Ok I've searched the forums and emailed the manufactures and to this point have had no success. I'm trying to install an original steering wheel to an aftermarket tilt column on my 51 Chevy truck. I'm unsure of the column brand since it was in the truck when I bought it. I think it's an ididit or close match. Spline shaft on column is to small, wheel to column is not even close. The wheel has a small hub, column is much larger. Picture is attached. Anyone had this issue.
It doesn't work. I made a column for my 57, using mostly old truck parts. But Chevy didn't use "real" turn signal switches on trucks until around 1954, and the steering wheels are quite different. I don't have any good suggestions...sorry.
the column that you have is either from ididit, or a close cousin - these are upgraded copies of earlier GM columns from the 70's (?) - you might be able to run a '55 or newer Chevy truck steer wheel with a standard type adapter - older than '55 is another animal, that will not work without a complete custom adapter of some sort - might look at Ididit site and look at the aftermarket copy of a '40 Ford wheel - with any wheel that you use it will not look nostalgic with that hi-tech column & billet gauge surrounds
I had the same problem when I put a tilt column in my1955 Buick so I cut out the center of the new wheel, cut out the center of the original wheel and then welded the new wheel center into the old wheel. You can check it out on my flickr photo page https://www.flickr.com/photos/buickfan/5673689430/in/album-72157594218766363/
That's an age old issue we've all dealt with. The other issue is once you get that way Kool old geni steering wheel back in the truck those Billet new gauges are going to look like Crap. The Wizzard
The best you can do is find a cover like the one included in some grant steering wheel adapters, you must find the one with the correct diameter. Otherwise just go to the next most updated column like people suggested. It seems you need to have tilt, signals and other do-dads on your column, so that is why you have reached this point. Another option is to buy a vintage looking modern steering wheel that fits this column, sell that wheel and recoup some money.
Thanks for all the reply's folks. I figured I was going to be outta luck with that column but had to ask. I don't really like the chrome stuff anyway. That chrome column, nappy steering wheel and those goofy looking gauges just aren't working for me. I'll just grab a stock one and make the swap. Thanks again! Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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