56 steering column conversion
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
I used a GM clone made by IDIDIT, but Flaming River makes one also. A lot of budget minded street rod builders use a 69 or newer GM column from a scrap yard. Both IDIDIT and FR make tilt and not tilt, auto and manual as well as column shift auto models.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I used a Chrysler tilt from an 87 5th Avenue. It is perfect length but I would not recommend using one since the brake/signal lights are not integrated and it has no neutral safety switch. The GM column is the best salvage yard column to use. 
Vern
Vern
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old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,910
Likes: 1,042
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
chrome IDIDIT..... what Leckart said
tilt column article
if you're leaning toward a salvage yard column... look at it closely... if it's more than a few years old it's gonna be worn in all the hard to fix places... I did a caddy column first...but after studying it for a while I didn't like the look or the slop in the bearings/bushings and shifter linkage.... look at what you find carefully
john
tilt column article
if you're leaning toward a salvage yard column... look at it closely... if it's more than a few years old it's gonna be worn in all the hard to fix places... I did a caddy column first...but after studying it for a while I didn't like the look or the slop in the bearings/bushings and shifter linkage.... look at what you find carefully
john
Last edited by jniolon; Dec 4, 2005 at 03:45 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,575
Likes: 36
From: Greenville, SC
I installed a Flaming River column in my 60. Also have the Toyota conversion to powersteering. Works GREAT. I started the salvage yard route, but everything I found was either worn out or too long. My FR is a 28".
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: arizona
Maybe you guys can help me identify what I have.
It's already installed...an older column with a toyota steering box, it has no ignition, but there is an emergency flasher pull on the right side of the steering wheel, no tilt, and unsightly, exposed linkage about 9 inches up from the floor board.
It's probably an older GM but I'd like to know more, if possible.
It's tight and working great but man, is it ugly!
It's already installed...an older column with a toyota steering box, it has no ignition, but there is an emergency flasher pull on the right side of the steering wheel, no tilt, and unsightly, exposed linkage about 9 inches up from the floor board.
It's probably an older GM but I'd like to know more, if possible.
It's tight and working great but man, is it ugly!
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