Manual to floor shift steering column conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72LB · 11-12-2020, 08:32 PM

After trying to find out some information from several members here and sadly not getting any replies about rebuilding steering columns I decided to do this myself and convert a manual column to a floor shift one. I acquired a shift collar from a C30 and managed to find a couple old columns to rob small parts from. I apologize for the large pics, I'm pretty much a novice with this computer stuff.

After cleaning everything up I cut the shift arms off and tacked the cutoff upper shift arm to the tube for support. The other one act's like a shim for the new bearing and housing.

Before paint I made a couple dust covers to go over the spot where the reverse light switch was and to cover where the shift arms were as well.

Paint and assembly was pretty easy and luckily I had a couple extra columns to get the plastic washers that were in better condition from.

Out with the scary Chinese eBay special column the PO put in and in with the new.

Looks like it was always there.

**LockDoc** · 11-13-2020, 12:00 AM

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Looks good! Hard to believe that no one else has done this. I haven't, but it's because I had a couple of extra floor shift columns laying around. Some times you have to just jump in and figure stuff out.

LockDoc

Andy4639 · 11-14-2020, 02:52 PM

Good job Harry and it looks even better in person. Thanks again on the chrome one. I got the coupler on the column and I think it will work OK but I will have to weld it on there. I may try and cut the Ezgo steering shaft I have off and then cut the tachs off the column and weld it on there.
I'm going to do some more looking tonight and see if I can find a coupler.

72LB · 11-14-2020, 11:00 PM

Cool! looking forward to seeing the end result.

11-12-2020, 08:32 PM	#1
72LB Registered User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Inman/Boiling Springs, SC Posts: 420	Manual to floor shift steering column conversion After trying to find out some information from several members here and sadly not getting any replies about rebuilding steering columns I decided to do this myself and convert a manual column to a floor shift one. I acquired a shift collar from a C30 and managed to find a couple old columns to rob small parts from. I apologize for the large pics, I'm pretty much a novice with this computer stuff. After cleaning everything up I cut the shift arms off and tacked the cutoff upper shift arm to the tube for support. The other one act's like a shim for the new bearing and housing. Before paint I made a couple dust covers to go over the spot where the reverse light switch was and to cover where the shift arms were as well. Paint and assembly was pretty easy and luckily I had a couple extra columns to get the plastic washers that were in better condition from. Out with the scary Chinese eBay special column the PO put in and in with the new. Looks like it was always there. __________________ 1985 C10 shortbed, current project. Member of the Upstate SC GM Truck Club.

11-13-2020, 12:00 AM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,329	Re: Manual to floor shift steering column conversion - Looks good! Hard to believe that no one else has done this. I haven't, but it's because I had a couple of extra floor shift columns laying around. Some times you have to just jump in and figure stuff out. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

11-14-2020, 02:52 PM	#3
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Manual to floor shift steering column conversion Good job Harry and it looks even better in person. Thanks again on the chrome one. I got the coupler on the column and I think it will work OK but I will have to weld it on there. I may try and cut the Ezgo steering shaft I have off and then cut the tachs off the column and weld it on there. I'm going to do some more looking tonight and see if I can find a coupler. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. Last edited by Andy4639; 11-14-2020 at 06:07 PM.

11-14-2020, 11:00 PM	#4
72LB Registered User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Inman/Boiling Springs, SC Posts: 420	Re: Manual to floor shift steering column conversion Cool! looking forward to seeing the end result. __________________ 1985 C10 shortbed, current project. Member of the Upstate SC GM Truck Club.



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