tilt steering for a 65

Discussion in '1960-1966' started by stevemd65, Feb 4, 2008.

  1. stevemd65

    stevemd65 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2008
    Messages:
    28
    I want to put tilt steering in my 65 stepside. I was told that 73-78 chevy truck will work. will it?
     
  2. dvalentine

    dvalentine Charter Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2000
    Messages:
    1,774
    Location:
    Sacramento
    Yes, it will. BUT, it will move the ignition off the dash and onto the column too. If you want to leave the ignition where it is now, ( and where God intended for it to be.. ;) ),
    then look for a 70's Van tilt column. They will be harder to find but not impossible. The other option is to go with one of the aftermarket columns from Flaming River, Ididit, and others...

    Val
     
  3. beck

    beck Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2008
    Messages:
    81
    Location:
    Waterloo, Illinois
    I agree with the van column. That is the one to have. The prices on those is pretty high if you find one at a swap meet. The street rod guys like them too.
    If you are willing to do some work you can cut the ignition off of a column that has it. Then fill the hole. I "think" that ring is pot metal so welding is near impossible. I did one of these but don't quite remember what I did. I "think" I cut a piece of sheet metal to fit inside my cut out switch hole and used an epoxy similar to JB Weld to attach the patch. Then just use good old body filler to make it right. One of the other problems with a later model column is the big diamager of the bottom trim ring. There was a housing that went from that ring to the dash on those columns. To solve this I cut a piece of wood on my lathe and just stuck it on the column with body filler. Make sure you let clearance if the factory bottom ring moves with the shifter. If you use some good high build primer on the wood and take your time sanding it you will never notice it isn't steel after the finish paint. Since this is inside the truck the wood won't come apart like it would on the outside. The photo is the column I modified. Notice the late model blinker/dimmer bump. I didn't have a photo of the NO switch side. You can see the wood ring at the bottom of the shift ring.
     

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