steering columns for

Was wondering if anyone has a favorite for a steering column to use in a street rod. I have a 31 chevy (it was free) and have access to 2 fantastic junkyards. I'd rather not pay a bunch for an iditit, etc. I have access to GM, chrysler and ford products from the late 70s to 2000 or so. Any suggestions? I was thinking something before airbags but collapsible and without column shift which pretty much leaves just camaros, firebirds, and mustangs. It also seesm like all aftermarket wiring harnesses are GM compatible so i was leaning that way

Lots of Chrysler tilt columns were Saginaw (GM).

You don't have a lot of room ina 31 Chev so get something smaller, possibly from a smaller car?

R.

Good luck with the wooden frame the body is tacked to! I have seen early '30s chevies with the sheet metal lying on the ground around the car just as it fell off when the wood rotted. But it can be a cool car when done.

Many of the front wheel drive Mopars had concel shifters and tilt. They are also short columns with standard column ends you can get ujoints and stuff for (many were factory equipt with a u joint on the end). Pre 91 or so were without air bags. Gene

I used a tilt column from an early 80's Dodge pickup since the turn signal housing at the base of the steering wheel were small diameter. Many of these had cruise controls and were much larger or square-shaped which I did not want. Since I am using a Viper 6-speed manual, I cut-off the automatic column-shift stuff I didn't want or need and ended up with a simple-looking column that happens to have tilt. Other than the turn signal arm, the small tilt release arm is all that is visible. This is also a Saginaw unit that was widely used so parts are readily available.

- EM

I haven't actually installed it yet, so I can't say how it works or looks, but I got one out of a 78 Ramcharger, for all the same reasons as EarlyMopar.

Thanks fellas,
That gives me some ideas. I was going to splurge on the chassis and be frugal on most everything else.

I picked up a 65 cuda floor shift column for 20 bucks at a swap meet and it is a perfect fit for my 36 dodge rod