Why tilt column? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dan42 · 11-29-2007, 03:21 PM

I am genuinely curious as to why tilt columns are so sought after. The steering wheel position isn't all that bad as it is. I suppose if you have a huge gut it would make it more comfortable, or if you were a lot smaller, but for an average size guy, it's placed pretty nice as it is. I'm not ragging on the guys that want or have one, I'm just wondering if I'm missing something.

CPNEJR · 11-29-2007, 03:23 PM

for some taller people like i am especially with long legs it can be difficult to get around the steering wheel. i personally see it as easier to get in and out.

krue · 11-29-2007, 03:23 PM

Actually I'm a bit overweight so it comes in handy for me.

**68350** · 11-29-2007, 03:25 PM

i'm 6'5" and without tilt it's just a plain PITA!! i can drive em without tilt, it's just preferred for comfort and safety so my knee doesn't get stuck between the wheel and the door or something like that!! LOL!

cdowns · 11-29-2007, 03:42 PM

why custom wheels too? they're all round and just mount tires the same way

centsless · 11-29-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan42

I am genuinely curious as to why tilt columns are so sought after. The steering wheel position isn't all that bad as it is. I suppose if you have a huge gut it would make it more comfortable, or if you were a lot smaller, but for an average size guy, it's placed pretty nice as it is. I'm not ragging on the guys that want or have one, I'm just wondering if I'm missing something.

Thanks for reminding me of my "huge gut" LMAO
That is why I like the tilt in my truck.

cruiserman · 11-29-2007, 03:58 PM

I'd like to have a tilt column to make it easier to get my legs under the wheel. No gut issues

.

Piece of Work · 11-29-2007, 04:18 PM

I would like one because I'm big and tall. I shortened the column and installed a 13" Grant steering wheel, which helped immensely.

-Mark

76bonanza · 11-29-2007, 04:22 PM

I like my wheel low in my lap also with the wheel lower I can see the speedo much better.

weasel29gm · 11-29-2007, 06:21 PM

If I had it I'd use it maybe, my S-10 has it never moved. Thats why I didn't add tilt on the 69. Like tach dashes and tow hooks if I ever find some cheap $$$$ would be made!!! LOL!!!

72cheyennesuper20 · 11-29-2007, 07:09 PM

It's all about the options.

**SactoJim** · 11-29-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72cheyennesuper20

It's all about the options.

Yelp.....luxury options (if that's what you wanna call a tilt) on older vehicles is just cool!

sleepyboy · 11-29-2007, 07:22 PM

Comfy

1969k10stepside · 11-29-2007, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72cheyennesuper20

It's all about the options.

I really don't need the tilt but got one for free so why not use it? I plan to put all the "good" options on atleast one of my 4wds..so I put the tilt column in.

corn · 11-29-2007, 09:01 PM

Actually, my column had issues & I picked up a tilt just as cheap as I could get a regular column. Plus its one more option that my truck didnt have before...

Stoney · 11-29-2007, 09:19 PM

Rare too....

Longhorn Man · 11-29-2007, 09:41 PM

I'm 6 foot 200 pounds. Everyone who's seen me would say I am not fat. Maybe a little big, but not fat or "huge gut".
However, the tilt makes it 10 times nicer to drive IMO. I have one roling around in the back of the burb waiting for me to get around to installing it, that is my main #1 complaint on this burb... no tilt and school bus steering wheel.
Plus, the shifter in a non tilt totally sucks in comparison

89 crew · 11-29-2007, 10:33 PM

Personally I still work my trucks. While working I'm in and out all the time. being able to put the wheel up helps greatly for jumping in and out quick without beating my legs into it.

60ratrod · 11-30-2007, 03:03 AM

tilt columns are nice, especially when you have a smaller wheel. mine is not a tilt column. also the aftermarket wheels serve a few purposes. one, to add style and uniqueness to your vehicle. two, can actually reduce weight if you get the correct ones. but mostly the rims are for apperance. personally i like the old chrome baby moons myself

**70cst** · 11-30-2007, 08:03 AM

72cheyennesuper20;2466386]It's all about the options.

For me it was as stated above. My 70CST came with lots of factory installed options but not a tilt wheel. So I wanted to add this option to my truck. As the Longhorm Man said...it makes it a lot easier to get in and out of the truck. I find it interesting on the how the prices have continued to rise over the years. But it does come down to supply and demand. To me a truck rocks with a tilt wheel...but...then again our trucks rock w/o tilt wheels.
Merry Christmas.

dan42 · 11-30-2007, 10:07 AM

I didn't mean to dis anyone on the 'huge gut' comment. I'm 6'0" about 190 pounds (not a huge gut, but definitely a start) and just have never used the tilt in any of my vehicles. Maybe I just fit right in them or something. Sounds like a lot of guys use them to get in and out, which makes sense. Does anyone know if they made one for a four speed manual on the floor?

