Column install help
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Column install help
Hi Guys, I'm kind of excited about a new purchase. I just met a guy the other day who told me about a friend's truck for sale. I told him I already have a 54 I'm up to my eyeballs in, but he kept on describing how great this other truck is. Evidently, it's a 53 f100 that was a driver up until about 3 years ago. Then the owner started working on it and buying new parts (extensive). One of things he put in it was a new polished steering column. It just so happens that I need to replace the Camaro unit in my current truck. The problem is that I have never done this before. It looks fairly simple, but looks can be deceiving. My current 68 Camaro column is mated to a 78 Volare power steering pump. If anybody has installed one of these aftermarket units I would appreciate any headsup info. Also, back to the 53 truck. The owner only wants $700, so I figure I can't lose. (Oh sure, I've thought that before and found out differently.) I'm checking it out this weekend and I'll report back with details. John
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster SC
Column install help
John,
Since the column is polished, It would seem to follow that it might be an ididit or something similar. Would suggest you look at their web sites and/or classictruckshop.com for an article describing installation of a used gm column. I'm certain the folks here on FTE have done it and would certainly lend their expertise....Look for some type of trademark or slaes logo on the polished column first though.
Good luck
Steve
Since the column is polished, It would seem to follow that it might be an ididit or something similar. Would suggest you look at their web sites and/or classictruckshop.com for an article describing installation of a used gm column. I'm certain the folks here on FTE have done it and would certainly lend their expertise....Look for some type of trademark or slaes logo on the polished column first though.
Good luck
Steve
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Column install help
John
Iditit and Flaming River are virtually identical. Billet Specialties also makes a polished column. I have a FR and used the following to install. 3 1/2" swivel drop. For the shaft I used a Borg joint that converted from Volare spline to 3/4 DD. I used a vibration damper from an early 80s Cadillac that converts the column 1 inch DD to a 3/4 DD shaft. You cut the 3/4 shaft to length but it is a simple task.
Using all aftermarket joints and shaft can cost over $300. This method reduces cost to $70 and you have a vibration damper. A lot of people delete the damper due to high cost. This can often cause road vibrations to transfer to your steering wheel.
Measure the shaft on your column and tell us how your current GM column is installed. You may have a ot of what you need already. All the aftermarket columns I mentioned are GM knockoffs.
Iditit and Flaming River are virtually identical. Billet Specialties also makes a polished column. I have a FR and used the following to install. 3 1/2" swivel drop. For the shaft I used a Borg joint that converted from Volare spline to 3/4 DD. I used a vibration damper from an early 80s Cadillac that converts the column 1 inch DD to a 3/4 DD shaft. You cut the 3/4 shaft to length but it is a simple task.
Using all aftermarket joints and shaft can cost over $300. This method reduces cost to $70 and you have a vibration damper. A lot of people delete the damper due to high cost. This can often cause road vibrations to transfer to your steering wheel.
Measure the shaft on your column and tell us how your current GM column is installed. You may have a ot of what you need already. All the aftermarket columns I mentioned are GM knockoffs.
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,910
Likes: 1,042
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Column install help
John,
might help ...might not... I put a gm tilt unit in my truck and detailed an article on it go to my page and look in left column for article
hope it helps
john
might help ...might not... I put a gm tilt unit in my truck and detailed an article on it go to my page and look in left column for article
hope it helps
john
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Column install help
Thanks Steve and fenders for the reply. I'll try and measure the existing gm column I have tonight as well as make a list of what I see in the make-up where it connects to the power steering unit. John
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Column install help
Hi Daryl, You're right, the cost of buying the truck may be the same as buying a new steering column or even a little more. However, until I see it, I'm not sure of the truck's condition and what else it may sport in the way of new parts and goodies. I also may swap out the passenger-side door. The one I have on my truck now needs a little tweeking to get the top rear portion of the window frame to set right (1/2"). (I have been told that a body guy can heat the base of the window and pull the corner in, but if I can avoid that cost, all the better.) I may be getting myself all worked up only to be dissappointed. However, unless I go look, I"ll never know. I guess if the truck isn't as good as was presented, I will just go ahead and buy a new column. 
Who knows, I might even find one for sale at the swap meet in Sacramento on Sunday morning.
Thanks for the input, John
Who knows, I might even find one for sale at the swap meet in Sacramento on Sunday morning. Thanks for the input, John
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Column install help
John
Daryl's $700 figure is probably from one of my previous posts. A Flaming River with column shift, Lokar shift linkage, billet drop and all the shaft conversion joints etc can get in the $700 neighborhood. Ididtit is about $50 cheaper. Using a floor shift can save money too, but not if you turnright around and buy a new shifter.
John's article is helpful. This isn't significantly different than stock GM. You just get the proper length which can save headaches. You will very likely get other parts from the truck. I would sure check it out. Doesn't take long to get your moneys worth.
Daryl's $700 figure is probably from one of my previous posts. A Flaming River with column shift, Lokar shift linkage, billet drop and all the shaft conversion joints etc can get in the $700 neighborhood. Ididtit is about $50 cheaper. Using a floor shift can save money too, but not if you turnright around and buy a new shifter.
John's article is helpful. This isn't significantly different than stock GM. You just get the proper length which can save headaches. You will very likely get other parts from the truck. I would sure check it out. Doesn't take long to get your moneys worth.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Column install help
Thanks for the encouragement fenders, I'll report back after I see (and buy??) the truck. I may be jumping to a conclusion, but I'm guessing that because it is already installed in a 53, that it should be the right length for my 54. I checked out John's website article and it sure looks simple. I guess everything is if you know how!! Thanks, John T
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Column install help
Oh well, the truck turned out to be no bargain. The only new piece is a right rear fender. Also, I was told it was pretty much a rolling unit in need of finishing. No way!.... The truck (a 56, not 53 as described) is completely dissassembled with pieces all over the garage and the hood and one fender outside in the weather. Even at the new price of $600, I don't think it's for me. I'll just buy a column when I get it back from the paint shop. Thanks for the input everybody, John (in Sacramento)