Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bronze 72 super · 01-12-2016, 10:16 PM

O.K. To all the experts who know more than me, question? What year was the Tilt Steering Wheel option first offered? I thought of one year for sure, but just changed my mind. What do you guys say?
Lets see how many answers I get!!

**FirstOwner69** · 01-12-2016, 10:41 PM

Option info on the GM Heritage Center website says 1971. However, it could have been late in the 1970 model year.

**68350** · 01-12-2016, 10:49 PM

1970

71swb4x4 · 01-12-2016, 11:43 PM

The tilt steering COLUMN was invented in the early 1900's

**too much stuff** · 01-13-2016, 12:15 AM

I would agree with 70.

zeldman · 01-13-2016, 12:45 AM

I looked at a highly optioned '66 SS Chevelle that came with the original build sheet. It had tilt wheel, cruise control, A/C, P/S, P/B as well as the 396 and 4 speed, but only an AM radio.

As for trucks I have only seen original tilt wheel on 71 and later trucks.

so no, I can't answer your question.

bronze 72 super · 01-13-2016, 01:00 AM

As far as tilts in passenger cars, I believe Chevrolet first offered tilt in '63. Might have been available in other G.M. divisions before that, not 100% sure.
I just bought a ad I found on E-bay, dated 1970 Chevy Camper Truck ad, main subject: tilt wheel being a option.
I always thought '71 was the first year, I was wrong!!!
I'm going to frame the ad, just more Chevy Truck travia!!

**FirstOwner69** · 01-13-2016, 01:12 AM

Google is our friend. Here's a summary of what I found....
The tilt wheel columns were made by Saginaw gear which later became part of Delphi then, in 2010, became Nexteer Automotive. According to the Nexteer website: "1967 – Introduced Tilt-Wheel steering column to the market which offers greater driver comfort and better vehicle control".

That seems to shed some light as to when GM first offered tilts, but not necessarily when in trucks.

Edit: HOWEVER, GM Heritage Center says the 63 Cadillac was available with "New six-position adjustable steering wheel"

**chewychevy67** · 01-13-2016, 01:16 AM

I have a tilt telescopic column from a 66 impala. 65 caddy was first for gm telescopic, maby 65 vette to. Tilt for gm could have been earlier

**FirstOwner69** · 01-13-2016, 01:48 AM

At the risk of beating this topic to death, I offer the following tidbits.

More than you ever wanted to know here:
http://automotivemileposts.com/autob...tiltwheel.html

From Wikipedia:
"Tilt wheel[19]The original tilt wheel was developed by Edward James Lobdell in the early 1900s. A 7-position tilt wheel was introduced by the Saginaw Division of General Motors in 1963 for all passenger car divisions except Chevrolet which received the tilt wheel in 1964.[20] This tilt wheel was also supplied to the other US automakers (except Ford).[21] Originally a luxury option on cars, the tilt function helps to adjust the steering wheel by moving the wheel through an arc in an up and down motion. Tilt Steering Wheels rely upon a ratchet joint located in the steering column just below the steering wheel. By disengaging the ratchet lock, the wheel can be adjusted upward or downward while the steering column remains stationary below the joint. Some designs place the pivot slightly forward along the column, allowing for a fair amount of vertical movement of the steering wheel with little actual tilt, while other designs place the pivot almost inside the steering wheel, allowing adjustment of the angle of the steering wheel with almost no change it its height."

"Telescope wheel[19]Many pre-war British cars offered telescoping steering wheels that required loosening a locknut prior to adjustment, many using the Douglas ASW (Adjustable Steering Wheel).[22] In 1949, the Jaguar XK120 introduced a new steering wheel supplied by Bluemel that was driver-adjustable by simply loosening a sleeve around the column by hand.[23] The 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird had a similar design with 3 inches of total travel.[24][25] In 1956, the travel was restricted to 2 inches. A patent was filed regarding a telescoping steering wheel in July of 1942 by Bernard Maurer of the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors (now Nexteer Automotive), but GM would not offer a telescoping wheel of their own until the debut of the tilt/telescope wheel offered as an option on 1965 Cadillacs. The GM column was released by twisting a locking ring surrounding the center hub, and offered a 3 inch range of adjustment."

