Shortened steering column
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 587
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From: Louisville
Shortened steering column 73 Convertible
I've searched and just looking for ideas on a shorter steering column for my 73 converrtible. My current tilt/telescoping is still too close to my chest. Any ideas how I can get a shorter column? Thank you.
Last edited by ltnate; Dec 16, 2024 at 09:06 PM.
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Joined: May 2006
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Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,135
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From: Marlton NJ
Somewhere around 76 or later or so they shortened the column t0 move the steering wheel closer to the dash.
But it will never feel arms out like a modern car.
These were designed for manual steering, with the wheel near to your chest for more leverage.
You should try a '60 on for size! LOL I can't hardly get in it.
But it will never feel arms out like a modern car.
These were designed for manual steering, with the wheel near to your chest for more leverage.
You should try a '60 on for size! LOL I can't hardly get in it.
Last edited by leigh1322; Dec 17, 2024 at 08:25 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,242
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From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
The 77 up column is shorter. I have a 78 column here I am playing with. The mast jacket (main steering column piece) is 2 inches shorter than the 69-76, and the steering shaft itself is .9 inches shorter. Supposedly moves the wheel 2 inches farther away, but has less telescope distance. I am going to rebuild this column and see if it makes sense to try to bolt it in my 69. I know there is a problem with the dimmer switch being in the column on the 78.
Bill
Bill
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
You may be able to buy a aftermarket shorter column from IDIDIT or Flaming River, ETC thru Forum Vendors.
I have a '68 base model steering column which I shortened enough that the "Bell-Shape" part of the column touched the gauge panel.
Your tilt-tele column would be more complicated because of the dash heavy-duty mounting bracket and the angle firewall mounting bracket (unless you are mechanically inclined).
I have a '68 base model steering column which I shortened enough that the "Bell-Shape" part of the column touched the gauge panel.
Your tilt-tele column would be more complicated because of the dash heavy-duty mounting bracket and the angle firewall mounting bracket (unless you are mechanically inclined).
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,135
Likes: 4,500
From: Marlton NJ
IIRC a 76? has a one year column. Shorter, has the Vega wheel from the factory, that's how you spot it.
Still has the turn signal stuff like the older cars. Dash was redesigned around 77 or 78. And turn signal and cruise control changed.
Still has the turn signal stuff like the older cars. Dash was redesigned around 77 or 78. And turn signal and cruise control changed.
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Midwest
Somewhere around 76 or later or so they shortened the column t0 move the steering wheel closer to the dash.
But it will never feel arms out like a modern car.
These were designed for manual steering, with the wheel near to your chest for more leverage.
You should try a '60 on for size! LOL I can't hardly get in it.
But it will never feel arms out like a modern car.
These were designed for manual steering, with the wheel near to your chest for more leverage.
You should try a '60 on for size! LOL I can't hardly get in it.
