While no one was looking... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Longhorn Man · 03-25-2008, 02:26 AM

Last weekend I got some free time at the shop, and was able to get a few things done that I've been wanting to do for 4 or 5 months.
I had found a van tilt in a local wrecking yard with a broken turn signal and stupid stickers all over the steering wheel. Between the lever dangling, and the mud I got all over it, it looked like total crap.
That worked for me, as the junk yard dude said "that thing looks like hell... give me 8 bucks and you can have it"
SWEEEEET!!!
That, and a white faced inst panel that I've had laying around since 2005 or so, and then a camaro steering wheel, and a black dash pad that mike (fine69) gave me just becouse I was at the right place at the right time and he'd rather see it being used than collect more bird crap or sticking out of a dumpster.
So anyways.... we all know what a stock steering wheel looks like, and booring 34 year old insterment panel... but what the heck, here's some pics....

And how can we forget this one?

So after ripping off the dash pad that had been used as a chew toy for some rug rat yappy dog... I installed a cool black one.
Then i dropped the column, and did the inst panel. (somehow I lost the correct operation of the fuel and temp guage...grrrrrrrr)
And then I buttoned it all up with the tilt column, complete with a repaired turn signal switch (parts cost me 11 bucks) a new tilt pointer I've had laying around for a few years, a tilt lever out of a 77 trans am (still trying to figure what I did with the turn signal lever that matches it) and a chrome hazzard button that I like so much better than the gay lookin black plastic thing... another item I've had laying around for years.
Gotta LOVE havin crap laying around that comes in handy years later huh?

Getting rid of that school bus steering wheel makes things SOOOOO much nicer... the tilt is awesome, as always... but I need to slide it in a little more. I think it is actually a tad bit closer to me than the stock one was. For some reason or another, the intermidiate shaft was fighting me HARD. I ended up putting it in the shop press when i couldn't get the nylon pins to let go. I even drilled the suckers out, and sprayed PB Blaster all up in it... after beating the *heck* out of it for 10 min... I think it moved a 1/4 inch. So the press did the rest, but I was afraid of going TOO far. (anyone with a new GM pick up probably knows about that)
But, what ever. It's all good enough for now.
Pretty cool?
Yes?
No?

PanelDeland · 03-25-2008, 02:37 AM

Sweet! And a goverment project to boot!!

dave2953 · 03-25-2008, 02:39 AM

Looking pimp my friend. The chrome bezels really make it pop. VERY NICE!!

**Palf70Step** · 03-25-2008, 02:40 AM

Looks great Andy, course I think you need the barefoot accelerator still

shaneschevys · 03-25-2008, 02:42 AM

Looks good!!

bad6772 · 03-25-2008, 02:46 AM

Looks awesome....looks way better....the only thing i would change is putting that tilt column in sweet pea.....instead of a burbin im jealous of with a red door.....lol......

**jamie72** · 03-25-2008, 02:48 AM

looks good andy!! now if you can just get rid of the orange door...

bad6772 · 03-25-2008, 02:53 AM

lol.....jamie

72BlckButy · 03-25-2008, 03:04 AM

Lookin' good Andy...

Longhorn Man · 03-25-2008, 03:06 AM

no love for the red door... yet everyone drools over the red gate on the longhorn

Quote:

Sweet! And a goverment project to boot!!

I'm not getting that?

Brad · 03-25-2008, 03:08 AM

I think it's a very cool write-up with pics and all, but you really made me laugh with the thread options after I read the post!

I'll be honest, I like the white/chrome gauge panel, but I'm not diggin' the Camaro wheel.

I voted with the second choice and now I feel bad and would change it if I could, because now that I think about it- the price of that tilt, the look of the gauge and dash upgrade-Dude....that's friggen sweet

Dude, I totally dig that red door and is the first thing I noticed, but I'm biased that way after installing it out here!

Brad · 03-25-2008, 03:12 AM

I totally wish someone would come out with a 14" wheel that looked very similar to an original but with a bigger grip, perhaps even leather or something. I like the style but they're waayyyyyy to big.

