Adding a Van Tilt - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

FlounderGDI · 03-31-2016, 08:59 AM

I just picked up a van tilt for my 1969 CST-10... I already collapsed the intermediate shaft to push my non-tilt column forward a little last year. I'm reading that you have to move neutral safety switch. I'd like to not have to cut up the tilt column.

Is there a way to not have to move the neutral safety switch?

Also the column I got didn't come with the neutral safety switch it has the spot where one would go though. Can I use the one on my non-tilt truck column or do I have to buy a van neutral safety switch?

**LockDoc** · 03-31-2016, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlounderGDI

I just picked up a van tilt for my 1969 CST-10... I already collapsed the intermediate shaft to push my non-tilt column forward a little last year. I'm reading that you have to move neutral safety switch. I'd like to not have to cut up the tilt column.

Is there a way to not have to move the neutral safety switch?

Also the column I got didn't come with the neutral safety switch it has the spot where one would go though. Can I use the one on my non-tilt truck column or do I have to buy a van neutral safety switch?

I really don't know of any other way to get NSS or reverse light switches but I'm sure something could be rigged up on the shift linkage.

I have not compared the two switches but I would guess they are the same.

LockDoc

FlounderGDI · 03-31-2016, 10:07 AM

Do you have to move it because it hits something when you install the column? I read through a whole bunch of threads saying you have to move it but none explaining why? I don't know if it's because the connectors wouldn't reach it or if the switch his something else under the dash. I'm not above extending wires... I'm actually pretty good at it being an A/V Technician/Engineer... but I don't really want to start Dremeling a hole into the steering column and bending a new tab on the inner shaft if I don't have to.

I haven't taken my original column out yet to test fit the tilt column. I'd like to have everything ready to go when I tear into it so I can get it all done at once.

**LockDoc** · 03-31-2016, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlounderGDI

Do you have to move it because it hits something when you install the column? I read through a whole bunch of threads saying you have to move it but none explaining why? I don't know if it's because the connectors wouldn't reach it or if the switch his something else under the dash. I'm not above extending wires... I'm actually pretty good at it being an A/V Technician/Engineer... but I don't really want to start Dremeling a hole into the steering column and bending a new tab on the inner shaft if I don't have to.

I haven't taken my original column out yet to test fit the tilt column. I'd like to have everything ready to go when I tear into it so I can get it all done at once.

I guess I never checked whether it would hit anything or not, I just moved mine so the wires would connect to it without modification...... Maybe someone else will chime in on that one. If you find out somewhere else or try it, post back here on the outcome for future reference.

LockDoc

snipescastle2 · 03-31-2016, 10:47 AM

I think the whole issue of the switch is the hole location is further down the outside tube where the column enters the firewall, the stock column switch is pretty close to the firewall already, and the Van column switch would be in the engine bay if I'm not mistaken.....I'm sure other's will correct me if I'm wrong....
Ben

FlounderGDI · 03-31-2016, 10:59 AM

Ben,

The van column I have has the switch location almost 1/2 way up the column nowhere close to the end of the column that would be sticking through the firewall.

snipescastle2 · 03-31-2016, 11:16 AM

Ok, I had it backwards then? At the top instead of at the bottom.
Thanks!
Ben

CrewCab59 · 03-31-2016, 11:37 AM

This should help out .

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=147927

Thanks

FlounderGDI · 03-31-2016, 11:44 AM

CrewCab,

It's a very helpful link. I found it referenced about 100 times when researching before I made my post. It is likely what I will end up doing.

My only issue is that everyone is saying that you have to do this to get it to work but no one is saying why... If It's to use the original wiring then I'd rather extend the wires on the connector... If it's because the switch hits something under the dash that's a whole other ballgame. I really just don't like cutting into a perfectly good column.

**FirstOwner69** · 03-31-2016, 12:06 PM

70shortfleet and KevsClassics both rebuild these columns and receive rave reviews for their work. If no one responds here, you could send one or both of them a PM and ask if they will respond in this thread.

I have heard the NSS is different for the van tilt, but I think the only difference is the wire connector configuration.

I'm curious about this also.

cooperhw · 03-31-2016, 05:48 PM

You should be able to put the two columns side by side and see if the NSS is not way closer to the steering wheel. If so, no issue. If the same then I had to move mine closer to the wheel otherwise it is on the other side of the firewall and impossible to hook the switch and wires to. Wasn't too hard to move up, but did take a couple hours.

03-31-2016, 08:59 AM	#1
FlounderGDI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 339	Adding a Van Tilt I just picked up a van tilt for my 1969 CST-10... I already collapsed the intermediate shaft to push my non-tilt column forward a little last year. I'm reading that you have to move neutral safety switch. I'd like to not have to cut up the tilt column. Is there a way to not have to move the neutral safety switch? Also the column I got didn't come with the neutral safety switch it has the spot where one would go though. Can I use the one on my non-tilt truck column or do I have to buy a van neutral safety switch? __________________ 1969 CST/10 "GreenAndWhite" 1974 Nova (SOLD... End of an Era) 2000 Impala (RIP) 2008 Malibu Brand Loyal... I've never owned a Vehicle not made by Chevrolet.

