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Steering Column upgrade

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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 02:55 PM
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Default Steering Column upgrade

What is the difference between a column in a 67-68 and a 81? I have seen a tilt polished stainless with a dash ignition switch for a 67-68. They do not have an application for the 81. Has anyone done this swap? Any info is appreciated. ( I understand they do not collapse)
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 03:07 PM
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Do a search on this, it's been discussed. Look for Jim Shea posts. 67-68 have the key on the dash. 69-82 have the key on the column.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 03:11 PM
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I think the steering column you're describing is an aftermarket one made by Flaming River (I think that's their name). Yes, the Flaming River columns don't have crush tubes; i.e. the don't collapse during a collision.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 04:01 PM
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I do not have Microsoft Office installed on this machine so I am not able to read all of Jim Shea's write ups unfortunately. I was wondering if the dimensions are the same. Can I unbolt my old beat up half broken steering column in my 81 and replace it with the FR 67-68 model? Are the mounting points, shaft and length the same? I called FR and they dont know. I have removed the entire dash and assembly, installed a painless and re-wired the whole car. So a dash ignition and wiring harness plugs are not a issue, I will be happy with a functional directional lever and a tilt wheel.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 04:22 PM
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The early ones you speak of just have a turnsignal pretty much a Corvair column. Your dash is diffrent so I would look for a 78 and up.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 04:25 PM
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I am building a custom dash, I removed everything..
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