cutting down a stock steering column

[IcemanII]

Has anyone cut down a stock steering column on a first series ('49) pickup? Don't mind the look of the stock setup, but hate having it in my chest. Did a search but didn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks

[jeffs51chevy]

If you are going to retain the stock gear box, then you will need to splice the steering shaft or re-machine the splines and threads at the end. If you choose to splice, here is a link of the proceedure: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...teering+shafts
Don't forget to clearance the colomn tube for the upper shaft bearing. Probably alot more machining than what it is worth, but if you have the tools, use them. - Jeff

[robin58]

http://www.classicperform.com/tech_a...ing-Trucks.htm

[dwcsr]

I cut my 72 down 2". Its an easy project. Get some 2" masking tape and use it to mark the cut on the tube. Cut the shaft the same way. The shaft should be welded back together using a V or taper at each end of the cut shaft. I laid it in an angle iron to keep it straight for welding. The tube you weld just like a body panel use the angle again. Several tacks and go back around til its done.

[IcemanII]

Thanks for the info, looks like I will do the cut in the middle setup and put it back together.

Although the power steering conversion looks sweet.

[dwcsr]

If your doing a PS conversion. find an old 60-72 non tilt column and rob the shaft from it. That way you should have the right length and the correct spline on the end for the PS shaft