**Shock_Me** · 11-30-2007, 10:45 AM

dan42, I have an original tilt column in my 72 Jimmy with a 4 speed on the floor. I don't think they're very common. I'll try to get a pic up here soon. (Jimmy is in storage).

Pete

krue · 11-30-2007, 10:47 AM

They're like hen's teeth.

Piece of Work · 11-30-2007, 10:54 AM

Dan42, no offense taken. I'm fat and I know it. It's not like it isn't obvious.

-Mark

67ChevyRedneck · 11-30-2007, 10:54 AM

I'm 5'8" about 165# and it's not my "gut" (I don't have one

) but my LEGS that hit the wheel. I have a stock wheel and bench seat. Getting in and out of the truck my legs whack the steering wheel. It's a tight fit to slide under the wheel. Also, there's been a few times making a quick sharp turn that I've whacked my hand on my legs as I was turning the wheel.

I too have a tilt... in storage. I need to install it, but it's cold out

11-29-2007, 03:23 PM	#2
CPNEJR Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Franconia,N.H. Posts: 1,029	Re: Why tilt column? for some taller people like i am especially with long legs it can be difficult to get around the steering wheel. i personally see it as easier to get in and out. __________________ (Only) Member of the CPNE Fan Club Aint that the truth 67 C-10 350 with 3-speed tranny and 308 gears swb step 82 Z28 Camaro 355 small block over 350 hp and a borg warner super t-10 (blown engine) 72 Chevy K20 Suburban (future project) 70 Chevy K20 now 68 GMC K2500 2003 Chevy 2500hd ccsb 4X4 (daily driver)

11-29-2007, 03:23 PM	#3
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Why tilt column? Actually I'm a bit overweight so it comes in handy for me. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-29-2007, 03:25 PM	#4
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: Why tilt column? i'm 6'5" and without tilt it's just a plain PITA!! i can drive em without tilt, it's just preferred for comfort and safety so my knee doesn't get stuck between the wheel and the door or something like that!! LOL! __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

11-29-2007, 03:42 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Why tilt column? why custom wheels too? they're all round and just mount tires the same way __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-29-2007, 03:58 PM	#7
cruiserman Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 210	Re: Why tilt column? I'd like to have a tilt column to make it easier to get my legs under the wheel. No gut issues . __________________ 72 C2500 LWB 402 Sierra Grande 05 Odyssey 08 Tundra

11-29-2007, 03:21 PM	#1
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Why tilt column? I am genuinely curious as to why tilt columns are so sought after. The steering wheel position isn't all that bad as it is. I suppose if you have a huge gut it would make it more comfortable, or if you were a lot smaller, but for an average size guy, it's placed pretty nice as it is. I'm not ragging on the guys that want or have one, I'm just wondering if I'm missing something. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

11-29-2007, 04:18 PM	#8
Piece of Work Cultural Infidel Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 668	Re: Why tilt column? I would like one because I'm big and tall. I shortened the column and installed a 13" Grant steering wheel, which helped immensely. -Mark __________________ posted via La-Z-Boy -Mark 1972 C-10 Fleetside 350/TH350 PS PB A/C Cab Sadly....Sold 1968 Short Fleet 350/TH400 PS PB Delivered by Fine69 Also sadly Sold! It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. A man is not complete until he is married -- then he is finished.

11-29-2007, 04:22 PM	#9
76bonanza Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St robert Mo Posts: 2,001	Re: Why tilt column? I like my wheel low in my lap also with the wheel lower I can see the speedo much better. __________________ 1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO

11-29-2007, 06:21 PM	#10
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,101	Re: Why tilt column? If I had it I'd use it maybe, my S-10 has it never moved. Thats why I didn't add tilt on the 69. Like tach dashes and tow hooks if I ever find some cheap $$$$ would be made!!! LOL!!! __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 38YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

11-29-2007, 07:09 PM	#11
72cheyennesuper20 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Portland, OR. Posts: 414	Re: Why tilt column? It's all about the options.

11-29-2007, 07:22 PM	#13
sleepyboy '69 Step Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Marion, Texas Posts: 722	Re: Why tilt column? Comfy __________________ It's my truck, and Yes, I CUT the dash, so what??

