Van steering column swap. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ed455 · 07-21-2004, 01:29 AM

Anyone here done the mid-'70's van steering column swap? I need to know the diameter/spline count of the end of that column shaft. I come up with an odd size. Thanks.
Ed

64fleetside · 07-21-2004, 09:27 AM

The stock lower shaft from a 68-72 truck fits perfectly. Brian

ed455 · 07-21-2004, 12:32 PM

Cool - Thanks a bunch!

ed455 · 07-23-2004, 05:42 PM

Here's a picture with the inside part done. It's very nearly a bolt-in. The support frame has to be modified to fit the neutral safety switch, but aside from that it goes in easily. The column is from a '75 or '76 chevy van and it IS a tilt column. The wheel is from a 74 Suburban. Don't look at the rest of the mess inside and the wiring still needs to be secured/hidden.

scottyd · 07-23-2004, 07:31 PM

looks good i used one off a 90 model, so i ended up cutting the end off and welding one on that fit my gearbox

Shorty Cox · 07-23-2004, 10:47 PM

I need to ask,,,What is the advantage of swapping the column? What does one gain? I have a '64 C10. I converted it to power steering. I have never considered changing the column and wheel.

Just wondering

ed455 · 07-24-2004, 12:03 AM

A) Get rid of the "three-on-the-tree" column because I went to an automatic

B) so I can have my automatic shifter on the column instead of the floor

C) Tilt steering wheel

Blue Beard · 07-24-2004, 08:18 AM

Saw a post that mentioned when doing this converstion....there is a adapter for the wiring changeover that simply plugs in...

ed455 · 07-24-2004, 08:43 AM

Mine didn't have the connector so I spliced on the old connector from the old column.

6T2Burb · 07-25-2004, 05:55 AM

I have a question, are your guages stock, from the picture you posted they don't look stock. If not what kind did you use?

ed455 · 07-25-2004, 09:56 AM

No, they are Stewart-Warner gauges in a billet insert.

Shorty Cox · 07-25-2004, 11:03 AM

Ed, Leds me to my next questions.

A. Why would you wish to get rid of the "three on the tree". What is the advantage?
B. If you are going to swap to automatic, why not use a column from a 60-66 that had an automatic, thus retaining the integrity of the 60-66? (Why swap to an automatic anyway) What is the gain?
C. Tilt column? There is plenty of room in a 60-66 for access. However i never utilize the tilt on my Yukon. It is just an option i see very little use for.

I enjoy my '64 and understand, to each his own. I enjoy reading all these post to get new ideas. It is just for many of the ideas, i see little gain in relation to the cost and effort. I'd rather retain the stock column, 3 on the tree, gauges, etc, and spend my time and money on a more comfortable seat, air conditioning, electric windows/locks, etc. I see few post regarding those subjects. Is no one doing that?

Shorty

cochran63 · 07-25-2004, 11:54 AM

I have dome the same modifications as ed455 and i think the aftermarket guages and tilt wheel are a nessecity. I have also put in pw, pl, pb, and 4 wheel disk brakes. I like looking at origional truck, but when i drive i want to be comforrtable and safe.

ed455 · 07-25-2004, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shorty Cox

Ed, Leds me to my next questions.

A. Why would you wish to get rid of the "three on the tree". What is the advantage?
B. If you are going to swap to automatic, why not use a column from a 60-66 that had an automatic, thus retaining the integrity of the 60-66? (Why swap to an automatic anyway) What is the gain?
C. Tilt column? There is plenty of room in a 60-66 for access. However i never utilize the tilt on my Yukon. It is just an option i see very little use for.

I enjoy my '64 and understand, to each his own. I enjoy reading all these post to get new ideas. It is just for many of the ideas, i see little gain in relation to the cost and effort. I'd rather retain the stock column, 3 on the tree, gauges, etc, and spend my time and money on a more comfortable seat, air conditioning, electric windows/locks, etc. I see few post regarding those subjects. Is no one doing that?

Shorty

A) Three speed manual sucks (IMO). Four speed is better, but I want the overdrive advantages of the 700R4.

B) All automatic 60-66 columns were for powerglide, which, outside of drag racing, sucks.

