steering column help

[Surestart Engine Service]

I could use some help in selecting the appropriate steering column for a conversion from a 3 on the tree standard to a 4 speed automatic (700r)
I am just getting started on a major conversion of my restored ,55 2 dr post car from a 6 cyl. standard to a small block w/700r 4 speed.I have already purchased the newest power steering conversion box w/pump and rag joint etc. and am looking for help in selecting the most adaptable GM column. Fabrication and welding etc. is O.K. I would like to utilize a column with the shifter and tilt,but with no key switch on the column. I,m sure someone out there has done this using GM parts.
I know that a stock ,55 automatic column is the easy answer ,but have you tried to find one lately? Thanks guy,s..........

[chevman57]

If you are wanting to use a wrecking yard column try finding a 1976 to the early 80`s Chevy/GMC van. These will still have the ignition switch on the dash and tilt was available, plus the shifter is on the column. There is also a sticky in the forums showing how to rework them to fit.
Terry

[557B210]

If you don't have to have tilt....Danchuck has shortened one ready to go at a reasonable price ($150)....I can't find it in their online catalogue, but I'm sure it was in their paper catalogue, but I don't have one with me....

[Surestart Engine Service]

Thanks for your help guy,s .I did find the shortened column in the Danchuk catalogue ,David,but it is an exchange service. I would still have to supply an original auto. column. I,ll try my luck at the salvage yard for a van column for now. Will keep you updated on progress. John

[557B210]

John...I found the item that I was telling you about....Its item #12073 for a 55 and 12074 for a 57....Its a brand new column and doesn't require an exchange....It comes with the column, a shortened shaft, a coupler, and the floor mount plate...All for $169...Not bad...However, its not tilt...Click on the following link and scroll down to page 165..

http://www.danchuk.com/PDF/Steering_Suspension.pdf

[Busted_Knuckles]

I sort of had the same issue when I decided I wanted to run a 4 spd. and a tilt column with newer steering. I decided to go with an R&P set up from Flaming River and purchased their entire package. The do sell the columns separately an I believe a paintable column tilt runs some where in the mid to upper $300 range. A bit pricey I know but at least you have a good quality product that fits and works

[henrys57wagon]

I used an 84 Monte tilt and cut off both the key and shifter knobs. It is mated to a rack. I used part of the Monte column and welded tabs on to it to mate up to the 57's dash bracket. Henry.
http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1054/6190841/12508793/289746527.jpg

[auggie56]

I used an 84 Monte tilt and cut off both the key and shifter knobs. It is mated to a rack. I used part of the Monte column and welded tabs on to it to mate up to the 57's dash bracket. Henry.
http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1054/6190841/12508793/289746527.jpg

Hey Henry, The diameter of that newer column, did it allow you to use the factory trim, so your dash looked stock ? I'm using a 605 box, is there much work to modify the bottom of the shaft, for a rag joint ?

[acardon]

I used an 80 model van column. It had to be cut down and I changed the detent plate in the top of the column to a later model, so I would have detents for the 700R4. Then I had to enlarge the notch in the bottom for the shift lever to get enough movement of the shift tube. I like the van column because it's closer to the dash than the aftermarket columns with column shift.
http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL678/4398712/9300251/325062508.jpg