van tilt help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

griesel72 · 12-21-2003, 10:13 PM

What do i have to do to convert a van tilt to work in my truck. Somebody told me that i need to cut off part of the shaft, and swap wiring. can i use the harness out of my old straight column or do i need to use something else

Thanks
David

Tx Firefighter · 12-21-2003, 10:22 PM

Don't cut the shaft, collapse it with a hammer.

The wiring might just plug in, if not, GM sells an adapter for like 3 bucks that makes it a plug in deal. I've got one in the garage if you need pictures of it. It depends on which shape of connector your van column has.

griesel72 · 12-21-2003, 10:33 PM

Tx, Where do i collapse it? Also, this tilt, the wiring is cut, so i have no plug. what do you think i should do?

Thanks
David

imdarren · 12-21-2003, 10:51 PM

Is what Tx Firefighter means is,
the shaft that goes between the steering box and column shaft needs to be shortened.
You can do this by removing it (The shaft) and hitting it on the end with a large hammer.
These shafts were designed to collaps in the event of an accident anyway. There is a small plastic peice in there keeping it from sliding easily.

Darren

Tx Firefighter · 12-21-2003, 11:00 PM

Darren is correct.

WRMZ71 · 12-21-2003, 11:04 PM

I found a tilt steering in a 81 chevy van and put it in my 72 c-10. I didn't cut or knock anything off. As far as your wiring I was able to splice mine together using the old u-shaped connector off of my old column. The van tilt column had a flat connector and the one you have to buy just plugs the flat end into a ushaped connector. The wires are the same color so you can just cut the u-shaped connector out of your old steering column and and wire it into the end of the wires on your van tilt. Then they'll be able to plug together!!!

griesel72 · 12-22-2003, 12:35 AM

Thanks guys for all the help. Just to double check, i need to install my column, and then hit it with a hammer at the south end (how much do i need to shrink it) And then cut off the u connector on my old column and splice in into the van's wires that are already there?

Thanks again
David

Tx Firefighter · 12-22-2003, 12:39 AM

The neutral saftey switch needs to be moved up too. Do a search for that. I'm about to do one myself next week.

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 · 12-22-2003, 04:31 AM

Hey Tx Firefighter, if it's a van column the Neutral Safety needs to be moved Down as they are already too high!

Also do not install the column and try to collapse the shaft collapse it FIRST, then install the column.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-22-2003, 09:20 AM

The Van tilt is 2 1/2" longer than the truck tilt.

Here is a link. Click on Magazine tech articles, tilt will be first article.

Jim

http://www.geocities.com/sshevnock/home.html

**Yukon Jack** · 12-22-2003, 12:46 PM

Great article - thanks for the link Jim.

griesel72 · 12-22-2003, 12:53 PM

THanks guys, i am well on my way to getting back on the road. One other question, on my van tilt, i have a couple of wires that i don't have on my old column, one (set) of three really small diameter wires that are clumped together and one single grey wire. What do i do with those?

Thanks again for the help

David

Longhorn Man · 12-22-2003, 01:32 PM

The gry wire is the power to the shift indicator light. Put a femail spade connector on there nad plug it into the terminal on your fusebox labeled lights.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-22-2003, 02:04 PM

The three small wires are for cruise control.

Jim

**Yukon Jack** · 12-22-2003, 02:45 PM

While we are on the subject of van tilts - if I'm going to be using a van auto tilt a 4 speed truck - am I correct that I don't need to worry about the neutral switch?

griesel72 · 12-22-2003, 02:52 PM

my 71 that orginally had a 4 speed has a green harness that ran directly from the trans to under the dash, so i think you're right, just ditch the switch.

Thanks to all who helped me through this i'll post some pics when i get it done.

david

12-22-2003, 02:54 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=dremel+column

Here is the thread for the N/S switch to relocate it.

*racedvl* · 12-22-2003, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Yukon Jack
While we are on the subject of van tilts - if I'm going to be using a van auto tilt a 4 speed truck - am I correct that I don't need to worry about the neutral switch?

Jack you are correct.

griesel72 · 12-23-2003, 01:45 PM

one more question, this is my van tilt next to my old column, is there supposed to be that much difference in length, or am i missing something?

Thanks
David

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-23-2003, 01:51 PM

Yes. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

griesel72 · 12-23-2003, 02:06 PM

I slid my column through my firewall and the gear shift lever against the lower dash, and it's not even close to as long as it needs to be, maybe 12-18 inches too short, am i missing a part, or did i do something wrong?

DAvid

griesel72 · 12-23-2003, 02:24 PM

pictures of problems

Inside is as far "in" as it can go

griesel72 · 12-23-2003, 02:25 PM

And it seems the shaft is too short

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-23-2003, 02:27 PM

Griesel72,

You will need to remove the steering shaft extension from your old one, shorten it 2 1/2" and install it onto the Van tilt shaft after you remove the flange.

Recheck the photo that has the extension shaft circled.

