Chevy Van column

[kgmunro]

I am building a 57 gmc. I am putting the camaro front clip on it. My question is..for a steering column, how about one from a 76 chevy van? Would it look right in the truck? It has no key on the column so that is a bonus..would this mate easily to the camaro steering box??

[blackdiesel]

YES, Thats what we used in dads truck. It's a little long, put the extra on the out side. And you can hook it up easily. Column of choice in my book. I put one in my 38 also and cut it down. You could do that if you don't like the extra.

[kgmunro]

sounds good. I have a guy trading me some stuff this weekend and that is among the "treasures".

[Thadious]

I used the van column in mine on an S10 swap. Not sure if the spline count on the steering box on the Camaro is the same as the dime, but if it is... the only hickup that will drive you nuts is the intermediate shaft. The column I have was a spline joints as well, not the normal double D that most manufacturers use. If you find yours is the case... Look at a Jeep Patriot or Liberty intermediate shaft. I used one from a Patriot, had to file a singe groove in the upper aluminum joint (they use universal joints on them, not rag joints), pulled the pin that held it together... shortened it about 3" (if I remember correctly) on both ends, and repinned it... looks like new, no welding, no funny connections and everything bolts right up.

Cheers,
Ted.

[kgmunro]

Sounds good Thadious...I work at a Chrysler dealership so the shaft should be easy to get...thanks.

[ChuckDriver]

I also used a shortened Van column in mine.

[Sal's '55 Chevy]

i used one as well and i also have a camaro clip on my truck. it works great but i went ahead and shorten my column.

[ratrodmiller]

i used 1988 chevy van column as well . worked out great

[OrrieG]

I used an 82 Eldorado tilt telescope unit. It is a little shorter than standard columns so it only sticks out of the firewall a few inches. I wanted the column shift and column key. It also comes set up with dimmer on the column and cruise control stalk in case I decide to add that in the future. Here are a couple of the first trial fit photos. If you want a clean slim column it will not be for you!

[JML55]

I'm using 83 Chevy van column, it has the ignition switch and gear indicator build in, work good for me.

[waybad]

anybody ever re-wire one of these? I got one with my truck but the wires were all cut off at the bottom?

[OrrieG]

Most Chevy columns that have the rectangular plugs have same wiring scheme. I found this on line, which is better than my chicken scratch notes:

[waybad]

Sweet,, thank you sooooo much!
Tinker

[OrrieG]

You are welcome. If yours has more wires or additional plugs pm me. My Eldo column has a lot more wiring for the special Caddy stuff. I ended up getting a wiring diagram specific to the year so I could sort it out with my new harness. It has additional wires for side lights that come on with the turn signals, cruise, dimmer on the column. Also info on the ignition circuits (seperate plug), and the lower neutral safety switch.

Edit: I found all my notes while looking for something else, so if anyone needs info on the additional wiring for the late 70's and 80's luxury GM car steering columns PM me.