Column vs Dash key. Pros and Cons?
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 20
From: West Virginia
Column vs Dash key. Pros and Cons?
Getting ready to buy a steering column and debating on key.
Main things that come to my mind are:
Pros:
Its already there, just wire it. (I will have to buy a new dash ignition)
No scratching dash paint from swinging keys.
Cons:
Different key than door locks.
Anything else............
Main things that come to my mind are:
Pros:
Its already there, just wire it. (I will have to buy a new dash ignition)
No scratching dash paint from swinging keys.
Cons:
Different key than door locks.
Anything else............
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
I'm using a keyed column with stalk mounted wipers so I've got some empty holes to fill. I used standard switches as dummies. The starter push button can be repurposed to honk the parade horns.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 71
From: Lavergne, Tn.
I went with no key. I removed the switch from the gm columns and smoothed the location. I'm using a combination of switches hidden in various locations. I still use the push button to start. It won't work either without the correct combination.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,352
Likes: 1
From: Waleska, GA
I like your center console. Is it fiberglass? Did you make it? Or, buy it (if so from where). Can you post up a better picture of the console? To the OP...Oh, definitely on the column to save the dash paint.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 71
From: Lavergne, Tn.
[QUOTE=carnut122;14744799]I like your center console. Is it fiberglass? Did you make it? Or, buy it (if so from where). Can you post up a better picture of the console? To the OP...Oh, definitely on the column to save the dash paint.[/QUOTE
Scratch built
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-console.html
Scratch built
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-console.html
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 20
From: West Virginia
Drewski,
All of the 80's models I have seen have plastic trim on them, did yours? did you just remove it, paint it? How did you get rid of it?
What size hole is required in the drop bracket for the stock GM column???
Also, what type of shaft is in them?
Did you order the Billet signal *****/Switches?
Does your switch have Hi/Lo beams in it?
Do you know the specific make/model?
Any issues getting replacement parts for them??
Lots of rookie questions! I'm Sorry!
All of the 80's models I have seen have plastic trim on them, did yours? did you just remove it, paint it? How did you get rid of it?
What size hole is required in the drop bracket for the stock GM column???
Also, what type of shaft is in them?
Did you order the Billet signal *****/Switches?
Does your switch have Hi/Lo beams in it?
Do you know the specific make/model?
Any issues getting replacement parts for them??
Lots of rookie questions! I'm Sorry!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Column switches are more secure. Any old school car booster can defeat a dash switch in about 10 sec with a gum wrapper. IMHO separate key for the door is an advantage, not a disadvantage. Cars used to always use 2 keys.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 71
From: Lavergne, Tn.
Drewski,
All of the 80's models I have seen have plastic trim on them, did yours? did you just remove it, paint it? How did you get rid of it?
My column did not have any plastic to deal with.
What size hole is required in the drop bracket for the stock GM column???
I really don't recall the exact size. I made the drop from scrap stainless that I had laying around, so I cut the hole to fit the column I was using.
Also, what type of shaft is in them?
??
Did you order the Billet signal *****/Switches?
Ordered these.....
GM Column Dress-Up Kit - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop
They also sell ***** that match to use on the rest of the dash.
Does your switch have Hi/Lo beams in it?
I'm still using the floor mounted Hi/Lo.
Do you know the specific make/model?
If I recall, it came out of a 1971 Cutlass. I suspect that the columns were the same in all the "A" body gm cars that used the column mounted switch.
Any issues getting replahcement parts for them??
For this particular column....no.
Lots of rookie questions! I'm Sorry!
All of the 80's models I have seen have plastic trim on them, did yours? did you just remove it, paint it? How did you get rid of it?
My column did not have any plastic to deal with.
What size hole is required in the drop bracket for the stock GM column???
I really don't recall the exact size. I made the drop from scrap stainless that I had laying around, so I cut the hole to fit the column I was using.
Also, what type of shaft is in them?
??
Did you order the Billet signal *****/Switches?
Ordered these.....
GM Column Dress-Up Kit - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop
They also sell ***** that match to use on the rest of the dash.
Does your switch have Hi/Lo beams in it?
I'm still using the floor mounted Hi/Lo.
Do you know the specific make/model?
If I recall, it came out of a 1971 Cutlass. I suspect that the columns were the same in all the "A" body gm cars that used the column mounted switch.
Any issues getting replahcement parts for them??
For this particular column....no.
Lots of rookie questions! I'm Sorry!
As far as security on column switches........back in the day a slide hammer could have them out in a heartbeat.
