59 GMC 100 with 79 Camaro subframe help

[dcmulisha]

I'm looking for a tilt steering column that will fit my 59 GMC with 79 camaro subframe. I don't want to use a new after market. I enjoy to old school junk yard pull.

[Softpatch]

any full size like Impala will do ya
even if you can get a "Unicorn" 73-79 chevy van
I have been known to use a 73-81 Truck
I used a 78-81 Tilt out of a Cutlass The wiring clip is a bit diffrent
but i worked around it
.
.
........Sp
.

[Softpatch]

theres no drop "Plug - n - play tilt
all needs fab.
also used a Tilt - Telly out of a 1966 Toranado..
that was very cool
Stwist the ring Pull up
.

[mr48chev]

The vans he mentioned don't have a key in the column but are column shift. Pretty clean column if you can find one.

If you are running a floor shift and want a tilt the tilt column out of a mid 70's 4 speed truck is rather easy to find an again cleaner than most. It still has the ugly switch but doesn't have all the dimmer switch junk hanging on the other side cluttering it up.

Some Mopars from the early 70's might not be a bad choice as they usually are a Saginaw column but may need a different horn kit.

[mr48chev]

Have to agree with Softpatch there. There is no true plug and play column unless you just flat luck out. Most will need a bit of tweaking one way or another.

[dcmulisha]

Fab is not an issue. Just curious as to what is the best to start from. It's already a floor shift, so I'm looking for something clean with tilt.

[svr]

I used a mid 70's chev pickup floor shift tilt column, i shaved the ignition switch and gutted the wheel lock, its a little long but its going to work on mine.

[popstand]

built my 53 with 79 Nova sub frame, late 60's van column
had to shorten the steering shaft a little, kept the rag joint
the van column is smaller than most of the gm, looks better

[bowt1ed]

Before this current build (now Ididit) I had a 1980 Camaro column in mine. In fact, I think I had more Camaro parts than original 57 parts (subframe, column, master/booster, gas pedal, engine/trans, rear end...). Bolt up easy - worked and fit fine.

Cheers, Jim

[tmoble]

Originally Posted by bowt1ed

Before this current build (now Ididit) I had a 1980 Camaro column in mine. In fact, I think I had more Camaro parts than original 57 parts (subframe, column, master/booster, gas pedal, engine/trans, rear end...). Bolt up easy - worked and fit fine.

Cheers, Jim

Bet it drove good. Mine does, even better with the C4 Vette rear. Like a rocket on curved freeway on ramps.

Tom

[tmoble]

Softpatch, I used the intermediate steering shaft from a Toronado like that when I swapped mine of to a 77 Camaro front stub. Needed no modification, just fit.

[dcmulisha]

Well the search has not gone well. Thanks for all the info, unfortunately I've not been able to track a decent one down. That said, I'm shifting strategy and going aftermarket. Now I have a new question...

What would be the ideal length and diameter for said aftermarket column? I figure since I'm going to be able to get basically what ever size I want, I might as well get the one that will fit the best and require the least amount of "engineering". I do understand that all will require some work (and a few beers) however.

I'm currently looking at 30" and 33" universal tilt columns.

Keep in mind this is a 1959 GMC 100 married to a 1979 Camaro subframe and steering box.

Thanks