Longhorn Man · 03-25-2008, 03:18 AM

I agree with you on that Brad...I think they would sell like crazy.I'd do one just so i could see the lower guages easier.
I did the camaro wheel mostly for the size, and it is not ugly. While it isn't a great lookin wheel, it's not like some butt ugly thing from a chivette or monza, or a sunfire crap box car. I really like the smaller wheel, and this one was a decent price (35ish i think?) and the timing was right.
Now I need to get a leather steeringwheel cover for it. I got one, but the looser selling it on e-bay forgot to mention it was for late model cars with larger wheel grips.
Oh well, I'll put it on the later model firebird steering wheel in the longhorn... the cover on that wheel is gettn nasty.

Longhorn Man · 03-25-2008, 03:18 AM

I shoulda made the poll public.

Huck · 03-25-2008, 03:26 AM

Andy, if you used the "straight connect to half moon" adapter, re check those connections as that may be where you lost your gauge action. You are sometimes better off cutting the harness and splicing direct into the half moon connector with crimps. Huck

49m · 03-25-2008, 03:27 AM

looks awsome Andy

corn · 03-25-2008, 03:32 AM

I still think that style wheel was the best looking stock steering wheel GM ever made. Perfect size too. Good work!

Longhorn Man · 03-25-2008, 03:34 AM

huck, I was gonna push the connectors out and install the half moon on this column, but I said screw that shortly after starting.
I cut and crimped as you mentioned. I did add a ground like i always do.
however, i just went out and gassed up, and it seems the idiot who installed the layovers a few years ago may have mnessed it up all together. !/2 tank is at the 4 o'clock position, and full is at about 5 - 5:30 position.
bummer.

DavesRide · 03-25-2008, 03:39 AM

I like the feel of my "wheel" just like yours. I think I might shove mine in a little. Thanks for the info on the 67 windows by the way. Things really look nice on your dash.

Brad · 03-25-2008, 03:39 AM

You mean the pointer is off on the fuel gauge, because by looking at the face- it appears correctly installed?

jeffspower · 03-25-2008, 04:05 AM

Nice- but that wheel you beat me to would look better in my truck. Red emblem/ red truck.

I like the old 'maro wheels in these trucks- they don't stick out much.

I agree on a repop OE wheel in a smaller diameter. Even if they were pricey, I bet they would sell good.

67ChevyRedneck · 03-25-2008, 04:12 AM

I like it!

Makes me want to get my tilt out and install it...

Longhorn Man · 03-25-2008, 04:29 AM

Oh yeah... tech tip!
If you cut your old column in 1/2, you can remove the lower boot, and the rubber piece under the inst panel without cutting them. They'll slide roght onto the van unit if you bend the shifter eye, which i always do when jerkin them out of vans.

EyeH8the24 · 03-25-2008, 04:39 AM

looks great man ..keep on truckin

eightbanger · 03-25-2008, 04:40 AM

Judging from the first couple of pics those jobs were LONG overdue but now it's done it's really made all the difference.

Where would I get one of those chrome hazard knobs?

View Poll Results: what do you think?
Dude... that's friggen sweet!	57	78.08%
Eh, I've seen better ways to spend 50 bucks	4	5.48%
Yeah sure, it's cool... what ever shuts you up (god why did I click on this thread?)	10	13.70%
What a tool... no one likes camaro wheels, tilt columns, or white guages...	2	2.74%
Voters: 73. You may not vote on this poll

