Choosing a steering column & hook-up

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Choosing a Steering Column & Hook-up

We've also included some tips at the bottom of this section to help you out.

In keeping with the Corvette theme, Mark chose a 1995 Corvette steering column. Mark isn't going to use cruise control, so the arm was swapped with a 1993 Camaro arm.

There is no set rule on what length steering column to use in a vehicle. Just like opinions, what's good for one person isn't always good for the next.

*TECH TIP* When we mount a column up, we take into account the person's height and size. We also mock-up seats to see what's comfortable. We recommend using 1" wooden dowel rod and thumb-tack an aluminum pie pan to it. With the help of another person, sit down in the vehicle and hold the "simulated" column where it's comfortable for you. Have your helper mark the toe board with a marker. Get back out and see on the engine side if you can get past everything to get a good hook-up.

Mark trimmed a 1 1/4" off of the end of the steering shaft and cut-off the factory dash mount from the Vette column. The factory firewall mount was trimmed to clear the setback portion of the new firewall and a new hole added for mounting. Two elevator bolts were welded to the firewall to attach the lower mount to. A piece of 3/16" x ¾" flat steel was heated with a torch and then bent to form a bracket for mounting the column to the dash. A square nut was welded to the back side of the bracket for bolting to the dash. With the column bolted to the firewall the bracket was tack welded to the top of the column, then removed and final welded.

Mark used exhaust tubing to give the dash the amount of recess needed so that the column would feel just like a factory vehicle when it was tilted.

You will notice that the Borgeson u-joints are mocked up with 3/4" dowel rod. This is used for many purposes: Double check steering shaft lengths, Make sure that your u-joints don't exceed their recommended angle, Make sure that they are in phase. Phase means that the the yokes on the same shaft face away from each other, just like a drive shaft. It will also tell you if you need additional u-joints and support bearings for less angle or better clearance. In this case, Mark needed 3 u-joints and a support bearing for less angle and better clearance, In some cases, only 2 u-joints are needed. The support bearing mount was machined from 1 1/4" bar stock and then tack welded into position inside the frame rail. Notice the aluminum cover that Mark made for the end of the column. Nice detail!

In keeping with a vintage theme Mark chose a Banjo style steering wheel from Grant Products . They are available in 2 styles, 3 different leather colors and mahogany.

For a nice finishing touch Mark added one of Grant ’s officially licensed billet horn buttons. They are also available with a GM logo.

Column Tips

*If you have small children that may be riding up front with you on a bench seat, you may want to use a column shifter. Little swinging legs can easily kick a floor shift and knock it out of gear.