My pile of steering columns in my garage is growing, and still cant find something that I like or will fit. Looks like I am gonna have to cut one down. What did you guys use? Would really like to have tilt, but not a necessity. Its in a 28 model A Thanks...Toqwik
I cut down a tilt to fit a 32 I built. I used a mid 60's gm and took off every thing below the tilt. I welded a 1 1/2" tube on to it to fit my 32 drop. I used an old cup to fair the tilt to the little tube. Looked and worked slick. If that doesnt sound right,I have a short non tilt column that you can have for the shipping. Photos on request.
[ QUOTE ] What did you guys use? Would really like to have tilt, but not a necessity. Its in a 28 model A Thanks...Toqwik [/ QUOTE ] I used a 1972 Chevrolet van column. No key, small and has turn signal switch in the column. See photo. I used the P-R-N-D-L2-L1 as well as the gear selector. A-Bomb also used one in his Model A coupe. He removed the gear indicator and shifter. He has a 4 speed in the coupe. Most all the 32's and quite a few of the other rods around here use the Chevrolet/GMC van column. The early ones (like mine) have the neutral start switch on the transmission.. and the later ones have a small discreet one on the column.
seventies and early eighties chevy van tilt It may still need shortened but they are nice clean columns no key or headlight dimmer bullshit
Andy, do ya think that non tilt column will work in mine without cutting it down? I am going to run an old superior 3 spoke steering wheel. Thanks...
FlamedAbone just built a really clean steering column from scratch for his Henry J... used some bearings, exhaust tubing and a shaft.. He is always amazing me. Maybe he could post how it built his
What's in your column collection. Any 32 to 48 Ford columns with toggle and key? I'm looking for one. I don't need the box or wheel.
The column I have measures 28" to end of mast jacket. It has key and nut. No turn lever or switch. Thought to be mid 70's GM. It would stick thru the floor bd. in my deuce by 1 inch. Should be fine in your A.
I've never had a late column in an old car but I'm curious why so many people use van columns; both Chev. and Ford Oops! I missed Terrence's reply- smoother, any other reasons?
Chev van tilt cut and spliced into the F-1 column and shaft is the way I plan on doing the one in my roadster. Shortning the stock column isn't a big deal. Andy I like the looks of the way you did yours.
[ QUOTE ] I've never had a late column in an old car but I'm curious why so many people use van columns; both Chev. and Ford [/ QUOTE ] amen to that! maybe there realy realy fat?
[/ QUOTE ] amen to that! maybe there realy realy fat? [/ QUOTE ] Amen to that! but fat is so harsh, I consider myself, built for comfort, not for speed.
your right. i just wish some people would think twice before using a tilt. the beauty of these cars is that they work as intened, as is.
I think I just need to find a tilt column and cut it down . It looks like the biggest reason I will have to cut it down is it is going to end up too close to the box. My mock up column is mid 80's monte carlo, case is like 29" and to end of shaft is 33". doesn't leave much room for u-joints in the steering. Anyone got a cut down tilt they wanna sell ???
If you can hang in there a week or so, FSRA.org will have a tech column - with photos - I did on making your own ball bearing aluminum jacketed steering column. For cheap. $25. in my case. Granted, some don't like aluminum, but I understand it paints up quite well. The article points out as well some basic information about making your own column out of steel. Just go to FSRA.org, click on site map and see if the February 2004 newsletter is up and if so download it as a PDF file.
Does that include a tilt setup, or just a straight column. Hell I've even been thinkin bout making a mount like the old 64 galaxie has, where the column would "swing" away towards the center of the car. I think I will be sorry if I donot use a tilt column.
[ QUOTE ] FlamedAbone just built a really clean steering column from scratch for his Henry J... used some bearings, exhaust tubing and a shaft.. He is always amazing me. Maybe he could post how it built his [/ QUOTE ] That's the tech week article I've been waiting for. I want to do this for my '47 wheel.
[ QUOTE ] Does that include a tilt setup, or just a straight column. [/ QUOTE ] Straight column. If you're careful with how you set up the ergonomics in your car you won't need a tilt. I'm a six footer and about 20# overweight and don't have any trouble getting into my 32. It has a top, windwings as well as quarter windows, all of which are detrimental to a small point on the ingress and egress bit, but it's entirely livable. With your sedan, I don't see any problems at all with a straight column. Do you have a tilt in your daily driver? I do, set it once and never moved it again.
You know, you're right about setting the tilt and never changing it. Maybe I will do just a regular column........Scott
toqwik, about the nicest looking steering column i've ever seen in an early car (this one happens to be a '32 roadster) is from a volkswagen. sounds goofy, but go look. they are really super slim and smooth.
last 2 cars we built we used postal jeep columns (late 60's or early 70's) works good and the wheel looks stock.
atch, The VW's that I have seen used are out of the busses, not the sedans. Just thought I would clarify. They do work slick though.
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