03-25-2008, 02:26 AM	#1
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	While no one was looking... Last weekend I got some free time at the shop, and was able to get a few things done that I've been wanting to do for 4 or 5 months. I had found a van tilt in a local wrecking yard with a broken turn signal and stupid stickers all over the steering wheel. Between the lever dangling, and the mud I got all over it, it looked like total crap. That worked for me, as the junk yard dude said "that thing looks like hell... give me 8 bucks and you can have it" SWEEEEET!!! That, and a white faced inst panel that I've had laying around since 2005 or so, and then a camaro steering wheel, and a black dash pad that mike (fine69) gave me just becouse I was at the right place at the right time and he'd rather see it being used than collect more bird crap or sticking out of a dumpster. So anyways.... we all know what a stock steering wheel looks like, and booring 34 year old insterment panel... but what the heck, here's some pics.... And how can we forget this one? So after ripping off the dash pad that had been used as a chew toy for some rug rat yappy dog... I installed a cool black one. Then i dropped the column, and did the inst panel. (somehow I lost the correct operation of the fuel and temp guage...grrrrrrrr) And then I buttoned it all up with the tilt column, complete with a repaired turn signal switch (parts cost me 11 bucks) a new tilt pointer I've had laying around for a few years, a tilt lever out of a 77 trans am (still trying to figure what I did with the turn signal lever that matches it) and a chrome hazzard button that I like so much better than the gay lookin black plastic thing... another item I've had laying around for years. Gotta LOVE havin crap laying around that comes in handy years later huh? Getting rid of that school bus steering wheel makes things SOOOOO much nicer... the tilt is awesome, as always... but I need to slide it in a little more. I think it is actually a tad bit closer to me than the stock one was. For some reason or another, the intermidiate shaft was fighting me HARD. I ended up putting it in the shop press when i couldn't get the nylon pins to let go. I even drilled the suckers out, and sprayed PB Blaster all up in it... after beating the heck out of it for 10 min... I think it moved a 1/4 inch. So the press did the rest, but I was afraid of going TOO far. (anyone with a new GM pick up probably knows about that) But, what ever. It's all good enough for now. Pretty cool? Yes? No? Last edited by Longhorn Man; 03-25-2008 at 04:28 AM. Reason: typos like a mo-fo

03-25-2008, 02:37 AM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: While no one was looking... Sweet! And a goverment project to boot!! __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-25-2008, 02:39 AM	#3
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: While no one was looking... Looking pimp my friend. The chrome bezels really make it pop. VERY NICE!! __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250

03-25-2008, 02:40 AM	#4
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,725	Re: While no one was looking... Looks great Andy, course I think you need the barefoot accelerator still __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

03-25-2008, 02:42 AM	#5
shaneschevys Its always something! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: FT Worth,TX Posts: 4,992	Re: While no one was looking... Looks good!! __________________ 79 p10 stepvan 72 Short Fleetside 72 Suburban 67 GMC One Ton Flatbed 64 Short Fleetside 57 Chevy 2DR Hard Top 57 Chevy 2dr wagon 65 f* short fleet 63 C 60 Flatbed Member of the patina club**

03-25-2008, 02:46 AM	#6
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,952	Re: While no one was looking... Looks awesome....looks way better....the only thing i would change is putting that tilt column in sweet pea.....instead of a burbin im jealous of with a red door.....lol...... Last edited by bad6772; 03-25-2008 at 02:46 AM.

03-25-2008, 02:48 AM	#7
jamie72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: madison indiana Posts: 3,839	Re: While no one was looking... looks good andy!! now if you can just get rid of the orange door... __________________ jamie72 72 BB cheyenne -- Restoration getting started.. member #807 http://www.myspace.com/whitetailobsession www.antlertalk.com

03-25-2008, 02:53 AM	#8
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,952	Re: While no one was looking... lol.....jamie

03-25-2008, 03:04 AM	#9
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: While no one was looking... Lookin' good Andy... __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

03-25-2008, 03:08 AM	#11
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: While no one was looking... I think it's a very cool write-up with pics and all, but you really made me laugh with the thread options after I read the post! I'll be honest, I like the white/chrome gauge panel, but I'm not diggin' the Camaro wheel. I voted with the second choice and now I feel bad and would change it if I could, because now that I think about it- the price of that tilt, the look of the gauge and dash upgrade-Dude....that's friggen sweet Dude, I totally dig that red door and is the first thing I noticed, but I'm biased that way after installing it out here! __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten... Last edited by Brad; 03-25-2008 at 03:10 AM.