C) Because if I'm going to change a column, why not go for the tilt. If I don't use it, fine. If I do want to use it, it's there. My wife and I both drive it and she's one of those people who put the steering wheel in her lap.

As for the other things you mentioned (seats, A/C, door locks, etc), I'm doing those things too. And to me, the automatic makes the truck more enjoyable as well.

07-21-2004, 01:29 AM	#1
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	Van steering column swap. Anyone here done the mid-'70's van steering column swap? I need to know the diameter/spline count of the end of that column shaft. I come up with an odd size. Thanks. Ed

07-23-2004, 05:42 PM	#4
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	Here's a picture with the inside part done. It's very nearly a bolt-in. The support frame has to be modified to fit the neutral safety switch, but aside from that it goes in easily. The column is from a '75 or '76 chevy van and it IS a tilt column. The wheel is from a 74 Suburban. Don't look at the rest of the mess inside and the wiring still needs to be secured/hidden. Attached Images Last edited by ed455; 07-23-2004 at 05:45 PM.

07-23-2004, 07:31 PM	#5
scottyd Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: waco tx Posts: 113	looks good i used one off a 90 model, so i ended up cutting the end off and welding one on that fit my gearbox __________________ 1962 chevy shortwide,bagged, notched and Zed frame,top chopped 3 1/2", sectioned 2" tubbed (31x18.5 mickey Ts),shaved,currently 51"s from ground to roof top!

07-24-2004, 08:18 AM	#8
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	Saw a post that mentioned when doing this converstion....there is a adapter for the wiring changeover that simply plugs in... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

07-25-2004, 05:55 AM	#10
6T2Burb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 10	I have a question, are your guages stock, from the picture you posted they don't look stock. If not what kind did you use? __________________ 62 Burb project 63 chevy sbstp side project 4 sale sadly 68 4x4 Burb project 4 sale 65 GTO Ragtop 69 GTO Ragtop

07-21-2004, 09:27 AM	#2
64fleetside Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: arkieland Posts: 1,070	The stock lower shaft from a 68-72 truck fits perfectly. Brian

07-21-2004, 12:32 PM	#3
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	Cool - Thanks a bunch!

07-23-2004, 10:47 PM	#6
Shorty Cox Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Liberal, Ks, Us Posts: 1,091	I need to ask,,,What is the advantage of swapping the column? What does one gain? I have a '64 C10. I converted it to power steering. I have never considered changing the column and wheel. Just wondering

07-24-2004, 12:03 AM	#7
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	A) Get rid of the "three-on-the-tree" column because I went to an automatic B) so I can have my automatic shifter on the column instead of the floor C) Tilt steering wheel

07-24-2004, 08:43 AM	#9
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	Mine didn't have the connector so I spliced on the old connector from the old column.

07-25-2004, 09:56 AM	#11
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	No, they are Stewart-Warner gauges in a billet insert.

07-25-2004, 11:03 AM	#12
Shorty Cox Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Liberal, Ks, Us Posts: 1,091	Ed, Leds me to my next questions. A. Why would you wish to get rid of the "three on the tree". What is the advantage? B. If you are going to swap to automatic, why not use a column from a 60-66 that had an automatic, thus retaining the integrity of the 60-66? (Why swap to an automatic anyway) What is the gain? C. Tilt column? There is plenty of room in a 60-66 for access. However i never utilize the tilt on my Yukon. It is just an option i see very little use for. I enjoy my '64 and understand, to each his own. I enjoy reading all these post to get new ideas. It is just for many of the ideas, i see little gain in relation to the cost and effort. I'd rather retain the stock column, 3 on the tree, gauges, etc, and spend my time and money on a more comfortable seat, air conditioning, electric windows/locks, etc. I see few post regarding those subjects. Is no one doing that? Shorty

07-25-2004, 11:54 AM	#13
cochran63 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,057	I have dome the same modifications as ed455 and i think the aftermarket guages and tilt wheel are a nessecity. I have also put in pw, pl, pb, and 4 wheel disk brakes. I like looking at origional truck, but when i drive i want to be comforrtable and safe. __________________ Youth soon passes away, but immaturity can last a life time.



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