The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Collapsible stock steering columns ???

Hi Stovebolters

I am trying to make my 1953 Chevy truck a more safe driver, I have installed front disc brakes, Juliano's 3 point seat belts, and Altman safety latches for the doors.

What has me thinking is the solid steering column shaft has got me worried from a safety standpoint. I dont want to really chop up my truck as right now it is more stock than not. Has anybody modified the current solid shaft into a more safe collapsible type column like all of our daily drivers currently have?

Any insight would be awesome.

MikeC

Given the angle of the steering shaft, it might be a good idea to have a collapsible steering column- - - -if you ever happen to drive off a cliff and fall vertically far enough to try to impale yourself on the steering shaft. Otherwise, it's an exercise in futility!
Jerry

If you get in a serious enough crash for the column to become a problem, I think you've got more to worry about than just the steering column. Realistically, the cab would probably crush you, then you might want to worry about your pedal mounting, etc. I'm sure it can be done, it just feels like a lot of work for not much gain.

I think you could use two of the same aftermarket steering shaft bearings and adapter bushings sold for cutting off and removing the steering box while retaining the upper part of column and steering wheel.
Actually with the column being cut off so close to the worm (already supported by two bearings) a 3rd bearing may be unnecessary, could use a seal to keep water out instead. May then need to vent the fill plug or otherwise vent the gear box.

After all that is there enough room left in between firewall and steering box for a couple u-joints and the collapsible section?

Finally when mounting bottom of column to the floor don't make that so secure you defeat the purpose altogether.


Worth the thought but not sure it's worth actually doing it?

Grigg

Mike,
What is your skill level and how many machines do you have or have access to? You can make an invisible collapsible column but it would be price prohibitive to have someone else do it. One could cut the mast jacket, after making alignment marks, and with careful measurement replace a section of the steering shaft with one from the 1960's through the 1980's that had a male DD shaft that had 6 or 8 inches of travel inside a female DD tube. All would fit inside the stock mast jacket. The finished shaft would be installed from the bottom of the mast jacket which was welded back with the alignment marks in line. As to the mast jacket itself it could have a section of expanded metal like some modern columns that would collapse but would need that section covered with a rubber or other sleeve to keep trash out. If not completely rabid about looking stock just cut the column, make a new hole in the toe board to offset column a couple inches (you won't notice the slight angle of the steering wheel), put a bearing in the cut off tube and hook shaft back together with a couple of U-joints. The U-joints will buckle in a crash if not in line. Cut below shifter box and all linkage remains unchanged. My last thought is WHY since your more apt to have someone with an exact DNA match than be impaled on an AD steering column. I must stop now before thoughts of sensors and air bags start running through the empty hallways of my brain.

Have a look at the Ididit retrofit columns. They are supposed to bolt in with no modifications, and give you a tilt capability as well as modern safety stuff.

To use original steering gear box will require cutting the shaft and jacket, fitting U-joint or other type coupler and adapting a seal or bearing to keep water out.

Hey Coilover

I did a couple of S10 frame swaps and I did use that double dd sliding tube thing you are talking about except with the S10 frame swap you gotta make the stock shaft longer so it can reach into the old cab you are mounting on the new frame...I think I used 2 columns to make one by the time I was done...I was thinking about cutting the steering column jacket...I did one in a 1952 AD style rat rod truck I Z'ed the frame on...I think I bought a couple of the top mast bearings to hold the jacket in place.....then a universal to hold everything together...

Maybe I am over thinking this...maybe a prayer before I drive it and hope my guardian angle watches over me when I pull out into traffic...this truck scares me to death sitting still (in my garage)....I can hardly imagine driving something this big down the roadways of upstate NY....we will see thats for sure...

The last full size truck I drove daily was a 1982 Dodge D150 and that was like 20 years ago....different time zone for sure...

Thanks for all the insight...

MikeC

I've got a nice GEO Metro- - - - -wanna swap?


Jerry

Three cylinder?

Yep- - - - -1 liter, 40 MPG! I'm thinking of adding the Firefly turbo to it one of these days!
Jerry

Good little cars. My wife's was the 4 door , believe a 94. Her first car after arriving in the states.