What aftermarket sterring column did you use and why?

[gono]

I'm in the process of installing my steering column and linkage and have thought of some potential problems. First, I'm thinking of going with a column shift rather than floor. The reason is having a cleaner look. So, in making this decision, my current column won't work. I believe its out of a 62' Pontiac LeMans. Its a really clean column. As I was looking for a turn signal switch, it dawned on me that 62' Pontiac parts aren't exactly readily available. So, my search for a column shift tilt column began. Wow, these babies can be pricey. What do you guys think? Oh, its going in a 55' 3100. Thanks.

[dwcsr]

Your best bet is a flaming river or Ididit column. They may be pricey but if you purchase a $200 ebay column and need parts you won't find them. The chromed stainless columns for under $250 are through a way columns that don't stand up to daily driver use. Yea I know somebody has one that has lasted 3 years .......

I used to sell these and they turned out to be low quality un-repairable and stopped selling them for that reason.

[blue57]

Ididit columns are no and solid. The flaming river columns have some slop in them.

[mknittle]

I made my own because I wanted a clean looking tilt column with no ignition switch. I had a box of left over gm parts and some tubing so i tought it would be fun.


I have heard Ididit is better but I don't know.

[gono]

Thanks for the info. I'm leaning towards the flaming river. I saw the E-bay column and was wondering about the quality. I don't think I want to mess around with quality issues on my steering. It will still hurt to plop down the cash for the Flaming River.

[mr48chev]

I've never heard of anyone being ecstatic about the low buck ones you find on Ebay but I have heard of a number of guys pulling them out and buying the Ididit units in the end.

The other alternative is one out of a 75/78 Chevy van that doesn't have the key switch in it. I'm not sure about the year spans those were made but they have been popular with hot rodders and truck builders for a long time. and parts are available.

[parkwood]

I've used Ididit columns on all my builds with no problem.. use Flaming river u-joints as they won't rust...

[hotrod1]

I have heard great things about both. The thing that I like best is that they are made in the USA.

I chose FR because I like the fact that it is made with stainless steel. I also like that the inner "D" column goes all the way from end to end which makes it easier to shorten if needed. Ididit does not have the inner "D" column all the way. What ever size you get, is the size you get.

I found a FR column in CR and can shorten it if I need to as it was long.

[fredscarryall]

try summit racing brand they start out at $269 with chrome,tilt and column shift and $269 for tilt, chrome,key in column and floor shift .shipping is only $12.95,they have a good warranty, you get your parts in 3 day, the best price around, and they have a good return policy.( even if you install it).i'm gonna order one next week.

[FRED 53]

Use Flaming River in all my builds--you get what you pay for-- here is one in a daily driver-- tilt---good luck

[hotrod1]

It may not matter to some, but I buy Made In USA if possible. Many times it can not be done. In this instance, it can be done, and I am sure the quality and metals are better than the import versions.

When I was considering the Summit brand, I called them and they said that it was manufactured in China. That is how they account for the price.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by fredscarryall

try summit racing brand they start out at $269 with chrome,tilt and column shift and $269 for tilt, chrome,key in column and floor shift .shipping is only $12.95,they have a good warranty, you get your parts in 3 day, the best price around, and they have a good return policy.( even if you install it).i'm gonna order one next week.

This is a Chinese made column. If it breaks after the warranty you throw it away.

[Hogsophist]

I have a summit that I installed in my 57. So far it's been just fine. I would get the chrome or powder coated one if I were re doing it though.
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[gono]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

I have heard great things about both. The thing that I like best is that they are made in the USA.

I chose FR because I like the fact that it is made with stainless steel. I also like that the inner "D" column goes all the way from end to end which makes it easier to shorten if needed. Ididit does not have the inner "D" column all the way. What ever size you get, is the size you get.

I found a FR column in CR and can shorten it if I need to as it was long.

I was talking to the local speed shop guy and he mentioned the same thing. He also commented that the inner "D" can be used to reduce vibration traveling along the column. Good thing is I already bought the U-joints and they were 3/4" so I should be able to use that parts I have.

I wish I could find one on CR!!

[gono]

Originally Posted by FRED 53

Use Flaming River in all my builds--you get what you pay for-- here is one in a daily driver-- tilt---good luck

is this the natural or polished version?

[FRED 53]

Natural-plain steel--good coat of wax NO PROBLEM--

[Scottshotrods]

Ididit column is the only new column in the USA that all of there internal parts are made by GM.They are the only company that has a lifetime warrantty on there columns.This goes for the chrome or black powder coated or raw steel.

Flaming river is a well made column but there columns only have a 3 year warrantty.

If you are looking for the best made column out there.We have them and have great prices for all the members on this forum.Let us know and we will take care of you for sure.

Justin

[gono]

Originally Posted by FRED 53

Use Flaming River in all my builds--you get what you pay for-- here is one in a daily driver-- tilt---good luck

So on your builds, do you typically install a column with a neutral switch on all the columns? Are they really that necessary?

[mknittle]

I didn't use one on mine But As a truck driver I am used to not having them.

[Hubscrub]

Does a stock steering wheel fit these aftermarket columns?

[Scottshotrods]

Yes it does Ididit has a adapter that will allow you to run your stock steering wheel.The adapter cost is around $32.00
Justin
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[parkwood]

Originally Posted by Hubscrub

Does a stock steering wheel fit these aftermarket columns?

This 55'-56' wheel fit this ididit column with out an adapter...

[_Ogre]

86 astro van column
Cost me $35
works great
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[Hot Rod Todd]

I have a "Chinese River" tilt column in our 48. A mate had a month in the USA and bought four of them for about US$135 each, along with a 54 Panel Van, and a bunch of other stuff.

The column is a generic GM style and its only failed twice in the first 1000 miles. Both times, its been the key "freewheeling" as the gear fitting on the end of the key shaft is machined plastic junk. So it sort of jumps off the rod and then you are stuffed. Will track down a genuine GM column in the next few days and see if I cant pirate some parts, but will upgrade to an Ididit one in the near future.

My recommendation is that you all avoid the Chinese stuff and buy quality.

[youngrodder]

I went with an Ididit...Got to support your local companies. Plus it's also made in America which is a bonus.

Marc