Anybody using an ididit steering column in a 68?
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Anybody using an ididit steering column in a 68?
I'm looking at changing the steering column in my 68 to an ididit tilt steering column. Any comments good or bad please let me know. I have not found one locally to try.
Thank
Thank
Last edited by Bandit54; 01-09-2017 at 11:21 AM. Reason: Wording
The following users liked this post:
PHIL 68 (01-09-2017)
#3
Drifting
This is good to know. I was looking at Flaming River columns and this might be another less expensive option. Their columns are not collapsible but it appears that they will make them to a custom length for those of us who have a Borgeson (Jeep) steering gear.
#4
Melting Slicks
I really do not understand how they can sell these!!! I am shocked that they do not collapse. I had drivers ed class in 1965 and I remember that they showed a movie of someone impaled on their steering wheel, and that they were blue in color. It can not be that hard to make them collapse.
I am sure companies that make after market brakes make sure that they are safe. The 67-68 columns are a simple design with a collapsing metal mesh. Lou.
I am sure companies that make after market brakes make sure that they are safe. The 67-68 columns are a simple design with a collapsing metal mesh. Lou.
#5
I have one in my 68 as well. No it does not collapse, but I upgraded to a better restraint harness anyway. My car is far from original, and getting further every month it seems. Fits fine and plugs right into the harness with no issues.
#6
Racer
column
So are you saying it's basically an easy switch over and plug in Thanks Phil
#7
Yes, and it comes with the adapter plate that bolts to the firewall. I bought an extra one thinking it did not. Ended up taking it in and out about five times due to little things I forgot to do and changing out stuff in my dash. My own fault, but I did mention to the wife if I have to take this thing out one more time, ahh the pleasure of doing a restoration sometimes.
Yes direct fit and bolts right in.
Yes direct fit and bolts right in.
#8
Racer
Thank you very much I will be looking into getting one Phil
#9
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
now that my concern has been answered I will throw out a few comments I have been doing some research on both the flaming river and ididit, ididit makes a direct replacement while the flaming river seams to be of the same quality as the ididit but is more of a generic fit that also is used on hot rod projects. Has anyone with a telescoping 68 column had issues with getting in and out of the car. I'm six foot and 200 plus and it's a pain in the rear just getting in an out. I have an original telescoping column that I'm considering using but the value far exceeds the cost of the ididit. I'm in the process of building a non original t-top car using late model c6 ZO6 seats. And comfort is a major concern with this project. Before I sell the telescoping coluum I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.
Thanks to everyone for the feedback.
Thanks to everyone for the feedback.
#10
Drifting
I believe that Flaming River has a direct fit as well but is more expensive than the ididit. Since you are putting in C6 seats, I think I would be more concerned with the tilt feature because the C6 seats will sit higher than stock. Depending on your torso length, that may or may not be a problem. How much higher may depend on how creative you can get with making brackets to fit the original rails, but I would count on at least an inch, maybe 2. The telescope is only 1.5".
The following users liked this post:
Bandit54 (01-10-2017)
#11
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Thanks, that good information I was not aware Flaming River had a direct fit. I will have to follow up on that. I have not set in the car with the telescoping column attached so I'm not sure how that would be. The tilting was running as my first choice so that looks like the way I will be going.
Thanks
Thanks
#12
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I believe that Flaming River has a direct fit as well but is more expensive than the ididit. Since you are putting in C6 seats, I think I would be more concerned with the tilt feature because the C6 seats will sit higher than stock. Depending on your torso length, that may or may not be a problem. How much higher may depend on how creative you can get with making brackets to fit the original rails, but I would count on at least an inch, maybe 2. The telescope is only 1.5".
Thanks I appricate the feedback.
#13
Melting Slicks
Bandit54, what diameter is your steering wheel? The original 68 wheel should not have been put in the car. It is a carry over from the 67 model year and is 15 inches in diameter. It killed your right thigh when you got into the car. GM made a 14" wheel for the 69 model year, because of this. Lou.
Last edited by loup68; 01-10-2017 at 07:08 PM.
#14
Advanced
Only thing I might have done differently, was to upgrade from a raw finish (which I brushed and cleared myself) to a polished one (+ $150 'ish).
LS conversion with power steering & 14" steering wheel.
#15
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Bandit54, what diameter is your steering wheel? The original 68 wheel should not have been put in the car. It is a carry over from the 67 model year and is 15 inches in diameter. It killed your right thigh when you got into the car. GM made a 14" wheel for the 69 model year, because of this. Lou.
#16
Racer
flaming river
Kevin68, thanks for the information, it looks like Flaming River makes a direct fit for the 68. It listed as a new item looks great from the picture I will have to contact a distributor to get full details. The price looks to be about $300. more it may be worth it I will have to check.
Thanks I appricate the feedback.
Thanks I appricate the feedback.
#17
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Phil, I'm going to check again but the price that I saw on Flaming Rivers web site was $1036.91 for a 68 black power coated column part number FR2103VTBK. This was listed as a direct fit for the 68. I'm sure that there is dealers that will discount a few dollars but not a large discount.
#18
Bandit, If you are putting newer model seats in the car, you will have to change your steering wheel to a smaller one. Also, you will have to mod the seats to make them sit lower in the car. I am 5-08 and have a set of power C5 sport seats in mine. At the lowest position, and all the way back, they fit me fine, but depending on how your torso is, it might take a bit more work. I got a tilt column and smaller wheel for myself. Good luck.
#19
Racer
tilt column
Phil, I'm going to check again but the price that I saw on Flaming Rivers web site was $1036.91 for a 68 black power coated column part number FR2103VTBK. This was listed as a direct fit for the 68. I'm sure that there is dealers that will discount a few dollars but not a large discount.
#20
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Bandit, If you are putting newer model seats in the car, you will have to change your steering wheel to a smaller one. Also, you will have to mod the seats to make them sit lower in the car. I am 5-08 and have a set of power C5 sport seats in mine. At the lowest position, and all the way back, they fit me fine, but depending on how your torso is, it might take a bit more work. I got a tilt column and smaller wheel for myself. Good luck.