54 chevy steering columns

I was just wondering what some of you have done with the steering columns in the 49-54 chevy cars? Am I correct in thinking to install an after market column Id also have to change the stock steering (rack and pinion of some sort) its kinda a pain in the *** cause the steering wheel is so close when your driving, not to mention if feels like a total saftey hazzard if you ever get in a wreck. any pics or ideas?

 

i used the stock box and cut it down to fit used a gm column out of a 84 z28 cut it down was pretty easy and a rag joint works pretty dam good rag joint not in pic if ya need more pics do a search couple other guys had done it also

 

I modified my stock column to work with a rack and pinion and also made it shorter in the process. 30" total length

Yes, you are correct in thinking with aftermarket column you would have to change the stock steering or adapt a type of joint (borgenson/rag joint etc) to the stock steering box. Since it has a inner and out shaft it could be done.

I agree that the wheel is too close.

Here is a partial step by step of what I did.
http://50chevy.com/steering.html#howto

Will add more pics when the column is in the car.

If you didnt want to do all that work, limeworks has a standard 1 3/4" column chromed or steel for not bad of a price.

Hope that helps.

 

Would the limeworks column fit into the stock box or would I need to weld it up or something. I know I want a mustang II set up in the future, I just thought there might be something i could do in the meantime, but if the cost of labor gets to be too great I'll just do the M-II swap insted. Is there a way to adjust the play in the stock box? or am I just prolonging the inevitable and I need to **** it up and change it.
PS- I got my 50chevy.com shirt yesterday thanks

 

You would have to adapt the limework column to the stock box.

Same principle as what 54 chev g***er has done

RE: stock play in the box

Haven't done it myself. Here is the chevy manual link:

http://chevy.tocmp.com/1949_53shop/09steering/9_01.HTM

Thanks for purchasing the shirt. They were made by Marcy a HAMB member.

 

i've done the tilt column with stock steering box a couple of times, works fine, i just used a rag joint. right now on my 51 i'm in the middle of switching my steering setup, i just installed a 63 buick riviera tilt column, much ***ier than the 69 camaro tilt that was in there, and am waiting for a SAAB rack to come in the mail....i ripped the saab rack idea off from DirtyT(bagger).

 

how would i search that would like to take a look at that

 

you mean the saab rack? if so click on the search ****on up near the top of the scree, enter "saab" as your search term and a few results will come up. if you mean the riviera column, i'd have to take a picture for ya.

 

Just find the right length column for your personal taste, cut the stock column there and grind a couple flat spots for a DD steering U joint that will match up with your column and you're done.