**special-K** · 01-13-2016, 08:58 AM

Yep, my '63 Riviera had a tilt column. 1970 was the first year in GM light trucks. There are instructions for use in the 1970 owner's manual.

bronze 72 super · 01-13-2016, 11:22 AM

1963 Chevrolet passenger cars had tilt as a option. Good friend of mine has one in his '63 Impala convertible. Also checked one out in a junked '63 hardtop a few years ago.
I was just interested when the option was first available in our era trucks, 67-72 only.
The energy absorbing column was first developed by G.M. in '67, federally mandated safety item.

cypressbog · 02-02-2016, 01:14 PM

I had a 63 Olds Starfire that had tilt from the factory.

hugger6933 · 02-02-2016, 01:26 PM

I've got a tilt column out of a 66 over the bathroom storage space at my shop. I bought it just because it was an early tilt I figured it would be worth something someday. I also have a tilt in my 68 Lemans convert.

**Downtown** · 02-02-2016, 01:42 PM

I had a 1970 longhorn with tilt. I have a pic of the SPID somewhere. One thing that was different was the flasher knob was chrome. It was a low mileage truck and everything else seemed original and unmolested, so I think the very early tilts may of had a different knob. If it had been replaced the column showed no signs of being taken apart.

Ken O. · 02-02-2016, 04:43 PM

My 67 GMC has tilt. I never thought that it wasn't original, never crossed my mind. Guess I know now. Not surprised with all the other goofy stuff that they did to this truck....

01-12-2016, 10:16 PM	#1
bronze 72 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rufus Oregon Posts: 1,186	Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered O.K. To all the experts who know more than me, question? What year was the Tilt Steering Wheel option first offered? I thought of one year for sure, but just changed my mind. What do you guys say? Lets see how many answers I get!! __________________ 1971 Cheyenne Super C-20 402 4 speed 1970 El Camino L-48 350 1999 Chevy Z-71 Extended Cab 4x4 2000 Tahoe Z-71 2004 Monte Carlo S.S. Supercharged Dale Earnhardt Intimidator 1970 Chevelle, Malibu Sport Coupe 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide

01-12-2016, 10:41 PM	#2
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,853	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered Option info on the GM Heritage Center website says 1971. However, it could have been late in the 1970 model year.

01-12-2016, 10:49 PM	#3
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered 1970 __________________ 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

01-12-2016, 11:43 PM	#4
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered The tilt steering COLUMN was invented in the early 1900's __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-13-2016, 12:15 AM	#5
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,801	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered I would agree with 70. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

01-13-2016, 12:45 AM	#6
zeldman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Rt 66 Gallup, NM Posts: 527	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered I looked at a highly optioned '66 SS Chevelle that came with the original build sheet. It had tilt wheel, cruise control, A/C, P/S, P/B as well as the 396 and 4 speed, but only an AM radio. As for trucks I have only seen original tilt wheel on 71 and later trucks. so no, I can't answer your question. __________________ 2005 GMC K2500HD D/A 1993 GMC K1500 2011 Subaru Legacy. 2013 Subaru Outback 1970 C-10 2WD, SWB stepside, 292, TH350, PS, more rust than anything. God is my pilot.

01-13-2016, 01:00 AM	#7
bronze 72 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rufus Oregon Posts: 1,186	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered As far as tilts in passenger cars, I believe Chevrolet first offered tilt in '63. Might have been available in other G.M. divisions before that, not 100% sure. I just bought a ad I found on E-bay, dated 1970 Chevy Camper Truck ad, main subject: tilt wheel being a option. I always thought '71 was the first year, I was wrong!!! I'm going to frame the ad, just more Chevy Truck travia!! __________________ 1971 Cheyenne Super C-20 402 4 speed 1970 El Camino L-48 350 1999 Chevy Z-71 Extended Cab 4x4 2000 Tahoe Z-71 2004 Monte Carlo S.S. Supercharged Dale Earnhardt Intimidator 1970 Chevelle, Malibu Sport Coupe 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide

01-13-2016, 01:12 AM	#8
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,853	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered Google is our friend. Here's a summary of what I found.... The tilt wheel columns were made by Saginaw gear which later became part of Delphi then, in 2010, became Nexteer Automotive. According to the Nexteer website: "1967 – Introduced Tilt-Wheel steering column to the market which offers greater driver comfort and better vehicle control". That seems to shed some light as to when GM first offered tilts, but not necessarily when in trucks. Edit: HOWEVER, GM Heritage Center says the 63 Cadillac was available with "New six-position adjustable steering wheel" Last edited by FirstOwner69; 01-13-2016 at 01:24 AM.

