Column Mods?

[davepl]

Didn't want to hijack the seat thread, so I'll ask here: is there a safe and (at least somewhat) easy way to slide the whole column forward so the steering wheel isn't in your belly? I'm only 6'2"/208 but its still not the most comfortable setup. Tilt would get the wheel higher (I do not have tilt) but then you'd look like you're driving a GMC bus!

Changing the wheel to a smaller diameter isn't an option, it's important to me to keep that entirely stock. But if I could subtly move the column forward, great.

Only showstoppers are that I will not cut and reweld the steering shaft and I won't defeat the collapsible aspect of it - two of the approaches I found while searching before asking that I'd like to avoid.

Thanks,
Dave

[john]

Dave, here is one way as done by putter some time ago.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=191143

[davepl]

I did see that article but I got worried when they modify the part where the intermediate shaft telescopes. I presume that to be part of the collapsibility (to make up a word) of the column, though you'd have to break both roll pins with your chest if that's the case.

My '69 Pontiac (really Impala) uses ball bearings in the collapsing section. I guess if I knew where the safety features of this column were I'd feel better changing it.

Of course for all I know those safety features that came in the 65-67 timeframe didn't apply to trucks...

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by davepl

I did see that article but I got worried when they modify the part where the intermediate shaft telescopes. I presume that to be part of the collapsibility (to make up a word) of the column, though you'd have to break both roll pins with your chest if that's the case.

My '69 Pontiac (really Impala) uses ball bearings in the collapsing section. I guess if I knew where the safety features of this column were I'd feel better changing it.

Of course for all I know those safety features that came in the 65-67 timeframe didn't apply to trucks...

I'm not sure where you read that there are two roll pins in the intermediate shaft. I don't think there are any. I didn't put any pins in mine. The original "pins" that Putter drilled out aren't really pins at all but just plastic that is injected into the intermediate shaft at the factory.

LockDoc

[picklito]

I'm moving my column right now. The pins are plastic, yes. I don't have the best photos, but here are a few if it helps. I cut new slots for the safety switch and for the dash locator, drilled the plastic pins, moved it forward, and there you go. It's actually a little more involved than that (isn't it always) because you also have to cut and bend out a new actuator tab on the inner tube to actuate the safety switch.

[BlackedOut67shorty]

I know van columns are shorter, almost too short cause the cup almost hits the dash

[Ol Blue K20]

Dave, I believe the best person to ask would be Kevin (kevsclassics) he is a vendor here and a column guru. I think he can steer you (pun intended) in the right direction.

[hugger6933]

I'll try to keep this short. I think I remember something about a problem about my long posts. The plastic is just injected into the shaft it is not like it is a pin driven through the pieces. Basically I think it is like it [the plastic] is squirted into the outer tube then the inner tube is placed in. Once it dries it is stuck [for the lack of a better word] in place. That is why it is easy to make the joint move by banging it on the table, the inner tube effectively cleans then plastic off the outer tube as it is pushed upward. Jim

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by davepl

I did see that article but I got worried when they modify the part where the intermediate shaft telescopes. I presume that to be part of the collapsibility (to make up a word) of the column, though you'd have to break both roll pins with your chest if that's the case.

My '69 Pontiac (really Impala) uses ball bearings in the collapsing section. I guess if I knew where the safety features of this column were I'd feel better changing it.

Of course for all I know those safety features that came in the 65-67 timeframe didn't apply to trucks...

Those plastic pins are designed to break and let the column and or shaft collapse in a crash saving your chest. Without them about the only thing that might happen is that the inner shaft moves a tad bit inside the outer shaft. The same as it would on every aftermarket steering shaft with a double D shaft. The only issue is if you ever take it out and start to carry it to the bench and hold the end down the end might slide out and there is probably a very slim chance of that.

I hadn't seen that other thread before but it has me thinking now. Even though I am a member of the too many trips back to the buffet club with the later model seat and the Nardi wheel I have pretty decent room in my 71 but have the column out of the 4 speed 70 that my son used to have that I rolled after he passed away in 1989 (several months later) that I am thinking about using in my 48 to have a clean and simple column with turn signals.