Has anyone ever converted a 69-75 tilt-telescoping steering column to fit and work correctly in a 68?

 

I have a 68 convertible project that I bought from a guy who started it and ran out of motivation. It's not numbers matching and has a tilt/telescoping column from a 69 or newer vette. Someone previous to me did the installation so I cannot tell you how to do it, but, I can tell you that it can be done. The main problem is where do you keep the ignition switch? Mine has a 69 or newer dash installed and the ignition switch is on the column. I am keeping it that way. When I got the car, none of the ignition wires were connected. Someone had just cut the wires behind the old dash ignition switch and never wired up the column switch. I had to extend the wires from behind the dash to splice into the wires that extended from the column ignition switch. Also, no key was included in the tilt/tile column so I had to open the column and replace the key tumbler with a new one so I would have keys. After all of this, I could finally drive the car. Other considerations are the turn signal "harmonicas" that connect together at the base of the column. You may need to do some splicing and converting to a compatible connector. One last item that was addressed on my vette was the column lock lever that is at the base of the column on the firewall side. The tilt/tile columns have a cable that connects this lever to the reverse lever on the transmission so that when you shift the car into reverse to lock the column and then you can remove the key. Mine was simply cut off forward of the firewall and no cable connected. This way, the shifter does not need to be put into reverse to remove the key and nothing needs to be connected to the transmission.

 

The PO did it on my car. Put a newer dash pad with it and it looked fine. I am in the process of switching it back to have the key in the dash and getting a aftermarket tilt column. You may need a new dash pad because I think the diameters of the later columns are larger...and a new dash pad means redoing the ignition wiring.

 

i don't want to change to a different dash pads I love the ignition switch on the dash pad. The diameter of the tilt-tele column is the main problem I plan on removing the key housing and plugging the hole. What I want to do is rework the column above the mounting and where the column bells out. All the key switch mechanizing and bracket for cable that runs to transmission can be removed and pitched. I have 69 mounting pieces that mount under the dash so the mount their should not be a big problem. The lower mounting plate will need to be changed. I going to open the column up tomorrow and see what can be done.
Any comments and pro or cons please respond, I have a thick skin so don't hold back.

 

I would consider an Ididit column. No ignition switch change and a simple install.

 

I agree it would be easer to go with an aftermarket column. The difference is that you can only get a tilt no telescoping. My first choice is a Flaming River column it is made specific for a 68. I still would like the tilt-telescoping. I have a 68 telescoping but still want the tilt function.

 

My '69 has the TT; I put a Ididit in the "63 so I could get in and out. I don't miss the telescoping but then I'm the only driver.

 

Your plan for the swap seems pretty sound to me. Good luck with it.

 

Post pictures as you do this. I think T/T with a dash switch would be great! I have the key on the dash in my '65 Riv, it's pretty cool.

 

Tilt-tele with dash key would be great but would require reworking the column diameter or lower dash opening and either would require work that at this time will not happen. I'm going to sell both the '75 tilt-tele, and '68 telescoping and purchase a Flaming River.
Not my first choice but my second choice will have to do at this time.
I appreciate the comments and feedback.
Thanks

 

Young people are amazed when you can pull the key out of a 68 and the car is running! Lou.

 

I had '55 and '56 full size Chevys that I didn't have keys for just turn the key slot with your hands and go.

 

................... tom

http://www.ididitinc.com/i-25048022-...tegory:1310143


http://www.ididitinc.com/c-1310143-r...oor-shift.html

 

I have looked at the ididit column not impressed with them thats one of the reasons I was thinking of trying to install a 75 tilt-tele (I have it and either I use it or sell it) it looks good and works great.
Thanks for the response.
Howard