The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 65 gmc tilt columns?

does any of you stovebolters know what would be the best tilt column that would work on my gmc. I have heard a 80s chevy van might work. if any of you could suggest one i would sure appreciate it. stovebolters forever.

The tilt heads are all about the same as far as mounting to the dash goes. The mounting plate between the column and the dash may need to be changed , but I'd bet that the plate from your column will bolt right onto any GM tilt wheel made before 1980 . Later model columns may fit as well .
The shaft from the column to the steering box is the problem . I needed a tilt for my 70 Impala . One just couldn't be found because the car had a rear of the cross member steering system , which put the steering box about 4" from the firewall . So I built a column using the tilt head from a mid 70's Chevy and the shaft to the steering box from the Impala .

I installed a tilt in my 65 GMC it was from IDIDIT they are a nice column to work with . They are made for the truck. Just another option.

I've got van columns in both my 63 Suburban and 66 shortbed. They're easy to wire into the truck and inexpensive compaired to the the aftermarket columns. The last one I bought was at a swap meet and cost $100. The van column fits well in these trucks and the ignition stays in the dash where it belongs. The shaft from the steering box to the column is no problem. For the 63 I used a power steering box from a 72 with the REZ kit and a shaft from a 72 with manual steering to connect the box to the column. The 66 has a steering shaft from a 78 Cutlass. When you're walking the junkyard looking for donor parts don't just focus on trucks. You can also drill out the 2 plastic pins in the GM steering shaft to lengthen or shorten the shaft.

http://s783.photobucket.com/home/johntsmith1056

I used a Flaming River knock off that I picked up at a swap meet. (Made in China). It cost less than $300 all chrome with levers – brand new. It was for a 3 speed auto. Then purchased a 7/8 DD universal joint from Grainger and we machined a 6” 7/8 SS rod down on both sides to match the u-joint. I cut the original steering shaft just below the factory joint and pinned the Grainger u-joint to it and pinned the 7/8 SS rod to the other side. The 7/8 SS rod slips right into the center of the column, making adjusting the length a breeze.