I have been doing some Google searches and I am not finding anything....
For the 1947-54 Chevy trucks...has anyone been able to create or adapt a collapsible steering column to these old trucks?...one of my prior builds was a (1991) S10 cab (1954) swap so I just reused the old S10 column and there was no problem there...
But say I really wanna keep the stock chassis on one of these trucks...I plan on putting a 3 point seat belt harness in no matter what...but then I keep looking at that solid steering column and God forbid I run into someone...that solid piece of steel is gonna leave a mark for sure...
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
MikeC
1951 Chevy 3800 1-Ton Howard Knapp In the Stovebolt Gallery 1948 Chevy 1-Ton (sold Nov 2017) 1953 Chevy 1-Ton (sold 10/1/2016)
I too struggled with this. I'm probably not going to do the collapsible part but here's my thoughts. It's pretty vertical so that should mitigate the risk. You can buy a collapsible section for the 3/4" shaft. As for the tube you could put a piece of telescoping tubes in the column and possibly weld or pin the top to the dashboard mount. It's pretty stout but could be reinforced if you wanted to. In my 53 I'm using the 56 wheel that I put a 15 1/2" ring on so I can use the nice factory turn signal mechanism, It slides right on. This gives me self canceling turn signals and accommodates my cruize control switch. I'm installing EPAS Performance electric power steering with a Howe 1.5 steering quickener. This takes my steering ratio from the stock 22:1 to a modern 14.6:1 ratio. I had an unexpectant stay at the VA hospital for a while and need one more coat of clear on the wheel and I can get started on the column. I'll post my progress. (edit) A piece of 2" tube with 1/8" wall DOM tube will slide nicely over the 1 3/4" stock tube. Remove a section of the existing tube and replace it with a longer piece of 2" tube like a sleeve. https://www.borgeson.com/18-collaps...J4IWrNghK1xLewvJOOJmP_rnyBQWPCiAiHjlHBC3 This is not a freely collapsible shaft but is designed to collapse in the event of an accident.
Thanks for the reply...I recall when I did the S10 chassis swap I had to move the steering assembly back like 9 inches and I had to buy a Camaro steering column so it would still slide in and out..
What you have going on looks like it would work for sure...God forbid you got hit...I have been in enough wrecks over years (race car wrecks) to know these old trucks are not the safest mode of transport for sure...
I will be looking at this when I dig into my next project.
Thanks again for the insight. I really appreciated it.
MikeC
1951 Chevy 3800 1-Ton Howard Knapp In the Stovebolt Gallery 1948 Chevy 1-Ton (sold Nov 2017) 1953 Chevy 1-Ton (sold 10/1/2016)
Male and female "double D" steering column shafts are available online in various lengths. Be sure to cross-drill and rivet those parts to the shaft instead of relying on just a weld. A broken weld can, and will leave you with no steering control.
Here's another option- - - -stronger than a double D setup:
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