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| | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 | Hi Guys,
Well I'm back at her. Got the small block V8 in the 49 GMC. The other day I took the steering column out of my 77 GMC and want to use it in my 49. I looked over the site a bit and tried to find a guide or reference to a starting point and am stuck as to how to start the swap. Anyone have some advice for me or can you point me in the right direction to help me out? Thanks
kskt4 | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 427 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 427 | I used a tilt column from a 67-72 chevy van with a column drop. I think there's pics in my album. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | What is the front suspension? What steering box are you using?
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 | I'm keeping the stock front suspension but using the steering box from the 77. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | Mount the steering box and exhaust system. Put the column in place, making sure you like where the steering wheel ends up, and then figure out what universals and shafts you need to connect the column to the box.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 | Thanks OldSub,
I got the column through the firewall today just to see how it might be bolted to the dash. It looks quite obvious that if I bolted it to the dash using the existing mount that was used to mount it on the 77, it would be sticking to far over the seat. Any idea how to overcome that issue?
kskt4 | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 | kskt4,
I had to do the same thing with my column out of a gmc saffari minivan. I made a custom mount that bolted to the dash at the original mounting location an then stretched down where you want you column to mount (where it is cumfortable for you) then after that custom plate was made I made a brace that goes from the lower portion of the plate to the brace up behind the dash (the one the flasher hang on). It will take some time, thought and engineering, but I am sure you will be happy with the results once you are done.
bolt. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 | kskt4
I just put an ididit column in mine. They had a 2" drop mount that i used that works on top end and a collar that bolts to the floor with a bolt to tighten around the column. Look at their website or in Summit or Jegs. I usually prefer the salvage yards but the yards in DFW area are pulling them to sell outright or to rebuilders. They wanted 3/4 of what new costs so I splurged. Good luck.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."-Abraham Lincoln
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 87 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 87 | iv got a 78 chevy c10 rv here can i use the column and box from that in my 49??
also got a 72 lincoln box | | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 | Hey 49 Bourbon,
I looked at the ididit site but they have so many columns to choose from. Which one did you buy, and was all that you needed to fit it into your GM, or did you get a few other things from them? Thanks.
kskt4 | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 | Kskt4 I bought the 32" steel column (1120320020)with tilt only as I have a floor mounted shifter. I had an Ez Wire kit with a strip that matches up electrically to the GM wiring harness on the column. I used a 2 inch Drop column attached to bottom of the dashboard. Borgeson makes a universal joint that fits on the outside of the column shaft with a 3/4" d shaft on the steering box side. The 3/4 d shaft should fit most GM steering boxes. Call and talk with the ididit help line and they can help walk you through the selection criteria.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."-Abraham Lincoln
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 72 | Thanks,
I modded some brackets to mount the steering column from the 77 in the 49 and put the seats in to see how much room I have. Not much between the belly and the steering wheel. Maybe 2". It's also tight at the other end. My dipstick is in the way when I try to put the splined piece back on. I have some pics ut don't know how to load them. If someone tells me how I will load them so you can get a better idea of what I'm talking about. The column measures 34" from where the spline is to where the steering wheel is mounted. Any way to free up more gut room?
Today I measured from the bottom of the steering wheel to the back seat and got 10 1/2". I then put the 49 column back in and put the steering wheel back on and measured the same distance and got 12". Anyone else got a measurement so I can compare? Thanks.
kskt4
kskt4 | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | When it comes to deciding on a steering column the best truism to remember is, "time is money". Also remember that by the time you troll all those bone yards looking for that perfect fit you will have burned enough of that high priced gas and have paid a no cut-rate price for your column, you could have paid a little more and gotten a new one that is really a perfect fit. I haven’t decided on where I’ll get mine, but it will not be out of a wrecking yard. :rolleyes:
~Jim
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