Tilt Steering Column Swap with Standard

[Thiessen1960]

I am looking to swap the steering column on my 1960 Chevy to a tilt from a newer year. But I want to keep the key on the dash, not the column as well as I have a shifter on the floor. Does anyone know if the early vans had this setup? Or any vehicles that did?

[BR3W CITY]

Early vans, sometimes a Grumman (bread truck). I haven't found many that were in good shape sadly (loose joints, crusty 80's wiring) A ton of people gravitate to aftermarket for ease of availability, and most run the flat GM pin connector.

[Thiessen1960]

I knew it would be harder to find a column without the shifter or ignition in it, simply as most trucks and vans were automatics or had the keys in the column.

[Blue666(2)]

Most everything had a key on the column by the 1970's. Heavier vehicles kept the key on the dash longer. Some campers kept the key on the dash until the 1980's. Campers some times have low mileage so you might get lucky with one of these.

[Modges'66]

You maybe able to find something out of a class-A motorhome that will work, and still have the key on the dash.
What is forcing you to keep the key on the dash anyways?

[DPowers]

60-66 FAQ section Post #4

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646002

[DakotaKid]

After Reading through everything on the FAQ something that was never answered. How did you attach the Tube to the mount. the 2 bolts that hold the column to the mount right above the Ebrake on at least my 62.. The van columns and the 67-72 Columsns do not have this provision. do you Drill and use a Nutsert? Drill and Tap the tin tube? just a little more inisght to this mount would be appreciative.

[Thiessen1960]

It was my grandpas truck and I wanted to keep it as original as possible, hence the key on the dash. But if I can't do that, then I guess I will just find a column with the key in it. I was just hoping to avoid doing that is all.

[DPowers]

Originally Posted by DakotaKid

After Reading through everything on the FAQ something that was never answered. How did you attach the Tube to the mount. the 2 bolts that hold the column to the mount right above the Ebrake on at least my 62.. The van columns and the 67-72 Columsns do not have this provision. do you Drill and use a Nutsert? Drill and Tap the tin tube? just a little more inisght to this mount would be appreciative.

I put a column from a '64 Impala in mine. Used a heavy duty SS muffler clamp.

[Thiessen1960]

Realistically I just need to find a tilt column without the automatic shifter in it. They seem to be getting harder and harder to find. And I did not want to shell out the money for the aftermarket ones. Basically I am wondering besides the van and trucks what vehicles they can be used from if possible. Thanks guys for all the help so far.

[bcontractor]

you could cut it off with a cut off wheel and fill it with bondo?...I been trying to look for one too on my 1980 tree column ..no avail...i will use bondo then or mount the tach there..hehe....I like the locking key on the column personally....harder to steal...the old key hole will be a cig lighter hole for iphone then..

[Thiessen1960]

Can you just remove the shifter from an automatic? And use it without the shifter? I thought it would lock the steering.

[NEWFISHER]

Call 541 688 4713 ask for Tom. He is a member here but forgot his screen name, he has what you need.
I have also "shaved" the key hump from the column cover, the hazard button etc on later ones. You can search my thread for the 65 I did and see pics

[Jimal]

Originally Posted by Thiessen1960

I am looking to swap the steering column on my 1960 Chevy to a tilt from a newer year. But I want to keep the key on the dash, not the column as well as I have a shifter on the floor. Does anyone know if the early vans had this setup? Or any vehicles that did?

The guy I bought my truck from swapped in an automatic column from a 70's pickup. He simply removed the ignition lock assembly and the shifter, and cut out/welded up the holes.

[Thiessen1960]

Perfect, now that I know that it's an option it opens things up.

[Thiessen1960]

Does anyone by any chance have any instructions on how to remove the shifter from an automatic column? Found one from a 1971 van up here in Canada. Now I have an original 3 speed column and original 2 speed automatic column to get rid of.

[DPowers]

Basically you drive out the pin that holds it in place.
Some info here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=545854

[bcontractor]

e-bay has a column for 200.00 new..

[Blue666(2)]

I just purchased one of these for my tilt column. It arrived today. look for 8874T22.

I'm using a column from a 96 firebird which has the rods that actuate the hi/low beam switch and the starter switch. This should be thin enough to allow the rods to work.