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.

[auggie56]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.