Thread: GM Steering Column

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I have a poser for anyone that can help.

My 32 Ford has an early to middle 60's GM column in it. Back then the key for GM was located in the dash. I am looking to convert the key to the column but am running into a slight problem. I have to change the column to do so. I want the column to have tilt. I also want the shift indicator to be on the column. I don't want the wiper feature or the cruise feature to be located in the turn signal arm on the column. I thought that GM made a column during the late 60's to middle 70's that had these features the way I wanted them but I am not able to locate one, nor do I know what particular vehicles/models etc. they came in (if indeed they did make one with these features.) Does anyone out there have any information on a potential column that has what I am looking for? I have to stay with a GM column as I purchased a new wiring harness for the car and all of the hookups are for the GM products.

Thanks for your help.

Steve

A good doner would be a mid seventies Chevy/GMC van. It's what I'm using in my 37 Dodge PU.

The unit I used had the signal mounted cruse control. It's the type with just the little button in the end of the arm thats hardly noticable, but a lot of the vans didn't have cruse and the arm can be changed out if you like.

It does have the the key in the column, shift indicator and is tilt.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Mike.

I don't mind if the cruise button is in the turn signal arm as I think I can modify it to accept another arm from an earlier column. I can always remove the control wires for the cruise if I need to. Most guys don't like the key in the column but my 32 has so little room in it that I wanted it where it is most accessible. Right now I have to reach under the dash to get at the key lock to start the unit. I have an original body and dash panel and don't want to cut holes in the dash to mount a key there. Will look for the mid seventies van column you suggested.

Steve

I like Mike's suggestion as the van columns are "cleaner" looking to my eye. But then, I do my cars with the setup you've already got for the same reason. You can also try to find the late '60's to mid '70's GM midsize, e.g. Chevelle, Tempest,etc., they don't have all the clunky stuff on the left side. They can be a bit pricey because you compete with the muscle car guys who're also scrounging for them. Just depends on where you look.

If you're even contemplating new, Ididit has brought out a column with ignition switch built in.

As for the cruise button on the signal stalk I'll happily take any you'd want to get rid of. They're a switch, and one less you'd have to drill a hole for somewhere else. On my '32 we wired it to a relay and use it as the dimmer switch since there's so little foot room.

Bob and Streets those are some GREAT ideas for the use of the cruise switch, almost makes me want to rethink my plans on actually using it for the curise control

Hmmmm. And all this time I thought that was your prayer rope! Given the way you drove your T the last time I figured you really needed one!!!

Would a steering column from a early 80s GM work? I dont notice a great difference between a 78 van and a 82 olds. Also, they would be a lot easier to get your hands on. Just a thought.

MikeP; Bob Parmenter; Streets and drg84

Thank you one and all. I was sitting here wondering what I could use the cruise control button for if I wasn't able to locate a second column without cruise. I can see that I do have a lot of options. I thought of one other thing I could use it for. The trunk release mechanism!!!! Now that would be neat if I could make it work.

I am not sure what the differences are between the middle 70's column and the columns for the 80's Cutlasses and Malibu's. Does the 80's column have the dimmer switch in the hub on the column? Maybe the other guys know. Would like to use my old steering wheel over if possible. It is smaller in diameter and works well in the 32. Larger hubs on newer columns would rule that out.

Steve