The entire steering column and gearbox can be removed, (once you remove the steering wheel of course), without removing any body parts outside. You do have to remove the 2-piece support saddle inside where it bolts to the bottom of the dash, and it really helps to remove the floor plate where the column comes through. Sliding the floor plate up and off the column gives you a lot of play to maneuver the column under the hood and take it out. The floor plate doesn't really offer any support anyway....more for keeping stuff out. This is provided you are taking the complete unit out.
The bolts holding the steering box on the frame rail are accessible without moving anything also. (I didn't say 'easily' accessible, but they are accessible).
I installed a rebuilt complete unit about a year after my restoration was finished. Wasn't that much to it. Mine is a 1951 3100, should be pretty much the same as a 1949.
