The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Where to start?

I'd like to get a steering column as the original was removed and toast anyway, plus the old owner started a rehab years ago and quit. So I have a new motor,(v8) and a auto trans. I'd like to put a floor shifter in. My first question of many is what kind of steering column should I buy? (power steering ) eng. not installed yet.) This truck will not be a show truck by any means. I will paint it and redo the wiring and interior but I don't care about the outside that much. I need a starting point and it would be nice to have the steering in.. Or not.. Not sure where to start. ??engine compartment, wiring, interior?

The former owner put in 4 wheel disc breaks and a new master.
Bought a long block chevy v8 and put a auto trans on it. not sure what kind it is yet. (he did not remember)
Has old wiring
no steering column, but I have the parts if I get a after market one.
I guess get it running first? then clean it up?

Since your not going for a stock truck, and steering column is missing, if it was me I would go for a nice after market steering column with tilt, turn and dimmer.

As your using a V8 it should be easy to add the power steering pump and go for the power steering box.

Get your engine and trans set in first as you will need them in place to fit in the steering up grade to power and exhaust routing. Wiring also needs the engine in place and steering column itself in place to route the wiring.

If your thinking used parts for power steering search the junk yards and find the whole system pump, hoses, brackets, and gear box from one donor (matching system).
The other nice option is aftermarket kits the common choice which is the mustang rack and pinion setup, adapters are out there for a large variety of installs in different vehicles.
One very nice steering setup for non-stock.

If it were mine, the first thing I would do is detail the engine compartment. We always think we will take the motor out again and then do it, but it never happens.

Then buy a column, new or used, I used a 70-72 tilt and it fit nicely.

Then fit you motor and trans and the various mounts along with the power box and pump.

Jim

It's a 63 GMC. Sorry forgot to mention that. I think I might as well remove the cab and redo the body bushings as nothing is attached. If I get an aftermarket column, what comes with it. I mean how do I attach it to the under dash? Use the stock parts or do those come with a new tilter? And of course which one?

Thank you 48 And Jim.. I will do all those things. I'm not trying for a show truck as I don't have the expertise, but I do want to clean it up. What kind of wiring harness would you use? I was planning on removing the stock harness. Can I post pics on this site. Can't seem to find out how.. Thx guys

Doctor, you and I approached our trucks the same. Be careful. 3 years later you may come back to this post and reflect on the journey. Between you and I, once the cab comes off you have already slipped too far down the slippery slope to stop. Good news is you have lots of help, advice and experience here. As far as modifications, I stayed stock since I was afraid of bracketing and spacing new to old. Lots of good ideas on brake and steering mods through the links and searching of the pages. Don't lose sight of the quite drive on the back road. That is the end state. Hambone

Dr Dan, photo instructions are at the far left bottom of this page. "Image Posting Policy" is explained there.

thank you. If you guys can give me some input as to what companies to use for parts such as wiring harnesses, steering columns, etc. I would appreciate it. I want the best. I don't want to end up with some Chinese crap and regret later. You guys have done this. If the knucklehead I bought it from had left it alone I could have disassembled and reassembled, (easy right), but hey it is what it is.

For a steering column, I think Flaming River and Ididit columns are both made in. USA and top quality. The imported steering columns have a high failure rate. That's too dangerous for me to mess with. I will not compromise on safety. For now I have the 1965 column still in mine but a new column is going to be my first upgrade.
Send me a PM with your email address and I'll share from the thousands of pics I have taken while doing my restoration. Just tell me what you are working on and I'll help if I can.

I rebuilt my OEM '65 steering column. Changed it from the original 3 speed to a floor shift and installed new bearings and turn signal mechanism. Photo's and text on that can be found on post #25here

It's hard to beat original OEM parts for quality, and when your done it will look good as new.

I personally think the aftermarket columns look out of place on our trucks unless the truck is a full off custom or show truck. Opinions vary, as they say

Maybe food for thought for ya. Hope this helps.

____
John