The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop What size column in a 57

Hey all,
I'm gearing up to put an IDIDIT column in my '57 and was wondering what size you put in your bolt.

I've seen something about putting in a 32" but wanted to make sure it worked with the original gear box (after cutting shaft and all).

thanks for the help . . .

no suggestions?

I guess the best answer would be to grab a steering wheel and sit in your truck. Hold the wheel where it is comfortable, then have someone measure from the wheel to the floor. If you're going to customize your truck, make it fit you.

I agree, a lot of variables here. You will need to know how much of your stock shaft you are going to leave after you cut it. What type of connector you are going to use and the dimensions of the connector. What kind of steering wheel you are going to use, and where it is comfortable for you. Also is this the final product or is power steering in the future.
Fred

Thanks for the replies guys :-)

I will messure now that you're saying it. I thought maybe there was someone out there that could just say that a 32" or whatever is what I needed.

Fred - your right on. P/S is in the future so I need to keep that in mind as well.

Thanks again.
Jim

Okay - I measured and am certain about the length (30 inches if anyone's curious).

Now I need to know what size U-Joint to order.

The shaft that comes with the new column is a 1" DD. But the question is - whtat size do I need for the original steering box? Once I cut it and grind down the sides to form the DD is it 3/4, 1" - does anyone know.

If not I'll post it here once I get into it. I like to share :-)

The stock steering shaft is 3/4".
Fred

Nice. . .
Thanks for that. I'm ordering the u-joint ether today or tomorrow.

Next question - any gotchas with cutting the original steering box? I plan on cutting the casing down around the collar to expose the 3/4 steering shaft then cut the shaft to lenght.

Sound right to you?

You have it right. Fred

Thanks Fred. . .

I just came across this article as well - nice to have confirmation.

http://www.ididitinc.com/tech_instructions/installation_instructions/column/column_tri-five.pdf

Excerpt:
Cut approximately 6” up
from the box and work your
way down until the column is
properly positioned in your
dash. (See “Synchronizing
Your Column” on page 7.)