Scratch built steering column

[Youngster]

I've been asked how I build a steering column from scratch. Here are acouple of quick sketches.

[tfeverfred]

Interesting! Do you spline the tube where the wheel adapter goes and do you use a Grant adapter kit?

[butch27]

With so many using Corvair boxes I just used the Corvair column AND the self canceling turn signals. Why not? Oh And I,m running a '54 Ford truck box.

[Youngster]

Sorry, I should have taken more time with this.

The steering shaft can come from any car you choose as long as it is a 3/4" shaft. The steering wheel adaptor can be from Grant or any other company. You just need to know what car the shaft came from when you buy the adaptor so you get the correct spline in the hub.

One other thing, the rubber bushing at the top of the tube dosen't need any lub. Oil or grease will harden the rubber and cause it to squeek.

Ron

[all-world1]

Thanks for the diagrams Youngster. I noticed that some columns are thru the floor and some thru the firewall....what's your preference?

[Youngster]

I mount the 'vair box above the rail and build a toeboard between the fire wall and the floor. The column usually goes thru at the top of the toeboard.

Ron

[all-world1]

Originally Posted by Youngster

Sorry, I should have taken more time with this.

The steering shaft can come from any car you choose as long as it is a 3/4" shaft. The steering wheel adaptor can be from Grant or any other company. You just need to know what car the shaft came from when you buy the adaptor so you get the correct spline in the hub.

One other thing, the rubber bushing at the top of the tube dosen't need any lub. Oil or grease will harden the rubber and cause it to squeek.

Ron

Is it the coupler that keeps the shaft centered at the bottom of the tube?

[Youngster]

I like to run the Corvair column when I have one. The problem is when people harvest the steering boxes, they don't get the column too. If you can get the column, by all means use it. For most T's it's just a mater of shortening the shaft and the jacket. If you are looking for a column alone, try to get a '61 to '64. That's the one that comes with the coupler at the box.

[Youngster]

With the plate at the bottom of the tube or jacket mounted to the floor, the coupler willkeep it centered. If you want you can install another rubber bushing at the bottom.

Ron

[all-world1]

Excellent info once again Youngster..thanks. I now recall that in a previous thread you talked about utilizing a toeboard. Looks like routing the column thru the firewall at the top of toeboard gives a little more space for the feet.