Steering Column Aftermarket

[SS317]

I've searched a bunch and read lots of threads. My next upgrade for my 66 is power steering. My existing column is tired and old, creaks, and I'm thinking of upgrading to an aftermarket column like the one in the link below and getting a new steering wheel. How many of you have these aftermarket columns, not one pulled from another vehicle, and specifically if you have a 700R4 how do you like it? I've read a couple treads saying the ididit columns with a 700R4 have the gear selector too low when you're in drive.

https://www.performanceonline.com/60...hift-scS6066S/

Thanks for the input

[jb9281]

That column is made by idiit. It is a good column. I purchased a 67 a ss
column from cpp and it fits perfect in my 66. I liked the firewall gasket better than the one that comes with a 66 column. You will need to clamp the column at the top of the dash with a large water hose clamp, but it will not be seen later. It also come with the reverse light and safty neutral switch. It cost about $400.00 and so far so good, no problems. I also purchased their shift linkage kit for $40.00

[Cruzinlow]

Originally Posted by jb9281

That column is made by idiit. It is a good column. I purchased a 67 a ss
column from cpp and it fits perfect in my 66. I liked the firewall gasket better than the one that comes with a 66 column. You will need to clamp the column at the top of the dash with a large water hose clamp, but it will not be seen later. It also come with the reverse light and safty neutral switch. It cost about $400.00 and so far so good, no problems. I also purchased their shift linkage kit for $40.00

That interior looks awesome, I love the way that seat looks, what year truck did the bench seat come out of.

Thank

[chevy_mike]

Anyone looking at aftermarket steering columns MUST read this. It is very eye opening and may change the decision on what column you will buy. You life and everyone around you might depend on it.

http://www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/in...ng_Columns.pdf

[Rayo]

Nice good info thanks a milliion.

[markeb01]

I have a non-tilt Ididit chrome steel column and love it!

Thank you chevy_mike for posting that article. It is appalling that there isn’t something comparable in the US to protect our own citizens. The technical information provided is the closest thing I’ve ever read to an aircraft accident report finding. Identifying specific issues with each topic and recommendations or mandatory rejection as appropriate. I cringe at the thought of how many aftermarket Chinese or CPP steering columns may already be installed and running around this country waiting to fail catastrophically. It’s a shame the article can’t be posted as a safety advisory on Ebay.

I fear many will continue to be enticed by a $250 price over the full cost of an Ididit or Flaming River product, unaware the purchase could end up being a fatal mistake.

[chevy_mike]

markeb01 - I couldn't agree with you more. The US needs this type of testing for critical parts. You would think this could fall under SEMA but they seem to be more about $$$$.

[jweb]

I have had an Ididit tilt column for about 9 years. I broke the hazard switch (my fault) they said I could send it back to be repaired for a reasonable cost.

Basically a good product and a good company.

[BR3W CITY]

I have a 400+ hp truck with a metal dash and lap belts....so a death trap steering column doesn't bother me. I'm sure many of you will consider it a cavalier attitude, but hot rodding never used to be "safe"

I have a china-special tilt column, and I can agree that the QC on them is sub-par...BUT the problem I have is that too many enthusiasts fail to ever properly setup their steering, even WITH the more expensive columns. I'm less surprised to see failed components when I see that the column was slapped into a truck with 2" of play in the steering gear...or a truck that doesn't have ANY support on its steering linkage...or a truck with a 20 year old rag joint. Follow me??

I'm not trying to belittle the seriousness of a steering failure, but I just want everyone to take all information in stride. The article doesn't mean that every one ever sold is junk, or that if you have one its going to fail...but it DOES encourage careful scrutiny of any part bought from China, or really ANY part you put into your project at all. And never just assume "it'll work" or "it should be that way"

My .04 (I don't stop at .02c anymore).

[wutnxt]

Originally Posted by SS317

I've searched a bunch and read lots of threads. My next upgrade for my 66 is power steering. My existing column is tired and old, creaks, and I'm thinking of upgrading to an aftermarket column like the one in the link below and getting a new steering wheel. How many of you have these aftermarket columns, not one pulled from another vehicle, and specifically if you have a 700R4 how do you like it? I've read a couple treads saying the ididit columns with a 700R4 have the gear selector too low when you're in drive.

https://www.performanceonline.com/60...hift-scS6066S/

Thanks for the input

======================================================

When you ask a question like this your going to get alot of differnt replies from differnt views....but it's a great question.....I am sure every manufacturer has his day so to speak but here is what my expierence says.... I have a small hotrod shop and have put in more then a few columns . I emailed Flaming River the otherday and asked for a dealer package and it's the only column i would consider selling. I have done the china dance....the ididit dance and a bunch of other dances. All of my personal hotrods have after market columns and they are all flaming river....it's the only column thats never come in broken . I cringe when i see some of the other columns because of what we have found in the shop.....Flaming river columns are more money for sure and thats a draw back....but I am okay with spending more money on a product that in my opinion is a better product . I am sure your going to hear from other people that have had differnt expierences so the only thing i can say is what my expierences have been . Thats the great thing about this forum so many great questions and so much good information...good luck...and let us know what you went with and why if you don't mind

[chevy_mike]

Two things I don't screw with... steering and brakes. They are not places to cheap out on. I have always made sure they are right as my life and those around me are worth more than the couple bucks I saved. Heck I recently bought a buddy a new set of front soft lines for his '65 just because I knew they were shot and I didn't want to have the guilt if they failed and he was hurt or died. $20 out of my pocket made me sleep at night.

