Steering column questioN????

[zeitlerusmc]

Anyone know if a cadi steering column would bolt up in my 63 c-10?????? (an older cadi column obviously)

[Bob Moore]

An older Caddy column would be great - tilt and tele - however--- the outer diameter of the mast(jacket) is larger than the trucks if I remember correctly.

IMO a better choice would be the Van column. It would be easier to fit under the dash etc.

[zeitlerusmc]

wouldn't a van column be way too short??? and not too educated on steering columns?

[rainmans63]

I just bought a 70's van column and the length is 35", the same as the Ididit and Flaming river columns so I think it will work fine but the outer diameter of the mast as Bob mentioned is too small in this case. Does anyone have any suggestions on filling in that space?

By the way, I found several of these columns on craigslist and ebay. I bought mine on craigslist for $75.00.

Thanks,
Ray

[zeitlerusmc]

Sweet man thanks! what year did your column come out of??

[rainmans63]

The guy I bought it off of said it was either a 78 or 79. I like it because it doesn't have the key in the column so it looks more original. One thing I forgot to mention was that you have to buy a lower shaft that mounts at the bottom of the steering column and connects to the rag joint of the gear box. As soon as I find a size that fits I'll let you know. Once I get the steering column and power steering box mounted I'll know what length I'll need so I'll keep you updated.

[slepysal]

chevy Fleetside gets all the credit for this Idea :
Use a lower shaft from an Impala ( I used one off of a 77 truck )cut the bell off and use a coupler 36splinex3/4dd
I hope you dont mind me sharing your Idea fleetside Look under his post he has a picture of it.
Hey rainman ..... nice truck

[rainmans63]

Thanks for the info Slepysal! And thanks for the compliment, I like your truck too! So I see your in the bay area too? You, John, and myself are going to have to meet somewhere one of these days for coffee!

[psychorodder]

I put a 72 column in my 65 went in easy I used steering sector with rag joint from 72 and adjusted the length worked good I have two more steering sectors with rag joints if anyone needs one.

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by rainmans63

Thanks for the info Slepysal! And thanks for the compliment, I like your truck too! So I see your in the bay area too? You, John, and myself are going to have to meet somewhere one of these days for coffee!

OH GREAT...Another darn Coffee drinker!!!



Cool ...as soon as I get the engine back in !!!

John

[slepysal]

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

OH GREAT...Another darn Coffee drinker!!!



Cool ...as soon as I get the engine back in !!!

John

black, one cream.

[Chevy Fleetside]

You guys keep naming John.. It messes me up seeing I am John also.. Here are some pictures of the column installed... I used a lower shaft from an impala but the truck ones work also as Sal said... The colum is a tilt from a van.. I believe it was a 79.. I also have one from a 76 camper van I found at Pick and Pull on 25% off day... It is really clean and I just noticed it has a button for cruise control in the blinker stem.. I am going to try and use a column from an 88 burb with wiper switch and such in the column.. I am also using the entire wiring harness with the TBI engine also.. I ya what did I get myself into...

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by rainmans63

Thanks for the info Slepysal! And thanks for the compliment, I like your truck too! So I see your in the bay area too? You, John, and myself are going to have to meet somewhere one of these days for coffee!

How about meeting at a pick and pull and have some real fun... You can bring your own coffee...

[zeitlerusmc]

Damn that looks good fleetside hope fully mine will look simular to that soon. i still really want to modify a cadi one to fit..... ....off to the junkyard!!!

[bowtieguy61]

Originally Posted by rainmans63

I just bought a 70's van column and the length is 35", the same as the Ididit and Flaming river columns so I think it will work fine but the outer diameter of the mast as Bob mentioned is too small in this case. Does anyone have any suggestions on filling in that space?

you could turn a spacer that would slip over the column to fill the gap. i have a lathe and mill and could help if you want.

[rainmans63]

Do they allow beer at pick and pull?

[rainmans63]

Thanks for the offer Bowtieguy61, I'll let you know!

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by rainmans63

Do they allow beer at pick and pull?

If you have a jacket with a big enough pocket in it i am sure you can get one in.. You could even throw a sealed back of ice in with it...

[krue]

I know it's for 67-72 trucks, but there are several threads in FAQ on modifying van tilts, but I have seen a caddy tilt/telescoping column in a 70 truck and it looked pretty good. Have heard that the steering wheel options are slim tho. Click the Index link in my sig for links to FAQ.