Hey guys, I need to mail my steering column off to get rebuilt. Can I take the wheel off, blinker lever off and just take the column to UPS and have them pack it up?
I have no idea where to get a long skinny box to ship it in.

Thanks in advance!
Scott

 

Yep. For a fee, a UPS store can do that for you.

 

As a counterpoint...is this being shipped to 'Those guys' who charge $850 to REBUILD the steering column? I called them for parts...."sorry we don't sell parts."

I called them because I have two....the world would get hit by an Asteroid before I'd pay $850 for a job I can do myself.

Scott, also for a 69 BTW.

Unkahal

 

$850???? Holy cow!!

 

Speaking as someone who has shipped a lot of oddball sized boxes over the years, you can easily get a box that is wide enough, cut it in half or slice a section out of the middle, and slide it together to make the perfect box without a ton of effort. Get a box cutter and a roll of tape and you are off to the races.

Places like UPS will box it for you but generally take advantage on price. Most USPS wont accept anything but finished product packages. It’s too easy to do yourself to pay their prices.

 

I read many times where people shipped columns and had them damaged in transit. then I seen people get schedule 40 PVS pipe and packed the columns in that and capped it off and shipped it that way

 

Try contacting Steering Columns Galore or something like that. They are based out of upstate NY. They rebuilt the column in my 70 SS Chevelle for about $250. New keys, bearings etc. I was really pleased with the results. Jerry

 

Thank you all for the input! Yes the intent is to get it rebuilt.
I also have two tilt tele steering columns. Figured I could get one that is not installed rebuilt. Once complete I'd pull the one in use and install the fresh one.

That said, I am 100% open to ideas. The only issue is I do not have space to rebuild it myself. I have not decided on what company will do the work So input like Tampa_Jerry is great!
Sounds like shipping is not a big deal. I'm interested in the PVC idea! LOL! Seams like the perfect shipping box. Also had not thought of cutting a larger box down and slipping two pieces together!

Scott

 

Count me in on that. I sent my column in to get rebuilt. I wrapped it thoroughly in bubble wrap, packed it in a long box, stuffed it with bubble wrap around the column to keep it from shifting, and taped it securely. It still showed up with the box destroyed, the plastic lock box shattered, and something else I can't remember mangled. Then they left it out in the freezing sleet outside the garage, directly under the sign clarifying where deliveries should go. My rebuild got signifigantly more expensive (still not close to $850) because of the damage they did.

 

Unkahal says...thanks Jerry...I'll give them a call. $250 is more what I was expecting.

I bought two to make one GREAT one. So the second could be sold and give me a net ZERO.

Good luck Scott....thanks for starting the thread...69's ROCK OUT

Unkahal

 

Thanks and I agree!
Scott

 

just pack it up in a fedex or ups tube, that's how I shipped it to you

 

Was that you who sold me the tilt tele I have? Thank you! I’ve had it in my 69 since and never rebuilt it! I did paint it and it has serviced me great! I stumbled into a second and want to get it rebuilt with new bearings, switches, etc. it will then give me an extra or, yours up for trade or sale!

where did you get the shipping tube? I’ll have a need soon! Lol!
thanks!
Scott

 

I purchased one from a fellow forum member who built the below crate to ship it in.... Its an awesome crate that I have yet to open after a couple months of having it.

 

cardboard mailing tube. find a print shop near you.

 

Buy any new golf clubs lately? The box they come in works great for a steering column.

 

Whatever you use on the outside, I'd use 2-3 inches of rigid foam around it, in at least a couple spots, and both ends. Bubble warp alone is not enough to protect it, it's kind of heavy..
General rule is Over-protect it. With the foam, even if/when the box gets cut/crushed etc. the column should still be fine in the center.
Keep the "UPS Gorilla" in mind!

 

So who do yall recomend for column restoration?

 

You guys have my interest. I have a 77 tele-scoping, turn signal, cruise control steering column I have been waiting on putting up for sale because I cant figure a way to ship if affordably.
Will the turn signal/cruise control come off easily enough to make the shipping size a bit smaller?
thanks

 

===

Scott,

For what it's worth. Shipping parts via Greyhound Bus has treated me pretty well. I shipped a hood, with foam pool noodles around the edges, and it arrived in great shape.. Seems like the drivers take decent care of their customers luggage, and boxes being shipped in the luggage area under the bus seats...