I am not Kimberly either........but, I installed a '76 Nova column in my '51. The kicker is that I also installed power steering. My concern would be the late model column with its small wheel and light duty innards trying to turn a stock steering box.

My conversion column was mounted under the dash with brackets I made, and secured at the floorboard with another bracket. This setup doesn't lend itself to brute force. Compare the stock assembly to the current day arrangements. The new units are designed for assisted steering only.

Stuart