New Steering Column

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by nikalos, Oct 13, 2010.

  1. nikalos

    nikalos Member

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    Ive got a 1954 chevrolet 3100 and i just got done installing the ifs mustang ll front end. i was wondering what the best choice for a steering column would be since the orignal wont work
     
  2. bigtimjamestown

    bigtimjamestown Member

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    The Ididit columns work well, I have one in my "54" and it looks nice....Big Tim :cool: tims pics 030.jpg

    tims pics 031.jpg
     
  3. nikalos

    nikalos Member

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    alright thank you
     
  4. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

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    The factory one works fine. I am running it. You need to cut it to length, make a lower mount at the firewall, insert a bearing in the lower end of the tube and grind teh shaft into a double "D" shape, then hook up the borgeson joints. Easy.....
     
  5. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

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    First, pull the column....duh...

    Next, cut the outer column tube to length using a sawzall or grinder with a cut off wheel. make sure you cut it straight.
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    Now cut the inner shaft about 3" longer. (I welded an extension to mine because the steering wheel nut was messed up on the new one)
    [​IMG]

    Find a bearing that fits into the tube and fits the shaft. I plug weld the bearing to the tube...go slow so you don't melt the bearing...
    [​IMG]

    now clean your shaft...no dirty comments here, please...and get ready for paint. Here we have the shaft and tube side by side...
    [​IMG]

    Grind the end of the shaft into a "DD" shape for the u joint to attatch to.
    [​IMG]
     
  6. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

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    O.k, now lets paint and mount the column....
    [​IMG]

    I previously made up a bottom mount and sheetmetal cover. I like the column to barely protrude through the firewall....
    [​IMG]

    Now make up the rest of the shaft assembly. Mock up the linkage using 3/4" dowels and duct tape. once you have the measurements, call and order the parts. I used 1 "DD" to "DD" joint for the column side, 12" "DD" shaft, 1 "DD" to weld on joint, about 6" round shaft, and a weld on to splined joint...
    [​IMG]


    Once everything is connected, determine where to mount the hiem joint, which is needed to support the center section if more that 2 u joints are used. Cut a mount out of steel, drill for the threaded shaft, weld to frame...
    [​IMG]

    Now paint the assembly and drive the snot out of it.....
    [​IMG]
     
  7. federale

    federale Member

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    Re:Steering column

    I used an early 80's Monte Carlo steering column in my 53. Works Great!
     
  8. shrek55

    shrek55 Member

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    How did you mount it?
     
  9. federale

    federale Member

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    Re:Mounting

    I used the pedal assembly from a 77 Nova. The steering column bolts right up to it.
     
  10. Wolf

    Wolf Member

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    Russ you are awesome!! what a pro
     
  11. nikalos

    nikalos Member

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    well i ordered the power brake booster conversion kit for my truck will the 77 nova pedal assembly still hook up?
     
  12. federale

    federale Member

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    Re:

    Nope don't think so if you keep the under-floor master cylinder. I used the firewall mounted booster from the Nova.
     
  13. shrek55

    shrek55 Member

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    Is the pedal assembly bolted in the nova or welded? Also, does it bolt or weld into the truck?????:confused:
     
  14. federale

    federale Member

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    RE:Bolt In

    Everything bolts in. It takes a bit of engineering under the truck dash but the solutions will come to you as you progress.
     
  15. shrek55

    shrek55 Member

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    Did you use the master, booster and proportioning valve from the Nova?
     
  16. federale

    federale Member

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    Re:

    I used everything from the Nova,including the subframe. You're probably not going this far,so you'll need an adjustable proportioning valve since you won't have disc brakes.
     

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