While in a salvage yard this weekend I looked at a 66 ?.. corvair steering column as a possible column and wheel for my 32 project. My question is does anyone know what diameter the column shaft is? I know I should have measured when I was there, I did measure 33" from wheel to floor and the diameter of the wheel is 16" and the column tube is 1.5". I only thought about using it after I left and didn't check it very closely. My concern is since covairs were rear engined and low weight over front wheels it may not be heavy enough for a front engined hot rod. Thank you in advance for helping in any way Ed
Might I suggest a Mid-60's-Mid70's ford truck with manual trans. I have put one in my 51 ford and found that the steering shaft has the same spline for ford steering wheel from the 40's up. You will have a non-tilt column with an integrated turn signal, looks clean and no half as bolt on turn signal switch. Just a suggestion.
Thank you for the replies you have saved me a slog through the mud, thats what I thought 5/8" is to narrow. The ford truck column is an option I hadn't considered, when I return I'll check em out. Thanks Ed
ED, the shaft to these truck columns are 3/4" so, you just cut off the flange for the rag joint and machine the two sides! BAM! 3/4" DD shaft, fits the U-joint perfect.
The Jalopy Journal
