Question: Steering Upgrade for 59 Chevy

[Ice68]

I need advice or suggestions for upgrading the steering column for my 59 Chevy Truck.
Thanks,
Leroy

[dwcsr]

are you leaving the suspension stock?

[Ice68]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

are you leaving the suspension stock?

I'm undecided. If I use the stock suspension, I will probably use a dropped axle. I haven't decide on the upgraded suspension. I'm getting ready to unbolt the original steering column off my 59 chevy; next I will get the frame sandblasted or just use a wire wheel.
Thanks,
Leroy

[Jebb1978]

I am looking into Ididit and flaming river columns at present but I have yet to decide on one.

[Ice68]

I'm looking for tilt column. I read about other chevy owners using later model Chevy steering column as upgrades.

[Jebb1978]

My truck had a 96 Caprice column in it but I don't like all the cruise control and window washer switches that are not doing anything anymore. The only reason I want aftermarket now is so it will fit nicer in the original bracket (that holds under the dash) and doesn't have anything I am not using.

[Ice68]

Picture of the stock steering gear.

[dwcsr]

The problem is attaching it to a stock steering gear. Usually you would change to a p/s or manual box with a mounting kit and then change the column to what ever you want. It’s more difficult in just changing the column because the stock unit is column and gear in one piece. Classic performance makes a P/S conversion kit but it’s not cheap. But it does upgrade you to newer steering. I don't know where you would get a kit to attach a late model column to a stock box. I'm sure someone makes one but I don't know who it would be.

[Jebb1978]

Ooopsy, good point. I am running a Camaro gear box.

[tom moore]

I have similar column on my 59 1/2t (GMC) (jebb1978's photo). The picture also shows a similar steering wheel.

My dilemma is: I want to replace that steering wheel with a stock steering wheel. Chevy Rumble Mag just had a recent article on how to do it, but I can't find anyone who has the article.

Can anyone here give me advice and a photo or two, a link to a conversion kit if needed. I would appreciate that a lot. Tom Moore
rvrwood@hotmail.com

[Ice68]

Thanks for the info! We took out the steering gear and the steering column today. Now the cab is ready to come off the frame. I'm thinking about upgrading the steering gear to power steering and the upgrading the steering column to a tilt column. I understand why I need to upgrade to a P/S. I'm learning as we disassemble. Do you know if you can disconnect the steering column from the gear box or is it one whole piece? My next questions will surround the front end as we get ready to disassembly it in the near future: straight axle or ifs.
Thanks,
Leroy

[dwcsr]

the tube does come out of the box, but the steering shaft goes the whole length of the assembly.

[Ice68]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

the tube does come out of the box, but the steering shaft goes the whole length of the assembly.

Thanks for the info. Do you know how to disassemble the tube from the box?
Thanks,
Leroy

[dwcsr]

I haven't taken one apart but I believe that it is just pressed into the gear housing.

[Ice68]

Thanks for the reply. I'm degreasing the steering gear and the steering column. I just need to take off the cab to get the frame to the sandblasters.