The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Tilt column and an automatic...please

Anybody got any ideas about putting a tilt column and a turbo 350/400 in my 66 C-10. Its got a three on the tree now and shifting sucks! (im a trucker by trade...ive had enough by the end of the 15 hr day, thank you very much) The coulumn i have is out of an 87 chevy p/u and need a shopping list so i can go visit the junkyard. Any tips or directions would be good. thanks!

The 66 was offered with an automatic (powerglide) which has the same dimensions as a turbo 350 so the trans should be a bolt in. The easiest column would be a 67-72. The tilt version is getting a little hard to find. Lots of newer columns have been put in but the tube is larger in diameter and a dash bracket and floor anchor need to be fabricated. I tried to put in a picture of a 66 but, no luck. You can see a factory auto setup in one on my photobucket site--
http://s32photobucket.com/albums/d41/coilover/
Go to page 2 and scroll down to the red 66 stepside. Good luck

Sorry, forgot to put in the "dot". Try http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d41/coilover/

I have done this swap. Column out of a 67-72 is easy. Columns out of 70s-80s vans are the same. If you are running a long tailshaft 3-speed, use a short shaft turbo 350 and driveshaft length will stay the same. If your 3-speed is the un-synchro low gear, you will have to change front yoke. You will have to cut the crossmember where the old bellhousing sits,for clearance. Rear mount will work on crossmember where e-brake mounts. Many ways to go with coolers. If i can help just holler.

I once had a '66 that was a factory Powerglide. The parts from that truck would be exactly what you need for a Turbo 350. My brother made the swap on a similar truck, and if memory serves it was a simple bolt together swap.

He used the original column and shifter with no trouble. I have a '72 with a tilt column and automatic. You can't have my parts, but again, they would be just what you need if you can find one.

I've done a few of these swaps, it's all a bolt in deal. Transmission crossmembers thru 72 fit right in. The late 70's van columns fit these trucks like they're made for'em. Use an intermediate shaft from a 69-72 pickup and shorten it to fit or cut your shaft to fit and connect it with a steering u-joint or coupler.


Frank

Hey Peyvinetrans...I put a mid 80's column in my 64 Suburban and it was no sweat. Use the factory 64 column under dash bracket and drill as needed to bolt the newer column to it...then bolt up under the dash..easy. I also used the 64 firewall floor anchor. I found that an 80's Oldmobile steering extention worked out great. It fit the column splines, and was adjustible in length...perfect fit, no welding needed! If you don't come across one of these, you can use a early to mid 70's extention, but it must be cut and welded to length you need. Last, I presume you would like PS? Get the bracket kit and then use the early to mid 70's PS box. It was very easy. The first one I did and just went smooth as glass.

Um, duh? I just realized who you are Pevinetrans. Good job on the purchase of this truck...looks like a great one, and I'm with your wife, stock color of red is pretty awesome.
Call me if you still have the number or email [email protected] if you have questions about the column and tranny. Happy to answer any.

Merry Christmas~!
Tom

Pevinetrans:

Before you go to a junkyard, send me an email. I've got a 58 Apache that I am putting a 700r4 in that had a T350. It's in excellent shape and you can have it cheap. Best part is I am in Glendale, AZ