aftermarket ebay steering columns

[chincha805]

i have read that these steering columns going for $144.00 are you get what you pay for. are they reliable good safe etc.

[Advanced Design]

There was a recent discussion thread here that referenced this document. http://www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/in...ng_Columns.pdf

Worth reviewing as there are serious design issues leading to failure and loss of vehicle control on a number of columns.
Bottom line is use a GM, ididit or Flaming river column.

[HUSSEY]

Spend the extra $ on a Flaming River or Ididit. The steering system is one area you don't want to cheap out on. I learned my lesson. I had to return a $189 CPP column twice for defect, second time I told them to just give me my money back.

[dwcsr]

Think of it this way. They sell for $189 and come all the way from china then trucked to CPP. CPP makes a minimum of 40% on these and the MFG makes 40% so just how good can they actually be with $45 in parts, labor including the ride from China. You have no recourse in something happens, They don't have to meet standards of US makers of the same product and its the only thing that keeps you on the road at 65 mph. Can you imagine the feeling you'd get when that cheap pivot ball breaks at 65. US standards have made columns virtually bullet proof lasting 30, 40, 50 years. A Asian column will break in under 4, 5 if you don't do a lot of steering.

[chincha805]

Thanks for the input. going to buy a ididit column now.

[Daze57]

^ good choice on a ididit column

[OrrieG]

Good choice, steering, fuel and brakes are three places you cannot go cheap on. Crappy stero or seats, not a big problem, things that can kill you; pay attention to detail.

[mr48chev]

Quality advice from Hussey and Dave, The car forums are full of horror stories from guys who went cheap on the Ebay and other cheap offshore columns giving trouble in short order. The first thing that usually happens is that the tilt mechanism gets sloppy.

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by chincha805

Thanks for the input. going to buy a ididit column now.

Good choice. Owners Ken and Jane are good people. I have used their columns since they went into business in the 90's and have always been very pleased.

[mobileortho]

Glad I stumbled across this post. I was just about to get one off eBay.

[67GMCkid]

Don't skimp on wheels either, not a place where you want to pinch pennies!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Just an FYI;
I bought a used, never installed ididit column from a guy and when it arrived the signal housing had been damaged. Called seller, he called ididit to order a replacement and they sent it to him free of charge. THAT'S a seller that wants to keep their customers happy. Impressed!

[dante81_98]

I bought the cheap ebay one and it was crap. Ended up buying an ididit and never looked back. The one good thing that the cheap column is good for is that the shop now has a cheap column that we can use for mock up on other projects.

[roger55]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Good choice. Owners Ken and Jane are good people. I have used their columns since they went into business in the 90's and have always been very pleased.

I guess you hadn't heard that they recently decided to retire and sold the company.

The new owners have pledged to keep it 100% USA and to carry on the fine tradition. I hope that is true.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Crappy stero, not a big problem,

say it's not so orrieg
it's a big problem, imo...

i've gotten to a point in my life where good tunes are as important as good brakes
i have a better stereo in my shop than most people have in their homes

[OrrieG]

Relative to things that save your life, yes. But I have been a audiophile all my life so I understand.

[mr48chev]

Simply put there are places you can cut corners and have no ill effects or safety issues.

Steering columns and linkage, suspension and brakes are not on that list.

You can always upgrade sound systems, engine dress up trinkets and interior piece as you go but do the safety things right the first time.

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by roger55

I guess you hadn't heard that they recently decided to retire and sold the company.

The new owners have pledged to keep it 100% USA and to carry on the fine tradition. I hope that is true.

Thanks, just read that in Street Scene yesterday. I agree and hope they continue the tradition too.

[Krats1951]

So who makes Speedway's What's the quality of them?