Steering column question- real time (1 Viewer)

[Richfj60]

Folks,
I have never liked the way that the key has been so close to the dash. How can I pull or move the column closer to the driver? I see the mounting bolts, have unloosened them, but can’t move the column. Any super secret trick? It looks like I should have 1/2” to move it. Is there a bolt somewhere I am missing?

 

[3_puppies]

the column is secured to the firewall also, follow the column between the pedals to the firewall and you'll see the attachment.
not sure how you are going to gain much unless you make a spacer at the firewall,

 

[Seth S]

What you are asking does not have a simple solution. However you could install an after market steering wheel that brings the wheel closer to the driver. You could also move the ignition switch out of the steering column and maybe mount on the dash somewhere. It would a little work but a lot less than trying to move the steering column.

 

[Richfj60]

It appears from the diagram that there really isn't a crumple component to the column. I think I will take off the steering wheel, detach from the floor, see if I have the clamp shown in the diagram (I didn't initially see it), loosen the yoke inside the engine bay, and see if I can stretch it the 1/2" that it appears to be off. Definitely not thrilled about that. Thanks for the replies.

 

[2mbb]

The diagram from the FSM for the tilt steering wheel is a little different from the one above, but still there doesn't look like much opportunity to stretch the shaft.

 

[OSS]

Key too close to the dash?

 

[Richfj60]

Key too close to the dash?

Yes, from the bracket location it appears to be 1/2" too close. I was thinking that there was some movement in the column, but doesn't look like it. Someone told me that it was likely crumpled, but I can't see how that is possible either. It was in an accident before I got it, but if anything, the firewall is pushed in. I'll look at the yokes and see if there is any room to move

 

[Richfj60]

I messed around with it for too long today. Am trying to free up the yoke so that I can maybe gain the distance I need. I unbolted the yoke just under the Master Cylinder, but it isn't moving. Ugh!

 

[Seth S]

I don't think there is any telescoping in the column. I think that step you see in the cover is just to allow the column to collapse in an impact.

 

[Richfj60]

I don't think there is any telescoping in the column. I think that step you see in the cover is just to allow the column to collapse in an impact.

View attachment 2560479

Thanks Seth, do you happen to know a measurement that I could compare to see if mine is crushed? Like from the floor plate to the upper tube?

 

[Seth S]

Not off hand as that was a photo I found on the Google. Can you post a picture of your column so we can see where the ignition switch is in relation to the dash?

 

[Richfj60]

Not off hand as that was a photo I found on the Google. Can you post a picture of your column so we can see where the ignition switch is in relation to the dash?

I can, but the clamshell and steering wheel are off. I’ll take one when I get back up to the shop after lunch

 

[Richfj60]

It looks like the distance between the two tubes is 3.75” approximately. Crumpled or No?

 

[3_puppies]

I think your worrying about nothing, it would take a very hard hit to crush the steering column, if there was an impact the slip yoke would take some of the impact and then the u joints, something under the hood would destroy itself before the actual column.
if the column actually compressed, you would see signs of it.

 

[Richfj60]

I think your worrying about nothing, it would take a very hard hit to crush the steering column, if there was an impact the slip yoke would take some of the impact and then the u joints, something under the hood would destroy itself before the actual column.
if the column actually compressed, you would see signs of it.

It’s not the column I am concerned about. I don’t like how close the key is to the dash, very uncomfortable to turn key. Still a first world problem, but....

 

[georgebj60]

It’s not the column I am concerned about. I don’t like how close the key is to the dash, very uncomfortable to turn key. Still a first world problem, but....

This baffles me. I've never thought the key was so close to the dash to be a bother. Now I'm curious to see how close yours is, and if it's different than normal.

 

[Richfj60]

The column is out now, but it was within a 1/4” to 1/2”. Pretty tight. You would hit your hand every time you turned the key. Maybe should have lived with it.

 

[Richfj60]

So, I’ve been working with some local cruiser guys and some interesting measurements. The distance from the column upper tube to the top of the bottom of the column where the bell is spot welders on is 3 3/4”. Others measured 5 1/8”. I can’t see anywhere you can adjust the tube. Also interested in getting a measurement of the intermediate steering shaft.

 

[TanTLC]

Curious, do you drive with the steering wheel in the full tilt-up position? that moves the key switch closer to the dash. with the column tilted down, its typically not as close as you describe.. that may explain the dimensional question.

 

[Richfj60]

Curious, do you drive with the steering wheel in the full tilt-up position? that moves the key switch closer to the dash. with the column tilted down, its typically not as close as you describe.. that may explain the dimensional question.

No, is full tilt you can’t put the key in.