the exaust pipe thing is a great idea, I found a chrome one with a flared end at a parts store that actually matched the diameter of the upper mast. Rather be lucky than smart anytime

 

I used a 4" X 3" exhaust reducer from NAPA on my 89 F150 column. The 4" end fit perfectly behind the tilt mechanism after the original shifter was removed (original part was cast alumn. and was broken). I cut the key switch off with a grinder and filled it in with fiberglass bondo, then built a dash/steering column drop bracket from 16 ga. sheet metal. It turned out great but the entire project was a lot of work.

 

You guys make it sound so easy! Now it's off to the garage with the sawsall and grinder...