Just moved neutral saftey on my van column and thought I'd post what it took.I got a 68-72 column at swap meet today so I finally had a template to go by.Needed air cutoff tool , dremel cutoff tool, magnet,and 9/64" drill bit

I first drew center line from top of column tube to the notch at bottom of shift mech. Then measured up 5 1/2" from notch in shift mechinism for the bottom end of neutral notch.

Next drew 5/8" wide lines and 1 1/16" long in each direction from center line

Used a regular air cutoff tool to cut out the hole . Didn't have to worry about the lenght of lines to much as the switch hides the overlap.

Next I marked off the inside slot. I found it to be just a 1/16" off the center line, The full 5/8" of your first cut and 3/8" or slightly wider for the tang of the switch to fit in

I used cutoff tool for the perpendicular cuts but had to use a dremel cutoff wheel to get down into the tube for the straight cuts. I found my dremel wheel was just alittle large to go down in but after grinding for a few seconds the wheel shrinks down enugh to get in.

I used a small magnet to pickup any filings that fell in (not sure if thats a concern or not. Once the inner hole was cut I just set the switch in and Drilled 2 9/64" holes for the switch in the center of the elongated switch holes and bolted it back down. The colmn I got today was an original tilt and thats where I got the 5 1/2" measurement from. I have not got it mounted in the truck yet but its now the same as a factory tilt as far as location so don't know why it wouldn't fit.

I just posted this cause I have been setting on my column and thought maybe some of this info could help someone else

Cool man! that step by step procedure won't get me lost whenever I get to modify my van tilt to fit my Longhorn. :)

Thanks for the post. Alot of people should find this very helpful!

Awww, too bad the photos were lost. :(

If the photos show up, this NEEDS to be put in the FAQ page.

I saved the photos from the original thread and will load them here when that is fixed.

if you can't find them let me know I'm sure I still have them

You get the pictures back, and I'll move it over to the FAQ for you.

just did a search on this....Tx Firefighter...did you copy this to the FAQ page?

Poof!

Sweet...I miss my magic wand. :(

Hi, New to the site ... I have a chevy van tilt column and I would like to put it in my 72 and was wondering what all needs to be done, I know about the wireing I have that taken care of... thanks in advance PS.... I have searched the site but cant seem to find directions on how to install or what needs to be changed.

Thanks Guys,
I just modified my van column per the instructions above,( great info). What did people do for info before computers and forums like this.

Thanks again DR67 :) :)

What about the old safety switch hole. Do you leave it open or close it up? Or does it really make a difference?

I cover them with electrical tape or leave them open, either way.

Electrical tape? Never thought of that. I was going to find me a piece of tin type piece of metal and screw it down but electrical tape would work for me. Thanks.