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C1 steering column differences

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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 06:54 PM
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Default C1 steering column differences

Saw an ad for a 57 on ebay that was at Carlisle last year that said it had a 58 or later steering column that was installed for comfort. What is the difference? Shorter? Different angle/position? Is it worth doing and is it a bolt in mod or does it require much fabrication/alteration? Thanks.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 07:08 PM
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'53-'57 columns are longer than '58-'62. should be a bolt-in.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by ls6racer
'53-'57 columns are longer than '58-'62. should be a bolt-in.
That is correct.
UNfortunately, I have never measured each when I had an opportunity so that I would know the difference in length.
BUUUUUUUUUUUT, as we speak, I have a 57 column out in the shop for rebuilding, in case anyone needs a measurement.

Tom Parsons
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by DZAUTO
That is correct.
UNfortunately, I have never measured each when I had an opportunity so that I would know the difference in length.
BUUUUUUUUUUUT, as we speak, I have a 57 column out in the shop for rebuilding, in case anyone needs a measurement.

Tom Parsons
Thanks guys searched a bit and a 58-62 should be about 1.75" shorter. Then maybe a smaller diameter steering wheel. Can't give up on this 56-57 addiction
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 04:36 AM
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Originally Posted by silver67
Thanks guys searched a bit and a 58-62 should be about 1.75" shorter. Then maybe a smaller diameter steering wheel. Can't give up on this 56-57 addiction



I have the two assemblies out of the cars and measuring from the mass that runs from the gearbox to the opposite end for 1953-57 is 47 3/4". 1958-62 mass is 47". The gearboxes are identical.

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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 07:38 AM
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Swapping columns for 3/4 of an inch ? Doesn't seem like much improvement. But then there are some "calorically-challenged" folks where this could make a difference I gues.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 02:35 PM
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Not to be contravesial but I found my notes from when I rebuilt my 57 box and had a 58-62 box also.
The lengths were 47" and 48 3/4". I have always heard that there was a 2" difference?

Originally Posted by rustylugnuts
I have the two assemblies out of the cars and measuring from the mass that runs from the gearbox to the opposite end for 1953-57 is 47 3/4". 1958-62 mass is 47". The gearboxes are identical.
rustylugnuts
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 02:53 PM
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Either way it is still pretty tight with the original steering wheel. If this is a comfort issue for driving, you can always get one of the smaller look alike wheels and put the original one away if you ever want to go back to it. A reversable mod that won't hurt the value of the car. Pilot Dan
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 03:02 PM
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If you can still muscle the front end around with a smaller steering wheel. There is a reason these cars have the 17 inch "school bus" steering wheels!
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by fdreano
Swapping columns for 3/4 of an inch ? Doesn't seem like much improvement. But then there are some "calorically-challenged" folks where this could make a difference I gues.
As for 1961 & 62, the drivers seat has more of a vertical adjustment than previous years with 20% decrease in the transmission tunnel area including the 1 3/4'' steering wheel expansion. As a total package offers much needed room as you stated, so caloric-ally challenged people like myself can enjoy the driving experiences as you normal people.....

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Last edited by rustylugnuts; Jul 22, 2009 at 11:36 AM. Reason: revised measurement
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnFromVentura
Not to be contravesial but I found my notes from when I rebuilt my 57 box and had a 58-62 box also.
The lengths were 47" and 48 3/4". I have always heard that there was a 2" difference?
John your the man...must of been those long hours I put in yesterday or I need to take a course in measuring...... You are correct on the measurements!

rustylugnuts
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 04:55 PM
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I bet many of us C1 drivers can compensate the steering column difference by downsizing on the waist department...
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by groovyjay
I bet many of us C1 drivers can compensate the steering column difference by downsizing on the waist department...
Easier to change the column
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 09:21 AM
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come on guys....does size really matter?
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by haccpguy
Easier to change the column
Man, you got that RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UNfortunately, I have to stay with the long column in the 56 because I've added the column mount tach like those on the 57 Airbox cars.

Tom Parsons
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by DZAUTO
Man, you got that RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UNfortunately, I have to stay with the long column in the 56 because I've added the column mount tach like those on the 57 Airbox cars.

Tom Parsons
If you can fit and drive without those steering wheel rub marks on your white shirt, and without your clutch leg hitting the wheel when down shifting making a turn, then your in better shape then most of us.......

rustylugnuts
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 12:39 PM
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When I restored my '57, I used a '59 column, and it gained me about 1-1/2"; made a noticeable difference.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 01:30 PM
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I guess its good being 5'7" and 165lb sometimes....with a 32" waist...
But then I hit the gym 3 times a week...

What tickles me is when some behemoth is looking at the '61 in a car show saying, "...I sure would like to have one of those!" It would be easier to build a C1 around them than have them get in one.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by DZAUTO
Man, you got that RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UNfortunately, I have to stay with the long column in the 56 because I've added the column mount tach like those on the 57 Airbox cars.

Tom Parsons
I put a '62 unit in my '56 and can still mount a tach on it, actually made a bracket that looks like the airbox bracket. Too bad I can't afford the AC tach! Looks good anyway with the SunPro. The shortened steering column actually made is first appearance in '56 when John Fitch ordered Chev engineers to shorten the column by 2" in the 4 Sebring SR's, too hard to corner otherwise.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by fdreano
I guess its good being 5'7" and 165lb sometimes....with a 32" waist...
But then I hit the gym 3 times a week...

What tickles me is when some behemoth is looking at the '61 in a car show saying, "...I sure would like to have one of those!" It would be easier to build a C1 around them than have them get in one.
What tickels me is when people talk more about themselves......

rustylugnuts
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