11-29-2007, 09:01 PM	#15
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: Why tilt column? Actually, my column had issues & I picked up a tilt just as cheap as I could get a regular column. Plus its one more option that my truck didnt have before...

11-29-2007, 09:19 PM	#16
Stoney Farm Truck Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jersey Village, Texas Posts: 547	Re: Why tilt column? Rare too.... __________________ 1969 CST/10 1984 K5 Blazer 4x4 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Mike Jersey Village, Tx

11-29-2007, 09:41 PM	#17
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Why tilt column? I'm 6 foot 200 pounds. Everyone who's seen me would say I am not fat. Maybe a little big, but not fat or "huge gut". However, the tilt makes it 10 times nicer to drive IMO. I have one roling around in the back of the burb waiting for me to get around to installing it, that is my main #1 complaint on this burb... no tilt and school bus steering wheel. Plus, the shifter in a non tilt totally sucks in comparison Last edited by Longhorn Man; 11-29-2007 at 10:06 PM.

11-29-2007, 10:33 PM	#18
89 crew Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 865	Re: Why tilt column? Personally I still work my trucks. While working I'm in and out all the time. being able to put the wheel up helps greatly for jumping in and out quick without beating my legs into it.



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11-30-2007, 03:03 AM	#19
60ratrod yes, i do Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Spokane, wa Posts: 2,734	Re: Why tilt column? tilt columns are nice, especially when you have a smaller wheel. mine is not a tilt column. also the aftermarket wheels serve a few purposes. one, to add style and uniqueness to your vehicle. two, can actually reduce weight if you get the correct ones. but mostly the rims are for apperance. personally i like the old chrome baby moons myself __________________ ERROR 404....... SNAPPY COMEBACK NOT FOUND _______________________________________________________________________________________________ -60 Chevy C10, dead 350/good th350 combo, sitting on a 76 c10 blazer frame, built from 11 different vehicles "the abomination" -07 gmt900 silverado 1500 lt xcab z71, granite blue -81 suzuki gs650g "shelah"- current project -81 kz1000m1 csr "sarge" -next project (just beautification) -07 kawasaki vulcan classic vn900

11-30-2007, 08:03 AM	#20
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: Why tilt column? 72cheyennesuper20;2466386]It's all about the options. For me it was as stated above. My 70CST came with lots of factory installed options but not a tilt wheel. So I wanted to add this option to my truck. As the Longhorm Man said...it makes it a lot easier to get in and out of the truck. I find it interesting on the how the prices have continued to rise over the years. But it does come down to supply and demand. To me a truck rocks with a tilt wheel...but...then again our trucks rock w/o tilt wheels. Merry Christmas. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 11-30-2007 at 08:05 AM.

11-30-2007, 10:07 AM	#21
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: Why tilt column? I didn't mean to dis anyone on the 'huge gut' comment. I'm 6'0" about 190 pounds (not a huge gut, but definitely a start) and just have never used the tilt in any of my vehicles. Maybe I just fit right in them or something. Sounds like a lot of guys use them to get in and out, which makes sense. Does anyone know if they made one for a four speed manual on the floor? __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

11-30-2007, 10:45 AM	#22
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 592	Re: Why tilt column? dan42, I have an original tilt column in my 72 Jimmy with a 4 speed on the floor. I don't think they're very common. I'll try to get a pic up here soon. (Jimmy is in storage). Pete

11-30-2007, 10:47 AM	#23
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Why tilt column? They're like hen's teeth. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-30-2007, 10:54 AM	#24
Piece of Work Cultural Infidel Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 668	Re: Why tilt column? Dan42, no offense taken. I'm fat and I know it. It's not like it isn't obvious. -Mark __________________ posted via La-Z-Boy -Mark 1972 C-10 Fleetside 350/TH350 PS PB A/C Cab Sadly....Sold 1968 Short Fleet 350/TH400 PS PB Delivered by Fine69 Also sadly Sold! It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. A man is not complete until he is married -- then he is finished.

11-30-2007, 10:54 AM	#25
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Why tilt column? I'm 5'8" about 165# and it's not my "gut" (I don't have one ) but my LEGS that hit the wheel. I have a stock wheel and bench seat. Getting in and out of the truck my legs whack the steering wheel. It's a tight fit to slide under the wheel. Also, there's been a few times making a quick sharp turn that I've whacked my hand on my legs as I was turning the wheel. I too have a tilt... in storage. I need to install it, but it's cold out __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

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