[wutnxt]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

Two things I don't screw with... steering and brakes. They are not places to cheap out on. I have always made sure they are right as my life and those around me are worth more than the couple bucks I saved. Heck I recently bought a buddy a new set of front soft lines for his '65 just because I knew they were shot and I didn't want to have the guilt if they failed and he was hurt or died. $20 out of my pocket made me sleep at night.

==================================================
I am with you on both of those....very well put

[jb9281]

Cruzinlow, My seats came out of a 2004 Tahoe front row.

[SS317]

Man, great input guys, I appreciate it. I just spoke with Flaming River and their tech support is really good. I know it's a little more money than the others, especially when you have to order an additional 250.00 transmission linkage kit, but I'm leaning that way. It is a little more than the budget I had for it so I'll have to save a few more weeks. Thanks for all the information and experience.

[61K10]

I am kinda with BR3W--I have a cheap tilt about $400 cheaper than ididit or F/river. I have had both in my cars in the past years. I know what I'm doing when building a steering system, steering box or rack which some may not. Now back to the safety issue. when was the report/testing done? Who payed for it? there is a-lot of column's on the market out there now that weren't around a year or two ago. is the quality of the newer ones better? How many parts come from china in your new car? I have a 2k Pontiac Bonneville and the window regulators are junk and break (not the E/motors) new ones made in china.

If i ran a shop i would use the best i could find--I might replace mine later who knows--bottom line be SAFE, and if you have a china one keep an eye/feel for problems.

sorry for the long post

[chevy_mike]

61K10 - Maybe if you read the report, you could have answered a bunch of your questions. This was done May 2013 by the Low Volume Technical Association in New Zealand. Think of the them as SEMA, DOT and Consumer Reports all rolled into one.

Unlike the USA, who has basically zero control of parts used in the aftermarket world, NZ (as many other countries are) is very strict on what is allowed to be used in aftermarket building of vehicles. They have to pass inspections and testing or they are not allowed on the road.

Unlike your window regulator, if it fails, it's not going to kill me or others....

[Grizz1963]

Being in the UK, we unfortunately get really badly screwed/scalped for every bit of kit we buy for our builds, so up to now I have been thinking the Chinese route, but reading this thread has me reconsidering, and I may then opt for a fixed column if that reduces the price, but still go with the much more costly options mentioned in the report.

I had hoped to have my truck done by October when I come over to the USA for two weeks, but maybe I should try to fit a complete column into my baggage if it fits, and at least avoid some of the shipping costs, and maybe the duties we pay.

I would agree that one needs to put safety first, and catastrophic failure is not a word I want to associate my truck with after putting blood sweat and beers into its preparation.

[pdxhall]

Why spend all that money for aftermarket when used GM columns are plentiful and easy to rebuild or have rebuilt if you don't want to tackle it yourself?
I've got a 71 Camaro tilt that I rebuilt in my truck.

[SS317]

"Why spend all that money for aftermarket when used GM columns are plentiful and easy to rebuild or have rebuilt if you don't want to tackle it yourself?
I've got a 71 Camaro tilt that I rebuilt in my truck."

Really I like the polished or chrome look of the new columns. I see your point from a cost perspective but I simply like the look.

[Cruzinlow]

Originally Posted by jb9281

Cruzinlow, My seats came out of a 2004 Tahoe front row.

Thanks for the info.

[chad64chevy]

I have a question I bought these column from CPP and now this is making be wonder!! what are your guys thoughts?? here's the column: http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOT-ROD-STRE...item58b5e32041

they claim to not be the cheap unsafe columns that are being sold!!

[BR3W CITY]

They claim its different...but it looks EXACTLY like my chinese one. I can't speak for CPP, but they are on here somewhere, you could ask them personally.

The only real issues with my column (which for the record was bought 3 years ago, and may be different that the ones in question);
The tilt lever fit at a weird angle and was too near the turn signal lever in the up position. Unscrewed the lever, bent it in a vice, problem solved.
Also, the auto-cancelling switch for the turn signals doesn't always work going to the left. I can probably replace it with a better part for $10

[65chevysub]

Originally Posted by SS317

"Why spend all that money for aftermarket when used GM columns are plentiful and easy to rebuild or have rebuilt if you don't want to tackle it yourself?
I've got a 71 Camaro tilt that I rebuilt in my truck."

Really I like the polished or chrome look of the new columns. I see your point from a cost perspective but I simply like the look.

The tilt column in my Sub is from a 72 Chevy P/U, and my original deluxe wheel fit on it perfectly. Painted it to match the interior, and with the exception of the indicator cover and shift lever, it looks factory.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by chad64chevy

I have a question I bought these column from CPP and now this is making be wonder!! what are your guys thoughts?? here's the column: http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOT-ROD-STRE...item58b5e32041

they claim to not be the cheap unsafe columns that are being sold!!

Did you actually read the report? Page 13 talks specifically about the CPP column. Make your own decision from that. From what I read, no it won't end up in any of my vehicles...

[61K10]

That report was posted a while back before being posted here, and i did read it. (should of reread it i guess) I don't believe everything i read--still sounds like an add for Ididit and Flaming River.