I have previously posted on a thread labeled 32 Ford front fender assembly but as I am continuing my first time 32 build with many other questions I thought I could get more replies if I started a new thread with a broader content title. My current item on the mock up is the steering system. I am thinking to use an ididit classic straight column which according to ididit will work with the 59 Corvette steering wheel I what to use. My question does anyone have a measurement of the distance from the dash to the steering wheel. Any suggestions or comments welcome and look forward to hearing from thr deuce experts.
Looks like you have a seat in it. Sit in the car, hold the steering wheel where it is comfortable, and take that measurement.
Check not just how far away, but the steering wheels angle. You may need a tilt column for comfortable driving.....or getting in and out of the vehicle.
Not a 32…. But this may give you an idea of comfortable space distances. I’m 6’2” and 220. this is a very comfortable location with my 34 unchopped pickup.
Take into consideration the angle of the windshield and the angle of the column. The one I have seen with a big wheel were close to the windshield unless you can reduce the column angle.
If you have fabrication skills and some tools and a welder make your own steering column ,, around $100 ish If interested in going that route I can break down the parts needed, 2 sealed bearing a few snap rings double D shaft & a doner splines for steering wheel , Gm , Ford, Mopar . I usually start off with a 4 foot stick of 1-1/2 OD of seamless mid steel or chromoly. .025 -.040 thick , So you can Slide / adjust to liken ,then cut Ext . & using stock 32 drop and also make the lock steering function work if desired,, & if you desire a quick disconnect (But not required ) can be purchased for $35 if you want a cheap one ,I usually use the one made by Strange $175 No play in splines .. The pics are of 1 of 5 I have done . If I use a space to adjust the tilt , afterwards I take a piece of aluminum shape to original mounting base /shape to dash ,paint black usually ,,the one shown is just for mock up
Got my column in and am working on the connection from column to Vega box. I have run in to the age old problem of intermediate steering shaft interference with exhaust manifold. I dropped the steering box bracket as low as I thought (lower than P&J instructions) should be and it’s going to be marginal for clearance. I wanted to use the ram horn manifolds for a traditional look and avoid the problems associated with tube headers. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Is this a channels body? Not my build , But I see a few options, First your column where it comes through the firewall is way too high, Lower & adjust your column drop to get the right angle that fits your needs and comfortable, Sweet are the smallest D-Ds in diameter. How much is D-D rod or joint hitting your exhaust, You can turn the D-D rod down if only touching about 1/8 - . 175 thoe, or half moon exhaust pipe, (dimple)
Here’s a Vette wheel in my 34 coupe for such a large wheel you probably want the deeper drop Offy type column drop I made this column out of 1 1/2” stainless tubing I got off eBay Made an adaptor plate from Vette wheel to speedway grant style adaptor Made a stainless button with a 34 silver dollar
Can you move the engine over at the mounts 1/4-1/2”? Borgeson has several straight (no u-joint) couplers and short splined shafts. You might be able to get an extension past the exhaust, then the u-joint turned up. Just a suggestion.
Got back to work on my steering shaft clearance problem. I wound up using 3 joints with a heim joint bearing and moved the intermediate shaft toward the frame rail in a v shape. Then I used some 2 1/2 mandrel tubing to shape around shaft. So it’s possible to use the larger flow tech manifolds and 2 1/2 inch down pipes. Now on to the next.
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