Best aftermarket/rebuilt manual tilt steering column? Also, radiator support patches?

[HunterRotten]

My truck when I bought it had the 3 speed on the steering column and it came out pretty quick, replaced with a NV3500.. and soon to be a tremec TKO. Since I'm so far into the rebuilding of my truck with my dad, I don't really want to put that 3 speed column back in there. Not only that but I would really like to spend less than $300, thanks. Tilt isn't necessary but just something I wouldn't mind having.

The other thing I'm looking for is a replacement radiator support or patch, the truck is a early 1978. The battery destroyed the bottom piece of my radiator support, the rest of the thing is in excellent shape. I'd hate to replace it, are there any patches for the 73-87s?

[MikeB]

GM P/N 7812754 is a "blank" (bowl, floor shift) that fits in place of a 3-speed column "shift bowl". That way it looks like a floor shift column. Unfortunately, that P/N fits only 81-83 trucks, but there may be a P/N available for a 73-80.

http://allworldautomotive.com/view_7...oto_55291.html

Also, I suggest you call Wayne at GM Tilt Steering Columns. I bought a rebuilt tilt/auto column from him and really like it. He's been rebuilding columns for many years, and will know what's available.

http://www.gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/contactus.html

Whatever you do, DON'T buy an imported column with tilt. Some of the tilt mechanisms are downright dangerous! Ididit and Flaming River are USA-made and the only way to go, IMO.

[Super_Dave]

I just replaced my core support. Ordered a new one from LMC. When it arrived, it wasn't the right one... the center braces with the angled part half way up for mounting the grill, wasn't there... just straight braces. No holes for the right and left grill supports next to the headlights.

So, being up against very tight time constraints and a sandblaster and powdercoater waiting for all the engine bay sheetmetal, I looked closely at the corner profiles of the "new" replacement. Careful measurements indicated that it should work to cut the corner off the new one and weld it to the OEM. Can't tell after powdercoating. Ended up with a $150 patch because I couldn't find one online.

Some enterprising individual capable of bending the sheetmetal, can make some coin bending patches.