03-25-2008, 03:12 AM	#12
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: While no one was looking... I totally wish someone would come out with a 14" wheel that looked very similar to an original but with a bigger grip, perhaps even leather or something. I like the style but they're waayyyyyy to big. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

03-25-2008, 03:18 AM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: While no one was looking... I agree with you on that Brad...I think they would sell like crazy.I'd do one just so i could see the lower guages easier. I did the camaro wheel mostly for the size, and it is not ugly. While it isn't a great lookin wheel, it's not like some butt ugly thing from a chivette or monza, or a sunfire crap box car. I really like the smaller wheel, and this one was a decent price (35ish i think?) and the timing was right. Now I need to get a leather steeringwheel cover for it. I got one, but the looser selling it on e-bay forgot to mention it was for late model cars with larger wheel grips. Oh well, I'll put it on the later model firebird steering wheel in the longhorn... the cover on that wheel is gettn nasty.

03-25-2008, 03:18 AM	#14
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: While no one was looking... I shoulda made the poll public.

03-25-2008, 03:26 AM	#15
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: While no one was looking... Andy, if you used the "straight connect to half moon" adapter, re check those connections as that may be where you lost your gauge action. You are sometimes better off cutting the harness and splicing direct into the half moon connector with crimps. Huck



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03-25-2008, 03:27 AM	#16
49m Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Turners Station,Ky Posts: 842	Re: While no one was looking... looks awsome Andy __________________ My Rides 1969 Mustang gt coupe 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 1986 Iroc camaro 1986 K10 Short Bed 1987 Iroc Camaro 1990 rs Camaro 1992 350 ss truck 1998 Honda Civic 2005 Ram 2500 Cummins My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=279831

03-25-2008, 03:32 AM	#17
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: While no one was looking... I still think that style wheel was the best looking stock steering wheel GM ever made. Perfect size too. Good work!

03-25-2008, 03:34 AM	#18
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: While no one was looking... huck, I was gonna push the connectors out and install the half moon on this column, but I said screw that shortly after starting. I cut and crimped as you mentioned. I did add a ground like i always do. however, i just went out and gassed up, and it seems the idiot who installed the layovers a few years ago may have mnessed it up all together. !/2 tank is at the 4 o'clock position, and full is at about 5 - 5:30 position. bummer.

03-25-2008, 03:39 AM	#19
DavesRide Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Garageless, Missouri Posts: 408	Re: While no one was looking... I like the feel of my "wheel" just like yours. I think I might shove mine in a little. Thanks for the info on the 67 windows by the way. Things really look nice on your dash. __________________ R.I.P ESLL Even as the body dies the spirit lives on in the people you touched

03-25-2008, 03:39 AM	#20
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: While no one was looking... You mean the pointer is off on the fuel gauge, because by looking at the face- it appears correctly installed? __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

03-25-2008, 04:05 AM	#21
jeffspower Well, Whoop-dee-do! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others Posts: 2,302	Re: While no one was looking... Nice- but that wheel you beat me to would look better in my truck. Red emblem/ red truck. I like the old 'maro wheels in these trucks- they don't stick out much. I agree on a repop OE wheel in a smaller diameter. Even if they were pricey, I bet they would sell good. __________________ '68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car

03-25-2008, 04:12 AM	#22
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: While no one was looking... I like it! Makes me want to get my tilt out and install it... __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

03-25-2008, 04:29 AM	#23
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: While no one was looking... Oh yeah... tech tip! If you cut your old column in 1/2, you can remove the lower boot, and the rubber piece under the inst panel without cutting them. They'll slide roght onto the van unit if you bend the shifter eye, which i always do when jerkin them out of vans.

03-25-2008, 04:39 AM	#24
EyeH8the24 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: beulah,alabama Posts: 1,075	Re: While no one was looking... looks great man ..keep on truckin

03-25-2008, 04:40 AM	#25
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: While no one was looking... Judging from the first couple of pics those jobs were LONG overdue but now it's done it's really made all the difference. Where would I get one of those chrome hazard knobs? __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger

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