Technical Suggestions for steering column cover.

I am looking for suggestions on how to cover the lower section of a tilt steering column. I am using a 1979 GM tilt column which has the dimmer switch in the column. The lower section has a large electrical connection attached to the lower section of the column. I am looking for suggestion and advice on how to cover this so it can't bee seen. A wrap, cover, shroud ? How did you cover yours ?

 

That is one ugly column. Some time ago, there were ABS plastic covers for this but I don't think they are available anymore. Best option would be to use a different column.

 

This might be a good fibergl*** project....

 

You made me go look.
I've got an early 60s Chevy column. It looks like somebody ran through a junkyard dragging a magnet.
Yikes, it is ugly.

 

Juliano’s used to sell a two piece cover to hide all of that “stuff”.

 

I've got the same column. I plan on using 3" sewer pipe to make a cover if I ever get around to it. Paint it black and it will fade out of sight.

 

Used a piece of new exhaust pipe and slipped it over it.

 

I was thinking along the same lines as you are. I have some 3 inch plastic pipe but because of the electrical connection on the column that sticks out several inches I will have to build a box or an additional tube to cover the connection. Thanks for the idea.

 

The ABS cover is available. I have one. It’s imperfect. It’s not a bad idea, but to use it you have to start by cutting off all protruding things on the column, including the bracket that holds the wiring harness connector. You’re supposed to cut and extend the harness out the bottom, I guess.

So far, it remains on a shelf. If anyone wants it, let me know.



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David thanks for the information. I have 2 vehicles with this column in them and was just looking for a way to clean up their appearance. As you know the electrical connections are the problem. Thanks for the help. Wood N One.

 

I had a very oversize plastic mug (must have been quart) I cut up to cover one once. I covered it with black felt and it looked pretty good.

Gary

 

You might ask your upholstery guy. Had mine cover as much of the column as he could.

 

Thanks for the idea Gary. I really appreciate the help.

 

Thanks Joe, I appreciate the advice.

 

I used the same stuff, paint it black, put it back, and watch people try to guess what you used.

 

I moved one to the top of the column years ago, should be a little easier to hide anyway.

 

Thanks 24riverview it looks like you did a nice job on moving everything. That gives me another option. Wood N One

 

I slip rolled some stainless and polished it for my 71 Cutl*** column.

 

It’s a popular functional column, designed to be hidden under a big dashboard. Hanging out in space in an early car, it’s kinda ugly. I know, I have one. Haven’t found a good way to pretty it up or hide it.



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I agree, not as sleek as the earlier column. Only reason I used it was I had it laying around. I'm thinking about shaving and filling the key on mine, I'm currently using an underdash switch anyway, and I don't have a GM style ignition switch. I've already taken off the dimmer switch, I'm using a floor dimmer. If I do do away with the column key switch, I'll get rid of the wheel locking mechanism, too.

 

Drew, wonderful job on the column. Really well done. Thanks for the help.

 

I put together a tilt column for my VW using a 1977 Cutl*** column. The tilt head is held to the lower part of the column by a four bolt flange that just sits in a slot. I TIG welded the flange to the VW column tube and made a sheet metal transition to the tilt head.

BTW, I bought tilt really cheap because it was considered to be broken. The four bolts that secure it to the previously mentioned flange were loose, allowing the head to flop around.

 

The switch at the bottom of the column (if that's the one you're talking about) is the neutral safety switch. Just remove it and make other arrangements for neutral safety. I don't think there is anything else that is performed by that switch.

 

Take a piece of metal tube that fits over most of the column and cut a slot for the part that is too big for the tube. Make a metal cover to cover the slot. Paint flat black so it disappears under the dash and done.