Replacing steering column
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 52
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From: Richmond, VA area
Replacing steering column
Will a 77-82 tilt steering column fit in a 71 ls5 4 speed with a factory non-tilt column? If yes, are modifications necessary and what are they? Mine has the factory straight column and frankly getting in/out of the drivers seat is a challenge. From all that I can find to read, the tilt column in 1969-75 is a direct fit. I need advice as I am going to make this change.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 631
From: perth western australia
Will a 77-82 tilt steering column fit in a 71 ls5 4 speed with a factory non-tilt column? If yes, are modifications necessary and what are they? Mine has the factory straight column and frankly getting in/out of the drivers seat is a challenge. From all that I can find to read, the tilt column in 1969-75 is a direct fit. I need advice as I am going to make this change.
As said just easier to go with the earlier column.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I always forget which year had the Vega wheel.....so I say late shark column....and I have one in my '72 for all the above reasons/needs did it some 20 years ago....
I just put a spacer between firewall flange and wirewall, 3/4 inch wooden.....pulls it back just enough that flipping the two aluminum? tabs on the dash mount flanges fit just fine on my car....the smaller wheel and the TT is a huge help for me 6'5" and 225lbs......I have the chrome horn/TT ring from 77? the ones Nader made them recall.....now on the seating, I dropped the mounting flanges off the rear tracks....lowered seat almost 2" makes in/out easier with rag top up....year later I cut the lower firewall away from the floorboard, shoved it forward below the steering column...just a single U cut and of course removed the floor dimmer switch....that allowed moving the pedals further forward, and kept my knees off the wheel, and relaxed....
so with the console arm pad, I assume the James Dean slouch position......
I just put a spacer between firewall flange and wirewall, 3/4 inch wooden.....pulls it back just enough that flipping the two aluminum? tabs on the dash mount flanges fit just fine on my car....the smaller wheel and the TT is a huge help for me 6'5" and 225lbs......I have the chrome horn/TT ring from 77? the ones Nader made them recall.....now on the seating, I dropped the mounting flanges off the rear tracks....lowered seat almost 2" makes in/out easier with rag top up....year later I cut the lower firewall away from the floorboard, shoved it forward below the steering column...just a single U cut and of course removed the floor dimmer switch....that allowed moving the pedals further forward, and kept my knees off the wheel, and relaxed....
so with the console arm pad, I assume the James Dean slouch position......
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Denver CO
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What about just going with a smaller steering wheel, 77 to 82 would work. I may be doing that myself... I also have a 71 no tilt / telescopic and huge steering wheel.
Last edited by Daveinspain; Dec 28, 2019 at 12:46 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 999
Likes: 282
From: New York
Yes they fit....I have one in my car (69)
Here is all you need to know.... http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev23FE2011.pdf
Here is all you need to know.... http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev23FE2011.pdf
Last edited by nyciti; Dec 28, 2019 at 11:08 PM.
