Trying to fit 1979 van steering column in 66 c10

[Boedean1981]

First question post as I am kinda dumb founded have some ideas but wanting to make it safe and reliable.

Below is a picture of the 2 steering columns. The one on left is the one out of a 1979 van. The one on the right is the one that came with the truck. Father-in-law said it was out of a camaro. Notice the large length difference. I dry fitted the van column and yeah like 18" too short (story of my life). How could I get this to safely work in the truck?

[Chevy Fleetside]

It's kind of hard to tell, but is the van column splined where the rag joint would go? If so you need to remove that and get a u joint and add a lower steering column from a truck to it. look here at post #35 page 2 http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=259536&page=2 , It is also hard to tell but that doesn't look like a 79 van column.

[Boedean1981]

There is no spline on the end of the van. It is direct to the rag. So I was thinking removing that and then adding the u joint to the end of that and then attach the one from the camaro to the end of that.

[65chevysub]

This is just an idea. I had a tilt column put in my 65 Suburban in 1999. It came out of a 72 Chevy pickup. The only mods were to the shifter rod that goes to the trans but its great. Right length too.

[Boedean1981]

My father-in-law doesn't want to have a column with a ignition switch in it is why. Plus we have the van column.

[dwcardfan]

Originally Posted by Boedean1981

There is no spline on the end of the van. It is direct to the rag. So I was thinking removing that and then adding the u joint to the end of that and then attach the one from the camaro to the end of that.

That will work. I just cut my shaft and added a u joint to lengthen mine.

[65chevysub]

Originally Posted by Boedean1981

My father-in-law doesn't want to have a column with a ignition switch in it is why. Plus we have the van column.

The 72 column doesnt have the ignition switch in it. It was still in the dash until 1973
Posted via Mobile Device

[Boedean1981]

I guess Monday I will go to the pick n save and see if they have a nice one there. Cheers 65chevysub

[Chevy Fleetside]

That van column looks like an 80's column. The van column up to 79 will look like your original. Round and smooth.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

The 72 column doesnt have the ignition switch in it. It was still in the dash until 1973
Posted via Mobile Device

Some (vans and?) travel homes had keyless columns for some years even beyond 1972--don't forget to look!
Sam

[Boedean1981]

Many thanks will probably go have a look see tomorrow. If not I will just u joint it and weld it to it. Many thanks all for the advice and information

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

That van column looks like an 80's column. The van column up to 79 will look like your original. Round and smooth.

Very much agree. So, when looking in 'yards', don't overlook the '79 vans & earlier.
Sam