When it comes to buying a steering column I wanted to know my options. I though I would be able to buy a steering column with all the features on the column! Ignition, Turn signals, high/low beams, wipers, cruise control etc.. Like all the new cars have. My friend told me that would not happen that I can't get a new steering column like that, and I would be looking at a nightmare to set something up like that! So, how are you guy's setting up a aftermarket steering column and what are my options. What can I have on the column and what can I not have and for controls where will they be, on the dash or floor? Thanks
Yes you can get such a column from Ididit and Flaming River, they should have a direct fit. You have to mont it to the dash using the factory column drop or a custom derivative, then mount through the firewall using a floor plate. Connect the steering rods with u joints and you are set. Now hook up the wires and you are all set. http://www.ididitinc.com/retrofit-steering-columns-2/47-78ChevyTruckCS_Retr-47 http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0002/s0004
Nice, thanks ol' Chebby. That's good to know. My other question is I have a 18 circuit GM painless universal wiring harness, will that work or will I need an up to date wiring harness to do everything on the column? Thanks
It will work. Most harnesses come with a GM style column hook up, just plug the wires in the proper holes and snap the cover down, then plug into the column.
Well, I called both companies and they said no one makes a column that does all the features like a new car. They both said there columns will only do certain features like cruise or dimming, no wipers or turning on lights, they also said if I want all the features on the column to go to a junk yard and find something there. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Look for something GM, the colors should match. They all mount pretty much the same way. There may be a bit more fab ork, but never tell a hot rodder he can't do something.
Yes , You Can ! Rico ; Folks who say " that cannot be done " are typically too lazy to take on the work necessary . If you want it , work at it and you'll have pride beyond belief when it's done . If I'da listen to those Nattering Nabobs Of Negativity 50 + years ago , I'da never had the fun and interesting life of old cars , trucks and Motos I have been blessed to have experienced .
Thanks man, I appreciate it from you and Chebby. I emailed the guy I'm thinking of buying the engine from and ask if we could use the steering column out of the truck he's getting my engine/tranny out of. He also makes custom wiring harnesses. So just waiting for a response? I will keep looking into it until I get it figured out or it kills me lol Building these trucks the way we want is half the fun. Also I've come to the conclusion every step of the way putting this truck together there'll be a modification involved Rico
Modifying The really great thing about The Generous Motors Corporation is : they loved " parts bin engineering " so once you find a thing you like on a different GM Product , you simply need to beat the bushes until you find it in the pattern you need ~ almost anything can be bolted up *if* you figure out the brackets from various different years & models of GM Products . The awareness of this is why there's so many aftermarket companies making kits , adapters and so on .
Your so right. Talked to the guy I'm buying my engine from and he said no problem making a old truck have modern equipment. I just have to find the right year where all the controls are on the steering column and also with no column shifter. I want to put a custom B&M shifter on the floor.
