of the day Oh, 59 3100

01-05-2015, 04:56 PM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Steering Column (58-59) Question of the day Assuming you are not using the stock steering box, but want to retain the original column, go to CPP and look at the "column saver" kit. It was made for doing just that. You cut the column to length, insert a bearing, then cut the shaft to length. You can grind for a DD fitting or use a pinned round one. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-06-2015, 12:54 PM	#4
Apachemike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austell, Georgia Posts: 162	Re: Steering Column (58-59) Question of the day Everything is stock

01-06-2015, 03:30 PM	#5
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,719	Re: Steering Column (58-59) Question of the day I'd think that what you plan with grinding the ends of the shaft and using a double D connector would be the safe way to go and keep it appearing stock. Just make sure that the shaft and the inside of the DD piece are the same diameter (round part of DD) before grinding the flats. I'd drill and pin it after I had it together. That would be a whole lot safer than cutting it off and welding it back together which isn't legal in some areas of the world. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

01-07-2015, 10:17 AM	#6
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,648	Re: Steering Column (58-59) Question of the day I think you will need to remove the steering box and column from the truck to do what you want to do. The shaft doesn't stick out far enough on top to cut and the column jacket doesn't come out of the steering box. I think if I were doing it I would cut the column jacket and remove it. Then cut the shaft and remove the amount that you want to shorten it, and use DD or what ever method you choose to connect it back together. Then cut the exact same amount out of the column jacket, put it back on the shaft, and weld it back together. If you have a column shift you would have to shorten the shift rod the same amount as the column. I think the most time consuming thing will be removing and installing the steering box.



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