tilt column?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
tilt column?
Hello guys,
I am looking for a tilt column for my 55 with a floor shifter, and I have a few questions. First, what car, truck or van should I look for? Next, if I were to buy one off ebay or something, what should I look for in length? Ive read that mid 80s gm tilt columns will work, but ANY one?
Thanks guys, I owe, I owe.
55Forder
I am looking for a tilt column for my 55 with a floor shifter, and I have a few questions. First, what car, truck or van should I look for? Next, if I were to buy one off ebay or something, what should I look for in length? Ive read that mid 80s gm tilt columns will work, but ANY one?
Thanks guys, I owe, I owe.
55Forder
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 932
Likes: 9
From: DFW, TX
tilt column?
55Forder,
The columns from a 67-72 Chevy pickup with a floor shifter woud work. Vans from the same period through about 81 are the same, but the shaft is a little longer than the trucks. These don't have the key on the column so you can retain the key on the dash. Do some searching on E-bay for "72 chevy tilt" and it should give you an idea of what they sell for there.
Good Luck,
The columns from a 67-72 Chevy pickup with a floor shifter woud work. Vans from the same period through about 81 are the same, but the shaft is a little longer than the trucks. These don't have the key on the column so you can retain the key on the dash. Do some searching on E-bay for "72 chevy tilt" and it should give you an idea of what they sell for there.
Good Luck,
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
tilt column?
the 67-72 Chevy trucks are some of the most sought after columns because of the column shift AND shift indicator (PRNDL). I used a 78 Camaro in my 56. It has the column key switch and is floor shifted. I had a 71 LTD in it but I like the floor shift and the GM column was all steel which in my opinion looks right in these steel cabs.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Western Shore of Virginia
tilt column?
Dick; I went with a 78 Vette tilt, measures 30" ,only doesn't have indicator in my 54, the fit was great!and was dirt cheep. I can read the guages at all angles and the wheel does not hit my lap.The end sticks thru the firewall only 1". Keep in mind ,I did not go thru the old hole from the coloum,but went higher up the firewall. Check my Gallery(master cyl.photo) you can check it out. Jim VA.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA USA
tilt column?
I have a column from a mid-80's Caddy in my 55 Panel. It tilts, and is telescopic. Although I have the column shift hooked up, I have seen it ised with a floor shifter.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,440
Likes: 0
From: Ventura County, CA
tilt column?
I have a '78 GM tilt in my '59. It still has the sleeve ith the mount for the shifter arm, but so long as that doesn't get turned somehow, everything functions just fine.
As you locate salvage yard columns, you may also want to have Flaming River and Ididit prices in mind (for their plain steel columns ~$250). Mine is already displaying signs of wear on the internal cams, etc and I'm expecting to have to track down (good luck!) and replace parts or the whole thing in the not-too-distant future.
Know your options...
Daryl
As you locate salvage yard columns, you may also want to have Flaming River and Ididit prices in mind (for their plain steel columns ~$250). Mine is already displaying signs of wear on the internal cams, etc and I'm expecting to have to track down (good luck!) and replace parts or the whole thing in the not-too-distant future.
Know your options...
Daryl
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
tilt column?
"Mine is already displaying signs of wear on the internal cams, etc and I'm expecting to have to track down (good luck!) and replace parts or the whole thing in the not-too-distant future."
This is exactly why I am running a Flaming River column. Nothing wrong with a used donor column as long as you don't have to disassemble it. The teflon/nylon parts dry out in 30 years. Sometimes you're in trouble getting parts if your column isn't from a popular restoration model like a Camaro or something similar.
This is exactly why I am running a Flaming River column. Nothing wrong with a used donor column as long as you don't have to disassemble it. The teflon/nylon parts dry out in 30 years. Sometimes you're in trouble getting parts if your column isn't from a popular restoration model like a Camaro or something similar.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
tilt column?
I have a guy that is going to sell me a 72 Chebby van tilt column. He says the length without the wheel is 37". This seems a little long. The tilt is nice and tight, but it has the column shifter. I need the floor shift. The price is right, but I think Ill keep looking. If anyone is looking, let me know, and Ill give you the guys #. These things are hard to find at a decent price, any suggestions?
I might just have to save and get the Ididit column....
I might just have to save and get the Ididit column....
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 5
From: Delaware
tilt column?
You can get a steel Ididit column from Mid-Fifty for $250.00. That is a tilt, no shift. You will have to paint it yourself. For $350.00 you can get it in chrome.
Mid-Fifty recommends a 35" column for MII suspensions. Other suspensions need 30" or 32". They can recommend the right length for you.
You will also need a column drop and maybe a few other accessories.
Why mess with a worn out column that doesn't fit right.
Mid-Fifty's phone number is 1-800-252-1956
Mid-Fifty recommends a 35" column for MII suspensions. Other suspensions need 30" or 32". They can recommend the right length for you.
You will also need a column drop and maybe a few other accessories.
Why mess with a worn out column that doesn't fit right.
Mid-Fifty's phone number is 1-800-252-1956
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Everett, Washington
tilt column?
I used a saginaw column from a classic Jeep Cherokee (late '80's to early 90's). They are cheap (around $20 at the local yard) use standard GM connectors, and are the right length for '53-'55's. I smoothed over my dash, relying on the column for all switches such as ignition, wipers etc. Delay wipers, tilt, column ignition etc are all in the column and the fit is nice.
While in the Cherokee, snag the wiper motor. It can be used on the the stock '53-'55 wiper linkage with minor teaking of the 3 mounting bolt holes.
Just some ideas to consider. Hope they help.
While in the Cherokee, snag the wiper motor. It can be used on the the stock '53-'55 wiper linkage with minor teaking of the 3 mounting bolt holes.
Just some ideas to consider. Hope they help.