01-13-2016, 01:16 AM	#9
chewychevy67 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Here Posts: 5,564	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered I have a tilt telescopic column from a 66 impala. 65 caddy was first for gm telescopic, maby 65 vette to. Tilt for gm could have been earlier

01-13-2016, 01:48 AM	#10
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,853	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered At the risk of beating this topic to death, I offer the following tidbits. More than you ever wanted to know here: http://automotivemileposts.com/autob...tiltwheel.html From Wikipedia: "Tilt wheel[19]The original tilt wheel was developed by Edward James Lobdell in the early 1900s. A 7-position tilt wheel was introduced by the Saginaw Division of General Motors in 1963 for all passenger car divisions except Chevrolet which received the tilt wheel in 1964.[20] This tilt wheel was also supplied to the other US automakers (except Ford).[21] Originally a luxury option on cars, the tilt function helps to adjust the steering wheel by moving the wheel through an arc in an up and down motion. Tilt Steering Wheels rely upon a ratchet joint located in the steering column just below the steering wheel. By disengaging the ratchet lock, the wheel can be adjusted upward or downward while the steering column remains stationary below the joint. Some designs place the pivot slightly forward along the column, allowing for a fair amount of vertical movement of the steering wheel with little actual tilt, while other designs place the pivot almost inside the steering wheel, allowing adjustment of the angle of the steering wheel with almost no change it its height." "Telescope wheel[19]Many pre-war British cars offered telescoping steering wheels that required loosening a locknut prior to adjustment, many using the Douglas ASW (Adjustable Steering Wheel).[22] In 1949, the Jaguar XK120 introduced a new steering wheel supplied by Bluemel that was driver-adjustable by simply loosening a sleeve around the column by hand.[23] The 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird had a similar design with 3 inches of total travel.[24][25] In 1956, the travel was restricted to 2 inches. A patent was filed regarding a telescoping steering wheel in July of 1942 by Bernard Maurer of the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors (now Nexteer Automotive), but GM would not offer a telescoping wheel of their own until the debut of the tilt/telescope wheel offered as an option on 1965 Cadillacs. The GM column was released by twisting a locking ring surrounding the center hub, and offered a 3 inch range of adjustment." Last edited by FirstOwner69; 01-13-2016 at 02:00 AM.

01-13-2016, 08:58 AM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered Yep, my '63 Riviera had a tilt column. 1970 was the first year in GM light trucks. There are instructions for use in the 1970 owner's manual. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-13-2016, 11:22 AM	#12
bronze 72 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rufus Oregon Posts: 1,186	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered 1963 Chevrolet passenger cars had tilt as a option. Good friend of mine has one in his '63 Impala convertible. Also checked one out in a junked '63 hardtop a few years ago. I was just interested when the option was first available in our era trucks, 67-72 only. The energy absorbing column was first developed by G.M. in '67, federally mandated safety item. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne Super C-20 402 4 speed 1970 El Camino L-48 350 1999 Chevy Z-71 Extended Cab 4x4 2000 Tahoe Z-71 2004 Monte Carlo S.S. Supercharged Dale Earnhardt Intimidator 1970 Chevelle, Malibu Sport Coupe 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide

02-02-2016, 01:14 PM	#13
cypressbog Go Pack Go! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Green Bay Posts: 2,669	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered I had a 63 Olds Starfire that had tilt from the factory.

02-02-2016, 01:26 PM	#14
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,280	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered I've got a tilt column out of a 66 over the bathroom storage space at my shop. I bought it just because it was an early tilt I figured it would be worth something someday. I also have a tilt in my 68 Lemans convert.

02-02-2016, 01:42 PM	#15
Downtown Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: New Palestine, IN Posts: 471	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered I had a 1970 longhorn with tilt. I have a pic of the SPID somewhere. One thing that was different was the flasher knob was chrome. It was a low mileage truck and everything else seemed original and unmolested, so I think the very early tilts may of had a different knob. If it had been replaced the column showed no signs of being taken apart. __________________ 72 Super Cheyenne Longbed 350 49,000 original miles and My dad ordered it new 66 Chevy Caprice 2 dr 77 Caprice Estate Wagon New Palestine, IN



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02-02-2016, 04:43 PM	#16
Ken O. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 106	Re: Tilt Steering Wheel First Year Offered My 67 GMC has tilt. I never thought that it wasn't original, never crossed my mind. Guess I know now. Not surprised with all the other goofy stuff that they did to this truck....

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