Thread: Which GM steering column?

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What is the preferred OEM GM steering column to use in a '32 Ford? I'd like to use one with a column shifter.

Mike

Originally Posted by Mike52

What is the preferred OEM GM steering column to use in a '32 Ford? I'd like to use one with a column shifter.

Mike

Probably one out of a 78-80 G body.....I would think.. However if you want the shift indicator on the column you will need one from a chevy van

Originally Posted by Daffy427

Probably one out of a 78-80 G body.....I would think..

Daffy, thanks for the reply but I was hoping to find someone that has used one of these. Trying to eliminate the "probably" and "I would think" scenarios. IIRC, Randy, aka Deuce, used a GM column in his '32 3W, hopefully he will see this post and reply.

Mike

Mike
Bite the bullet and buy an Ididit
Most time after ya get a used column, rebuild it
Meaning -turn signal switch, tilt assy repairs, trimming off all the garbage brackets, etc
You'll be into it about what a new 1 cost.
JMHO

Believe it or not your question is sort of open ended. You didn't say if you wanted tilt or not, and other specifics.

That being said, here's what I've done years gone by. my favorite was mid '60s intermediate (cutlass, skylark, tempest, chevelle). They are a good length, and clean looking. But my preferences were for style, and no clunky looking ignition switch. Also, I removed the shifter that you specified, but that's a small issue. If you look at the pics below you'll see one mounted in my old '32 3 window (during construction and done). The column comes with out a jacket, and as Da34guy says, it takes some modifications. I then slid it into a length of exhaust tubing then mounted a drop bracket. These have gotten harder to come by as time goes by, and the competition for them has gone up over the past decade or so as muscle car restorations exploded. So in a way I agree they're more economically "challenged" than they used to be. Similar story for GM van/pickup columns, except they are longer. If you don't want tilt, they are way more cost effective, both the imtermediate and truck versions. Where I differ with da34guy is in style preference. I don't much care for the tapered collar on Ididit columns, I prefer the smooth bell shape of the GM unit. Fortunately Flaming River and Autoloc have aftermarket columns that duplicate that bell shape.

I used a tilt unit from a 1973 Pont. Ventura. Nova would be the same I guess, it fit perfect in my 29 Roadster as far as length, had a column shift and ign.switch which really makes the elect. hookups a breeze. I'm running a vega box w/ cross steer. Two U joints 1" 36 spline on the column with 3/4 DD to the Vega box. Just like it was born there. I got the joints from Southern Rods.

I used a tilt unit from a 1973 Pont. Ventura. Nova would be the same I guess, it fit perfect in my 29 Roadster as far as length, had a column shift and ign.switch which really makes the elect. hookups a breeze. I'm running a vega box w/ cross steer. Two U joints 1" 36 spline on the column with 3/4 DD to the Vega box. Just like it was born there. I got the joints from Southern Rods.

Just to insert my two cents here i personally would use a lime works column or make one
the GM style column is just pain big looking in a 32 if the car is set up right their is no need for a tilt. if the column shift is an absolute then an IDIT would be the best route. give some thought to the older columns they have a nice slim look and fit the 32 body and with out a column shift you will have more room around your feet for the pedals. Just a thought.
Rex

Originally Posted by DA34GUY

Mike
Bite the bullet and buy an Ididit
Most time after ya get a used column, rebuild it
Meaning -turn signal switch, tilt assy repairs, trimming off all the garbage brackets, etc
You'll be into it about what a new 1 cost.
JMHO

gotta agree. I got a flaming river in raw steel. tilt, turn signals gm plug. bout the same as the Ididit, for 300 was a great investment.

I also use the GM columns. I like the tilt & telescoping columns from Olds & Cad's. But I have installed many other GM columns, and I have removed the shifter on some and used it on others. I have even machined my own bell on the one I used in my '37 chevy pickup & the one for my '57 chevy.
I only pay $25.00 to $60.00 for any column I have ever bought, and I have never had a problem getting one when I need one. I gave away a few when I moved and I still have at least 4-5 of them in the garage now.
I will make up my own from different parts from a few for the wifes "T" I'm working on now! And they always look at least as good as any you can buy, but alot less $$$$, I polished the one in my '57 chevy.

Pat