Can you shorten a steering column?

[Jeff]

I have a '74 C10 step side, with an in-line 6 cylinder, and a 3 speed manual column shift.  I'm going to install a Hurst 3 speed Indy pickup truck floor shifter.  I have installed bucket seats, and with the seat slid all the way back against the back wall of the cab, I don't have much room between me and the steering wheel.  Ididit.com will sell me a custom tilt column, but it's only 2 inches shorter (better than nothing).  I was wondering if anyone has had the same problem as myself.  I'm 6'4" tall, and yes I'm heavy (260 lbs).  I thought I could shorten the input shaft from the coupling in the engine compartment, and therefore slide the entire column closer to the firewall.  I have not torn anything apart yet, just like to hear some info/comments from those who might have experience with this subject.  Thanks in-advance for your comments.

[Captkaos]

The steering column mounts to the dash with 4 bolts right under and behind the instrument bezel.  To make it shorter you will have to modify that mounting point to move it back, and then you will have to modify the shaft on the opposite side of the firewall which basically would be collapsing it down.

[Grover 1]

I've often wondered that.  The column seems to stick out a lot further than necessary.  Could it be cut, sectioned and put back together?

[VileZambonie]

A telescoping column is the way to go

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/IDT-1190300020/?rtype=10

[Jeff]

I appreciate your responses.  The tilt/telescoping universal column from Summit is too pricey for me right now.  I've got other issues to address with my budget of funds for this project.  I contacted an outfit in Fort Wayne, IN called gmtiltsteering.com, and they were much more reasonable than Ididit.com or Flaming river.  I might only lose 2 inches in a shorter column, but the price was very acceptable.  Hope they're reliable  and honest business.  I've been "burned" from other purchases made via the internet.  Thanks again for your info and comments.

[VileZambonie]

You could look for a cadillac telescoping column

[Captkaos]

GMtiltsteering is a good place.  I recommend them.   They my can get you a tele/tilt that will work with it.

[Jeff]

I'll send them an email and ask about a tilt/telescopic column.  I thought they would have already recommended it.  I'm all for it, if it will shortened the column more than 2 inches from a stock OEM.  Thanks again for the info.

[Jeff]

Just received an email from gmtiltsteering.com.  "Any tilt/telescoping column will be longer from the dash to the driver than any other style column.  So, my mind is made up.  I will be purchasing a tilt, floor shift model.

[Captkaos]

You won't be disappointed with gmtiltsteering.com.

[modular93fox]

this is what i did.. read a thread i created on another forum...

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/general-discussion/classics/352431-steering-column-mod-progress.html

and of course the photos that were on geocities is no longer available but if you read it and have looked at the column you would know what im talking about.. if not, look at the column and read it...
pretty easy... just need a welder, drill, cut off wheel and somet time...
clint

[Jeff]

Modular93fox, thank you for the info.  Wish I could see the photos.  One problem, I don't have a welder, but know where I can get someone to do that for me.  How much length did you cut off from the intermediate shaft? and where?.  My column is a non-tilt 3 spd column shift (which is being removed).

[VileZambonie]

Don't build yourself an impaler

[Jeff]

He did mention the installation of a nylon/plastic rivet instead of a bolt, so that in the event of frontal impact, the column would not crush into your chest.

[modular93fox]

I dont think I cut off any actually. You could if you wanted to to make the space in the intermidate shaft the as OE.. dont think thats a bad idea... maybe I will do that for that "just incase it should be that way". Once the column tube was modified and the column bracket was finished and mounted, I simply mounted the column to the truck as OE and then removed drilled the glue out from the shaft and made marks where to drill the new holes. good thing about using a plastic rivit is you can easily remove the rivit and remove the shaft if need be without removing the column.