Jim

griesel72 · 12-23-2003, 02:38 PM

Jim,

I think this is about the 10th time you have saved me @ss. thanks for the help

David

12-21-2003, 10:13 PM	#1
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	van tilt help What do i have to do to convert a van tilt to work in my truck. Somebody told me that i need to cut off part of the shaft, and swap wiring. can i use the harness out of my old straight column or do i need to use something else Thanks David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-21-2003, 10:22 PM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Don't cut the shaft, collapse it with a hammer. The wiring might just plug in, if not, GM sells an adapter for like 3 bucks that makes it a plug in deal. I've got one in the garage if you need pictures of it. It depends on which shape of connector your van column has. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-21-2003, 10:33 PM	#3
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Tx, Where do i collapse it? Also, this tilt, the wiring is cut, so i have no plug. what do you think i should do? Thanks David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-21-2003, 10:51 PM	#4
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	Is what Tx Firefighter means is, the shaft that goes between the steering box and column shaft needs to be shortened. You can do this by removing it (The shaft) and hitting it on the end with a large hammer. These shafts were designed to collaps in the event of an accident anyway. There is a small plastic peice in there keeping it from sliding easily. Darren __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super

12-21-2003, 11:00 PM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Darren is correct. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-21-2003, 11:04 PM	#6
WRMZ71 Cause the Chicks DIG IT!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Beaufort SC Posts: 509	I found a tilt steering in a 81 chevy van and put it in my 72 c-10. I didn't cut or knock anything off. As far as your wiring I was able to splice mine together using the old u-shaped connector off of my old column. The van tilt column had a flat connector and the one you have to buy just plugs the flat end into a ushaped connector. The wires are the same color so you can just cut the u-shaped connector out of your old steering column and and wire it into the end of the wires on your van tilt. Then they'll be able to plug together!!!

12-22-2003, 12:35 AM	#7
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Thanks guys for all the help. Just to double check, i need to install my column, and then hit it with a hammer at the south end (how much do i need to shrink it) And then cut off the u connector on my old column and splice in into the van's wires that are already there? Thanks again David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-22-2003, 12:39 AM	#8
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	The neutral saftey switch needs to be moved up too. Do a search for that. I'm about to do one myself next week. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-22-2003, 04:31 AM	#9
BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 Firefighter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Yellville, Ar, USA Posts: 1,943	Hey Tx Firefighter, if it's a van column the Neutral Safety needs to be moved Down as they are already too high! Also do not install the column and try to collapse the shaft collapse it FIRST, then install the column. __________________ '72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA

12-22-2003, 09:20 AM	#10
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	The Van tilt is 2 1/2" longer than the truck tilt. Here is a link. Click on Magazine tech articles, tilt will be first article. Jim http://www.geocities.com/sshevnock/home.html

12-22-2003, 12:46 PM	#11
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Great article - thanks for the link Jim. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

12-22-2003, 12:53 PM	#12
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	THanks guys, i am well on my way to getting back on the road. One other question, on my van tilt, i have a couple of wires that i don't have on my old column, one (set) of three really small diameter wires that are clumped together and one single grey wire. What do i do with those? Thanks again for the help David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-22-2003, 01:32 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	The gry wire is the power to the shift indicator light. Put a femail spade connector on there nad plug it into the terminal on your fusebox labeled lights.

12-22-2003, 02:04 PM	#14
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	The three small wires are for cruise control. Jim

12-22-2003, 02:45 PM	#15
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	While we are on the subject of van tilts - if I'm going to be using a van auto tilt a 4 speed truck - am I correct that I don't need to worry about the neutral switch? __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14



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12-22-2003, 02:52 PM	#16
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	my 71 that orginally had a 4 speed has a green harness that ran directly from the trans to under the dash, so i think you're right, just ditch the switch. Thanks to all who helped me through this i'll post some pics when i get it done. david __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-22-2003, 02:54 PM	#17
Linus0014 Guest Posts: n/a	http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=dremel+column Here is the thread for the N/S switch to relocate it.

12-23-2003, 01:45 PM	#19
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	one more question, this is my van tilt next to my old column, is there supposed to be that much difference in length, or am i missing something? Thanks David Attached Images __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-23-2003, 01:51 PM	#20
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Yes. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

12-23-2003, 02:06 PM	#21
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	I slid my column through my firewall and the gear shift lever against the lower dash, and it's not even close to as long as it needs to be, maybe 12-18 inches too short, am i missing a part, or did i do something wrong? DAvid __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-23-2003, 02:24 PM	#22
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	pictures of problems Inside is as far "in" as it can go Attached Images __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-23-2003, 02:25 PM	#23
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	And it seems the shaft is too short Attached Images __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-23-2003, 02:27 PM	#24
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Griesel72, You will need to remove the steering shaft extension from your old one, shorten it 2 1/2" and install it onto the Van tilt shaft after you remove the flange. Recheck the photo that has the extension shaft circled. Jim

12-23-2003, 02:38 PM	#25
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Jim, I think this is about the 10th time you have saved me @ss. thanks for the help David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

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