1983 Tilt Column question
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 280
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From: Colorado Springs
1983 Tilt Column question
Hey guys,
I have found several 1983 tilt columns on vans and truck with the key in the column. I know some on this forum have said that you can remove the key cylinder and fill the hole, but I am curious if they meant grinding down the bump-out that cylinder fits into and then filling the left over hole, or have they just removed the cylinder and just plugged it with a rubber plug. From looking at the collar, I might be able to remove the cylinder, grind down the bump-out and then find another collar and cut a piece of curved area out of it and tack welding it in and then use body filler to finish it off. Anyone have any experience with this? I would really hate to just leave the bump-out in the column as it would detract from the look. Thanks in advance...
Randy
I have found several 1983 tilt columns on vans and truck with the key in the column. I know some on this forum have said that you can remove the key cylinder and fill the hole, but I am curious if they meant grinding down the bump-out that cylinder fits into and then filling the left over hole, or have they just removed the cylinder and just plugged it with a rubber plug. From looking at the collar, I might be able to remove the cylinder, grind down the bump-out and then find another collar and cut a piece of curved area out of it and tack welding it in and then use body filler to finish it off. Anyone have any experience with this? I would really hate to just leave the bump-out in the column as it would detract from the look. Thanks in advance...
Randy
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Hey Randy grind off where the ignition cylinder sits and fill it. Here is the 83 E150 tilt column in my 55'. A friend in NC did mine for me. He made sure to remove the lock mechanism as well.
One of the beauties of this forum is the help everyone will give one another
One of the beauties of this forum is the help everyone will give one another
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 280
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From: Colorado Springs
Wow, he did a great job. I think I may have found a 78 tilt column over in the 73-79 forum, but if it doesn't pan out I will go with this idea! Thanks again.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 374
Likes: 3
tilt column
Hey guys,
I have found several 1983 tilt columns on vans and truck with the key in the column. I know some on this forum have said that you can remove the key cylinder and fill the hole, but I am curious if they meant grinding down the bump-out that cylinder fits into and then filling the left over hole, or have they just removed the cylinder and just plugged it with a rubber plug. From looking at the collar, I might be able to remove the cylinder, grind down the bump-out and then find another collar and cut a piece of curved area out of it and tack welding it in and then use body filler to finish it off. Anyone have any experience with this? I would really hate to just leave the bump-out in the column as it would detract from the look. Thanks in advance...
Randy
I have found several 1983 tilt columns on vans and truck with the key in the column. I know some on this forum have said that you can remove the key cylinder and fill the hole, but I am curious if they meant grinding down the bump-out that cylinder fits into and then filling the left over hole, or have they just removed the cylinder and just plugged it with a rubber plug. From looking at the collar, I might be able to remove the cylinder, grind down the bump-out and then find another collar and cut a piece of curved area out of it and tack welding it in and then use body filler to finish it off. Anyone have any experience with this? I would really hate to just leave the bump-out in the column as it would detract from the look. Thanks in advance...
Randy
If I can get it figured I will post pics. If you want more info will try to help. Hope this is helpful.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 280
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From: Colorado Springs
I put a tilt column from a 84 F-150 into my 56 Merc coe. I removed all ignition switch components, ground off the bump and filled the hole with Quick Steel forming it inside and out, sanded and painted. I retained the 84 signal switch and tilt. The 56 steering wheel fit the 84 column but had to make a sleeve to fit between bottom of wheel and top of column. I got the sleeve off an old IH truck steering wheel and modified it. Made a horn contact ring and fastened it to under side of 56 wheel with 3 screws. Soldered a wire onto horn contact (under horn button) and fastened to one screw. Haven't wired horn yet but believe it should work. I also haven't made lower bracket yet. Column to dash bracket I made out of an old 22.5 aluminum truck wheel. Have pics on photobucket but don't know how to direct you to them as I'm pretty dumb when it comes to computer stuff. If you know how try using old ugly for search if that helps. If I can get it figured I will post pics. If you want more info will try to help. Hope this is helpful.
If I can get it figured I will post pics. If you want more info will try to help. Hope this is helpful.Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The 78' Truck tilt wont have the OD indicator on it. I think it was about 80' when the trucks went to having the indicator in the dash below the speedometer.
Here is an 80' for sale on Ebay.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 280
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From: Colorado Springs
Ok, good catch... maybe I will stick with a C-4. I didn't see a link to Ebay for that column.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 374
Likes: 3
Tilt Column & Quik Steel
I already had 2 or 3 of these columns and the original column was to long for my short legs, that's why I used what I had.
Wish I could post pics.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 374
Likes: 3
Tilt Column
I put a tilt column from a 84 F-150 into my 56 Merc coe. I removed all ignition switch components, ground off the bump and filled the hole with Quick Steel forming it inside and out, sanded and painted. I retained the 84 signal switch and tilt. The 56 steering wheel fit the 84 column but had to make a sleeve to fit between bottom of wheel and top of column. I got the sleeve off an old IH truck steering wheel and modified it. Made a horn contact ring and fastened it to under side of 56 wheel with 3 screws. Soldered a wire onto horn contact (under horn button) and fastened to one screw. Haven't wired horn yet but believe it should work. I also haven't made lower bracket yet. Column to dash bracket I made out of an old 22.5 aluminum truck wheel. Have pics on photobucket but don't know how to direct you to them as I'm pretty dumb when it comes to computer stuff. If you know how try using old ugly for search if that helps. If I can get it figured I will post pics. If you want more info will try to help. Hope this is helpful.
If I can get it figured I will post pics. If you want more info will try to help. Hope this is helpful.
The ring between wheel & column off of IH wheel
Bracket made from old truck wheel
Upper pic-horn contact plate. Lower pic- horn button contact with wire added.
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