BUSY BOLTERS Are you one? The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
| | Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| |
7 members (JasonP, Peggy M, JW51, TooMany2count, Ponchogl, 32vsnake, Gib70),
559
guests, and
1
robot. | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | Forums66 Topics126,778 Posts1,039,291 Members48,100 | Most Online2,175 Jul 21st, 2025 | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 New Guy | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 | Does anybody have any ideas or past experience with a tilt set up?
Mainly looking for total column/shaft length. The end of the day I'll be tied into a power rack and pinion.
thanks | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 | Been there and done that. What you really need to know is where the column will end in the engine deck. This is so you can attach your steering shafts and get around all that extra stuff like headers and such. The universal joints have a maximum angle they will operate at and be legal.
Six volt guy living in a twelve volt world
| | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 New Guy | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 | What you really need to know is where the column will end in the engine deck. This is so you can attach your steering shafts and get around all that extra stuff like headers and such. that sounds like a better way to ask the question. http://www.ididitinc.com/retrofit_columns/47-54_60_78_chevy_truck_FS.html#installationkitsIdidit offers one column/one length (in any flavor coating you might prefer) is this the right way to go, or, what other considerations are there from others who like you say been there done that. btw...no headers..manifold and eventually tie it all in to a power R/P | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 | The last time I did this, there were columns offered in several different lengths. I also didn't use a vibration dampener (rag joint). I didn't look for a vehicle specific column. I only concerned myself with length, finish, with/without gear shift, engine deck spline or double-D, and spline diameter and count for steering wheel. If you get away with only two universal joints you are a lucky guy.
Six volt guy living in a twelve volt world
| | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | well know rod shop close by highly recommends either ididit or flaming river columns. Said he has contantly has "some" type of problem "sooner or later" out of the "other" brands.
As beltfed mentions. Depends on what you want. An example would be me as I wanted to leave the key in the dash on my AD but I wanted turn signals in the column as well as automatic shift. So, I used a free column out of a 68 pickup with automatic. Worked very nice. So, just think it through before someone gets in your wallet!!! | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 866 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 866 | I will be installing my 32" Ididit column today. I bought the universal 32" column instead of the vehicle specific column from Ididit. We had a Chrysler column that the previous owner had installed. It required 2 shafts and 3 joints. The 32" column has 2 joints and one shaft for us to get around the headers. I did have to grind down the set screw on the lower joint to get past the motor mount! I made a mock up of the column and shaft with dowel rods before the purchase, other than the set screw it seems to fit well on our first attempt to install it. Will let you know how it turns out today aas I am going to finish the installation today. Coach Frank | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Mine is an Ididit tilt. Alvin the key in in the dash on this one. I am glad I chose a tilt because of the lack of space between the steering wheel and the back of my seat. I don't believe I would have been able to crawl in without it.
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 230 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 230 | I used an ididit in my '62. They have quick electrical connections and have a wired in emergency flasher. Also, they have knowledgeable people who can help you order. | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 460 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 460 | My '37 has an Ididit column meant for a '55 Chev in it... I got a smoking deal on it on Craigslist after 1958GMCNut mentioned it would be good to replace the old crappy column that was in it... one quick search later and I found a brand new one, still in the box and never used for 50% of new... great deal! It was no easy task cutting through the (welded) shaft above the steering box as the '37 has so little room in there to work with a grinder, but we were able to chop it, flat side the shaft where we had to, install a Borgeson joint, tighten it up and it has worked like a charm ever since... I just gave it several coats of hammered finish grey before installation, added a retro looking wooden steering wheel and it looks and works great now although I'd REALLY love to have power steering in the old beast!  | | | | Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 323 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 323 | Achipmunk, Happen to have any photos of that column installed ? I just happen to have one of those columns no tilt but free so I may use it. Thanks
These old bolts are in my blood. Hard thing is focusing on just one.
1937 Chevy 1/2 ton panel 1953 GMC 2 ton. future car hauler
| | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 New Guy | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 | That looks darn good..I'm thinking the ididt will be the way to go..thanks | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 New Guy | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 | I'd like to see it installed "coach"..thanks this is where I'll be landing mine.. http://flic.kr/p/9orJVw
Last edited by Moondoggie; 03/07/2011 3:27 AM.
| | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 |
~Jim
| | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 New Guy | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 52 | I like those stabilizer bar mounts...:>) | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 866 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 866 | Will try to take some photos today. Didn't take any of the installation! | | |
| |