what steering column?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 65
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what steering column?
I am working on a 49 f1 with an early 80's Camaro IFS, a 351 and c6 transmission. Soon I would like to look for a steering column at a local junk yard. But, I don't know my choices are. probably go with GM because of the camaro steering box.
Bonus built.com sugests using a column from a GM van. Anybody got suggestions about what to look for at the junk yard? ie, wiring requirements, length, turn signals and anything else helpful.
Bonus built.com sugests using a column from a GM van. Anybody got suggestions about what to look for at the junk yard? ie, wiring requirements, length, turn signals and anything else helpful.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City area
The GM van columns most often suggested are the ones from the 70's and they are nearly impossible to find anymore. Most, if not all, aftermarket wiring kits support GM columns so GM columns do make for an easier wiring of turn signals, etc. I think a column in the 30"-32" range would work in your truck but someone with a 48-52 truck can better answer that. If you have deep pockets you can also consider aftermarket columns offered by IDIDIT,Inc. and Flaming River. Look through the tech articles at the top of the forum as I recall there is some info on different colums in there. You will also need u-joints and probably a section of double D shaft to complete the connection to your steering box. Borgeson makes joints to mate to the box or column depending on what you end up needing.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 431
Likes: 4
From: renfrew canada
i've heard of columns outta g-bodys with console shifts s'posed to work good, very late 70s early 80s cutlass, grandprix, monte, regal, all major wiring harness kits usually have plugs to interface with the gm column plug.... but what i did on mine was found a 57 fairlane with auto, and popped the column outta it, way classier than 70's 80s stuff plus i got to keep the giant original steerin' wheel.
mikie
near ottawa canada
58 merc 100 panel, 64 econoline p/u
mikie
near ottawa canada
58 merc 100 panel, 64 econoline p/u
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
If a keyed column is ok, then try an early 90's Jeep Cherokee, the square body one. Jeep bought these from GM, so it's a standard GM column, standard GM wiring, keys, stalks etc. Just cut the mounting flange off the bottom, poke it thru the floor and make the mounts. Check my gallery or Bobbys for mounting tips. Like any of the GM columns, the high beam switch sticks out alittle on the left side (stalk mounted high beams), but if you're running an automatic, it's no problem. I'm using a T5 five speed and don't want to hit the switch when I'm pushing the clutch, so I'm going old style with a floor mounted high beam switch.
