47-55.1 Other GM Steering Columns ? Anyone use one in their AD?

[Mains52]

So if I was to go to an old classic salvage yard and grab a steering column out of an classic gm car with column shift I'd assume it could work for my 53 right ?

[72Mountaineer]

I used one from an early 80s Chevy van, good length and tilt.

[Mains52]

Originally Posted by 72Mountaineer

I used one from an early 80s Chevy van, good length and tilt.

Thanks I'll keep an eye out in my salvage yard trip.

[vintovka]

I used one out of a 87 GMC Van. Works great BUT won't take any side load (like hauling my 230 pound butt into my lifted cab). I had to put grab rails inside and out and train myself to use them instead of grabbing the wheel. See link with pics. GM columns will break and wobble around like a 1" broomhandle in a 2" pipe when used to long as a grab rail. Check any one you consider carefully as many are old and heavily used. I had it kinda fixed by swapping less worn upper parts from a donor but now the lower bearing needs replaced. That said, the ones with the OD setting work great along with the stalk controls like turn signals, hi low, emergency flasher ect. Length is right and tilt is a must as wheel grows closer to your gut with the years. If I had it to do all over i would have installed a whole rebuild kit BEFORE. Be warned the repair parts arn't cheap.

[LEEVON]

I used a non-tilt automatic column from my '71 in my '50 because I had it laying around. I shortened it exactly 2" by sectioning the tube and shaft then replaced bearings, painted, etc. Had maybe $50 into it, it looks new and works great. I did have to use a 60's c10 wheel due to the hub/mounting area diameter.