03-31-2016, 10:07 AM	#3
FlounderGDI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 339	Re: Adding a Van Tilt Do you have to move it because it hits something when you install the column? I read through a whole bunch of threads saying you have to move it but none explaining why? I don't know if it's because the connectors wouldn't reach it or if the switch his something else under the dash. I'm not above extending wires... I'm actually pretty good at it being an A/V Technician/Engineer... but I don't really want to start Dremeling a hole into the steering column and bending a new tab on the inner shaft if I don't have to. I haven't taken my original column out yet to test fit the tilt column. I'd like to have everything ready to go when I tear into it so I can get it all done at once. __________________ 1969 CST/10 "GreenAndWhite" 1974 Nova (SOLD... End of an Era) 2000 Impala (RIP) 2008 Malibu Brand Loyal... I've never owned a Vehicle not made by Chevrolet.

03-31-2016, 10:47 AM	#5
snipescastle2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: WARRENSBURG,MISSOURI,64093 Posts: 1,518	Re: Adding a Van Tilt I think the whole issue of the switch is the hole location is further down the outside tube where the column enters the firewall, the stock column switch is pretty close to the firewall already, and the Van column switch would be in the engine bay if I'm not mistaken.....I'm sure other's will correct me if I'm wrong.... Ben __________________ "Persistence is the twin sister of Excellence.one is a matter of quality,the other, a matter of time" “Serious Black” my 1971 Short Bed Fleetside Sold to an outstanding man in Lees Summit,Mo. “Gone, but by no means,Forgotten”

03-31-2016, 10:59 AM	#6
FlounderGDI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 339	Re: Adding a Van Tilt Ben, The van column I have has the switch location almost 1/2 way up the column nowhere close to the end of the column that would be sticking through the firewall. __________________ 1969 CST/10 "GreenAndWhite" 1974 Nova (SOLD... End of an Era) 2000 Impala (RIP) 2008 Malibu Brand Loyal... I've never owned a Vehicle not made by Chevrolet.

03-31-2016, 11:16 AM	#7
snipescastle2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: WARRENSBURG,MISSOURI,64093 Posts: 1,518	Re: Adding a Van Tilt Ok, I had it backwards then? At the top instead of at the bottom. Thanks! Ben __________________ "Persistence is the twin sister of Excellence.one is a matter of quality,the other, a matter of time" “Serious Black” my 1971 Short Bed Fleetside Sold to an outstanding man in Lees Summit,Mo. “Gone, but by no means,Forgotten”

03-31-2016, 11:37 AM	#8
CrewCab59 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Knoxville,TN Posts: 1,185	Re: Adding a Van Tilt This should help out . http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=147927 Thanks __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe 20 4x4 burb 1971 GMC SWB CST 4x4 1972 GMC k20 4x4 (X- brush truck ) 1971 Chevy CST Blazer 4x4 1971 Chevy C/10 1970 Cab Chassis C30 157" 1971 Cab Chassis Custom 30 Deluxe 157" 292/4spd ( Napco Replica ) 1988 Chevy V30 4x4 wrecker challenger 4812

03-31-2016, 11:44 AM	#9
FlounderGDI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 339	Re: Adding a Van Tilt CrewCab, It's a very helpful link. I found it referenced about 100 times when researching before I made my post. It is likely what I will end up doing. My only issue is that everyone is saying that you have to do this to get it to work but no one is saying why... If It's to use the original wiring then I'd rather extend the wires on the connector... If it's because the switch hits something under the dash that's a whole other ballgame. I really just don't like cutting into a perfectly good column. __________________ 1969 CST/10 "GreenAndWhite" 1974 Nova (SOLD... End of an Era) 2000 Impala (RIP) 2008 Malibu Brand Loyal... I've never owned a Vehicle not made by Chevrolet.

03-31-2016, 12:06 PM	#10
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,853	Re: Adding a Van Tilt 70shortfleet and KevsClassics both rebuild these columns and receive rave reviews for their work. If no one responds here, you could send one or both of them a PM and ask if they will respond in this thread. I have heard the NSS is different for the van tilt, but I think the only difference is the wire connector configuration. I'm curious about this also.

03-31-2016, 05:48 PM	#11
cooperhw Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Mesa AZ (Near Phoenix) Posts: 2,303	Re: Adding a Van Tilt You should be able to put the two columns side by side and see if the NSS is not way closer to the steering wheel. If so, no issue. If the same then I had to move mine closer to the wheel otherwise it is on the other side of the firewall and impossible to hook the switch and wires to. Wasn't too hard to move up, but did take a couple hours. __________________ "Life is too short to drive a boring vehicle". Later, Wayne



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