55-59 Steering column support ?

[Trucknut57]

Got a question for you guys.

I'm looking for the piece that goes behind the dash and on top of the column. It supports the dash and column plus it attaches to the firewall.

What is the actual name of it? Does anyone re-pop the piece or know where I can get one?

The previous owner of my neighbors 56 hacked it out so they could put in a firewall mounted power brake booster (hack job). So now he has no dash or column support and I'm trying to find a replacement to fix the mess he has.

Any help would be put to good use!

Thanks.

[OrrieG]

The piece is not reproduced. I am not home and cannot go out and look but from memory the steering wheel support attachs thru the bottom of the dash, so those two holes, which are double metal thick, can be found. Here are some photos that sort of show it. If you are not concerned with it being original it would be easy to fab someing from the bottom of the dash back to the firewall. Note that the sides are open for access to the back of the instruments and to run wires, etc.

[Trucknut57]

OrrieG, Thanks for the info on the piece not being reproduced.
The neighbors truck is anything but stock. I'm trying to help him get it a bit safer, piece by piece.

We may have to make a brace to fit due to the placement of the brake booster on the firewall.

Guess I will use the one in my truck as an idea on how to do it.

[dwcsr]

CPP have a support for a firewall mounted brake cylinder. You could use that as the support. http://www.classicperform.com/Store2/Brakes/5559FMB.htm

[Trucknut57]

dwcsr, Thanks for the link. I will email it to my neighbor and see what he thinks. I think it will work great, may have to move his booster to match up with the bracket but it is well worth the work to increase the safety of the whole area.

[roger55]

I have that CPP brake kit.

Although I like it, I did have to make some modifications on it.

Design flaws:
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=242

Add brake light switch:
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=279

This one was to make it compatible with the Ididit column support:
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=416

The last thing I did was to weld studs onto the bracket that the E-brake handle bolts too. Otherwise, it would be difficult to start and hold the nuts on the top side.

Even after all of that I would buy it again.

[Trucknut57]

roger55,
Thank you very much for the details of your issues with the bracket and the pictures.

I may have to reconsider that bracket since my neighbor doesn't have many tools (torch, welder) in his garage.

[roger55]

Originally Posted by Trucknut57

roger55,
Thank you very much for the details of your issues with the bracket and the pictures.

I may have to reconsider that bracket since my neighbor doesn't have many tools (torch, welder) in his garage.

If your neighbor has a stock clutch and brake pedal as well as a stock column. You wouldn't have to make any mods to install the CPP bracket except for drilling the bolt holes in the firewall. You would have to see whether CPP would sell the bracket separately from their kit but I bet they would.
It's a very stout piece.

[Trucknut57]

Unfortunately the PO butchered the heck out of the original support and did a perfectly crappy job of installing the booster / pedal. Leaving NO support for the dash or the column in this area.

So we need to brace the whole area of the dash, column, and firewall to support the stress this area receives.

[roger55]

Originally Posted by Trucknut57

Unfortunately the PO butchered the heck out of the original support and did a perfectly crappy job of installing the booster / pedal. Leaving NO support for the dash or the column in this area.

So we need to brace the whole area of the dash, column, and firewall to support the stress this area receives.

Sounds like a real mess. Might look for an old cab that's being parted out. A cab that is a loss from rust would most likely be OK in that area allowing you to cut out what you needed. Also sounds like a mig welder is going to be a must to repair this.

[rustyfive-seven]

im having to replace mine also. PO cut it all out! i have a rotted parts truck to salvage some pieces from. try adam@themusclecarshop I think he has some TF cabs that are being parted out

[Trucknut57]

rustyfive-seven,

Thanks for the lead. I will let my neighbor know. He may want to go with the CPP item but I'm not sure, it's up to him.