55.2-59 column advice old oem different year?

[Missyblue]

Hey I was wondering if anyone could advise me. trying to locate an oem column and looking for options. has anyone used a 1970's gm van column supposedly has tilt and key on dash still which would be cool. I can't seem to.find good info on when they switchswitched to key on column? and also what year the mounting to the dash really changed? like the idea of using an old column vs a $800 ididit and scared from what I have read on safety concerns on the other reproduced and possibly Chinese columns.

curious if you have used any 70's or 80 or 90s van or truck columns and found them fairly adaptable. also rreally want to keep the original steering wheel.
thanks!

[popstand]

The 70’s Chevy van tilt column is the one to use. Not big and fat, and has a better shape than an Ididit.

That's what I put in my ’53. Mine had a ignition key but I removed it and filled the hole, put a later switch with key start in the original hole in the dash.

[59chev]

70- 78 ish Chevy Van or 72 Chevy truck both work good. Parts are interchangeable between the Van Columns and the 72 Chevy Truck Column. They also fit in the stock Column Drop. I used a 78 Chevy Van Column in mine.

[Missyblue]

Originally Posted by popstand

The 70’s Chevy van tilt column is the one to use. Not big and fat, and has a better shape than an Ididit.

That's what I put in my ’53. Mine had a ignition key but I removed it and filled the hole, put a later switch with key start in the original hole in the dash.

See the old photo of mine during build.


BTW in the photo notice the speedo.

https://photobucket.com/gallery/user...eHAuanBn/?ref=

wow that does look like it belongs there. nice truck!! thanks for the info and photo. did you have to rebuild or do anything to your column?

[Missyblue]

Originally Posted by 59chev

70- 78 ish Chevy Van or 72 Chevy truck both work good. Parts are interchangeable between the Van Columns and the 72 Chevy Truck Column. They also fit in the stock Column Drop. I used a 78 Chevy Van Column in mine.

thanks for the info. I was looking at your build and such a cool story. I'm having to do alot myself and it's a steep learning curve so very inspiring haha. my 4 yr old daughter is helping too which is fun. did you have to rebuild or do anything to the column you used? I have found one thatbisna 78 and the van has 135,ooo miles on it.
thanks again. awesome truck!

[popstand]

Originally Posted by Missyblue

wow that does look like it belongs there. nice truck!! thanks for the info and photo. did you have to rebuild or do anything to your column?

made up shaft from column to gear of '79 Nova subframe - would also work with original gear.

no comment on my speedo?

[Missyblue]

Originally Posted by popstand

made up shaft from column to gear of '79 Nova subframe - see photos

no comment on my speedo?

https://oi542.photobucket.com/albums...psktxj3yqx.jpg

https://oi542.photobucket.com/albums...psmytxmmle.jpg

https://oi542.photobucket.com/albums...psiocqurxp.jpg

sorry meant to...it's really neat. so you did a whole custom dash? what's mounted on the column? looks like another guests of some sort?

[Missyblue]

Originally Posted by Missyblue

sorry meant to...it's really neat. so you did a whole custom dash? what's mounted on the column? looks like another guests of some sort?

oops sorry I just saw the '53 comment so I guess I'm missing your Speedo comment? sorry not familiar with all the the years and how they look. mines a 57