I purchased a correct 57 steering wheel for a 57 3100 pickup a while back but found that if I install it I do not have enough room to sit between it and the seat back. The correct steering wheel sits taller than my old one.
So I am guessing that the flatter steering wheel I have on it is matted to a longer than stock 57 shaft. Or it was an early 57 that still had the 56 column and wheel on it?
current flatter wheel is this: http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~showpictxt~Z5Z5Z50000119c~Z5Z5Z5CAZCD
The new correct wheel is this: http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~showpictxt~Z5Z5Z50000119c~Z5Z5Z5EACEU
I tied to measure mine from the adjusting nut at the far bottom to the top thread that you bolt the steering wheel on and it seems to be about 39.5 to 40 inches long.
like 8.5 inches on the gear box, 7 more to the firewall and 31-31.5 from firewall up to top of threads. So about 40 inches total. I think I would need about 2-3 inches less to fit the correct steering wheel on it.
Any ideas on this?
I am a bit overweight but not that far gone!
I have not found anyone that carries the old steering columns that lists the lengths. I do not want to buy a rebuit one for $650 and find it is too long.
I need to rebuild mine but it is too long so I need a shorter one to fit the new wheel and be more correct for the 57.
Also would be interested in adding power assist to it like this:
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1947_59_Trucks/5559PSKA.htm Anyone done that?
