34 sedan steering column

[jlsnomad]

I am interested in buying an Ididit steering column for a 34 Ford sedan. I have a TCI Chassis, Non power rack and independent suspension. Just welded in a recessed Direct Sheetmetal Firewall for smallblock chevy and want to order the column next.

I would like to know he best length to buy from someone thats been there done that. This is my first column installation and I would like to minimize any mistakes.
Thanks
Jack

[Bob Parmenter]

As often happens it depends somewhat on what you're doing elsewhere. I typically use a 32" column for the early '30's stuff, but I also like my arms extended a little more than some. I've also used a 36" and been comfortable, but in that case the extra length helped clear a mount issue, though it did put a bit more angle in the steering joint. The height of your seat cushion will impact the angle of the column, and that could change what you choose. Also, it depends on "the look" you like inside the cab. Personally I think a column looks better with the "bell" close to the bottom of the dash, with just a small amount of clearance (speaking stock style dash face here). Others seem to like having the wheel end of the column hangin' way out in space. To each his own.

My suggestion would be that you mock up the left side of the engine the way you want it, and the interior. Then use a broom handle or closet rod (hint, don't take one from the wife's side of the closet ) to mock up the column. Your steering wheel choice is important too. If you're using a dished wheel a shorter column is in order, a flat wheel can use a little more length. When you sit there and find the comfortable position for you (vroom vroom noises optional), that will help you determine the length using the rod. This will go much easier if you've got a helper. Keep in mind the joint angles when doing placement. And don't make the mistake of thinking you can be "sloppy" about placement believing that having a tilt mechanism will make up for it...........it won't. Especially if you're not mindful of foot clearance (which, as you've probably already figured out, is pretty tight on these narrow cowled cars). Get the column in the "best" position for you regardless of the tilt aspect, and then use the tilt to ease ingress and egress, or for change of position on a long road trip.

One last suggestion. Take a look at the column offerings from Flaming River. The ididit stuff is good quality, and lots of people use it because the company was one of the first on the scene, but to my eye their stuff is too "angular". Looks just a bit beyond home made. The Flaming River folks have invested in tooling to give the pieces a more "sculpted" look that some of us find more pleasing to the eye, in less in tension with the form of the overall interior.

Have fun.

[troy_cryer]

Well Jack,

Unless you got busy doing family chores for the holidays, you probably have already ordered your column and have it installed. So I may be too late to help.

I would guess you installed a small block firewall. I installed the Direct Sheetmetal SB firewall in my sedan as well. And I used a 32" Ididit column. It worked fine for me.

But I totally agree with Bob's comments. He is giving you solid advice about using the broomstick. And I wasn't a fan of Flaming River at first due to their initial reputation as an "importer" of products rather than making their own. But as I continue to see their products for myself, they deserve attention. And I am glad to hear they are tooling up to produce quality products. I too noticed the smoothness of their columns last week when I visited my brother in Yuma, AZ. He is installing a FR column in his '46 Ford Tudor Sedan. I was very impressed with the column.

And to add to Bob's comments about the foot room in a pre '35 car, any room you can spare will pay dividends later. Especially if you end up needing room for a clutch. There is just not much space to work with. And those long trips aren't very forgiving after the paint is dry. Now is the time to get it right.

I will be glad to send you photos if you think it would help...just let me know.

Troy

[jlsnomad]

Hey Thanks for the reply and the info on the steering column. I haven't made the buy yet and have been searching the local junkyards for the seats. You convinced me that I need to be sitting in the seat to locate the column and that makes perfect good sence. I am very picky about the parts I put in cars and want to look into the FR columns before I purchase. I was fortunate to have Direct Sheetmetal here local and Dave gave me some pointers on the firewall installation which worked out perfect. With guidance from you guys that have already been down this road (34 Ford) I can eliminate some of the mistakes.
Thanks again......If you have pictures of your column installed and it's convienent send me a few angles.

Thanks again
Jack

[Bob Parmenter]

Originally posted by jlsnomad
......If you have pictures of your column installed and it's convienent send me a few angles.

Thanks again
Jack

go to this thread http://www.clubhotrod.com/forums/sho...threadid=10675
there's a couple there.