steering column....found a 78 tilt column in a 78 chevy van with the key on the dash--they are the same as the 67-72 truck aren't they????? wiring....wondering which wiring harness is the best and easiest to install with a fuse block and ends...who has it? Thanks, Boise Steve
Steve, if you found a 78 van column with tilt, that's like finding the holy grail of columns. The van ones are desireable because of the length (shortness) and they are fairly clean and simple compared to newer stuff. I'm not sure how they compare in length to the truck ones. Also the location of your steering box makes a difference on how far down you can mount the column. You'll need room for some u-joints.No column you get will be a simple bolt in. You'll need to fashion a hanger for below the dash and can likely use the firewall rubber from the van. I'm in the middle of fitting an 80 van (non-tilt) into my 57. I used some threaded rod to temporarily mount it below the dash so I could try some adjustments. I ended up with 3" between the bottom of the dash and the top of the column and I've got it shoved all the way up in the original firewall hole. If mine could tilt I could probably go down one tilt on it to sit perfect. The way I've got it the column shifter tab at the bottom of the column it just clears the exhaust manifold. I used the linkage from a early 80's chevy pickup to go down the the tranny and had to rebend it a bit. If you're going floor shift instead of column shift that will make that part of it easier. As for wiring harnesses I just ordered an EZ wiring 21 circuit off E-bay for $150.00. I did some research and found that some of the big name kits were double the price or more and only marginally better in quality and support.
wiring Thanks for the help...I found this guy in town that was parting out the van and when he said $50...I basicall ran right over with my tools and snatched it up. I took the linkage too and hope it works..heard that I don't have to change anything to make it fit...we'll see in time. So, the original mounting plate won't work? I hope so.. Heard it will work because of the tilt wheel. Thanks again for the feedback Steve in Boise
Steering cloumn Mounting Steve I modified and used all of the original mounts for my 72 column. See attached file if it is there any questions let me know. Mark
I thought the preferred method was to have the end of the column close to the fire wall, about an inch, in order to reduce the angle on the joints to the rack? Looks great though, just curious.
Thanks Hey Mark...got your message but cannot open the thumbnail..either one. can you try emailing me @ Scarab777@cableone.net? Thanks, Steve
Hey Bill I agree with you the less angle the longer the joints will last and less stress. I specifically looked at numerous 55-59 trucks at the Goodguys car show in November and I think I will be ok but we will see how it works after I get the engine and exhaust installed. See attached pic from one of the trucks I saw at the car show. I did see some shorter but more on the longer side. Thanks for the feedback.
Nice pic of the column, I haven't installed my column with my m11 yet and I can see how a shorter column may cause some interference with headers/exhaust. Thanks for the heads up.
