I want to use a steering column in my 56 f100 and wondered what length to look for. I was thinking of using a GM van tilt but want to verify the length. Any suggestions?
Thanks,

stuart@cofers.com

 

I Belive 30-32 inches is about right for most applications

 

Stuart,

'54 is pretty correct... my only caution is to look at what your obstacles are in the engine compartment... i.e. steering boxes, headers, engine mounts etc.

You didn't mention what front suspension, engine, exhaust you're using and all this comes into play when you start connecting things together.

I bought an Ididit column and while it cleared the firewall as it should have... I had to extend the column to get clearance around headers... not a wall but another obstacle that had to be dealt with... use some preplanning on the business end and you shouldn't have any problems...

you can see my problem here

column install

just one more thing to think about huh ??

later

john

 

oops sorry,
I will have a GM front clip installed,prob a Chevelle.

 

Stuart

Is the chevelle front steer or rear steer?

When I did my first 56 with a M11 front susp I used a 32 inch Ididit column and ran a straight one piece for my intermediate shaft. The next step was modifying a set of headers to fit around the intermediate shaft.

Did it work Yes, was it perfect No. To remove the driver side header you had to remove the intermediate shaft (header pipe snaked around shaft) I should have made the tube removable.

I believe the steering ranks right up there with the important things and the exhaust follows a few steps back.

Whatever you do try not to have any kinks in the steering when you go lock to lock.

On this 56 with a Volare susp I ended up using a Flaming River 32 inch column but I do believe for my seating position I could use a 31 inch (they don't make it and I don't have enough nerve to cut this column)

Also you may want to have your seat and maybe a piece of 2 inch PVC pipe (exp: cut to 32 inch length plus whatever length a adapter is). Then cut out a piece of plywood or whatever to the dia steering wheel that you are going to use, cut a piece of wood to the inside dia of pipe, drill hole for bolt, run bolt thru steering wheel and plug then push plug into PVC pipe. Now hang this column mock up in place. Remove the two steering column floor plates first. I would think the lower end of the column will end up close to the top of this opening. Find a comfortable position for this col/wheel then measure down from dash to middle of column this should put you in the ballpark for the correct column drop length.

If I and my friend would have done this in the first place he would have bought only one $86.00 drop for his Model A.

Chuck

 

right now, im stickin the column and hanging brakes out of a crown victoria into the 53....the front end is off the same car, so things line up pretty decent, just have to get things-such as all the brackets-fabricated to fit the pickup....then just put a homemade one that bolts the floor.....the column out of the car sets pretty nicely, but the tilt goes up, instead of down...u can tell that in the car, the column was made to sit more flat, and its pitched pretty good in the pickup.....itll all work out though