Got to a project I was putting off... Swapping to a tilt column

[MisterB]

A while back I found a factory tilt column off a '76 square body. I planned to put it in my 1980 square, but I had a feeling it would be pretty involved, and it definitely was. I'm glad I did it, but it took a long time to do it right.

I ended up replacing the wiring, turn signal switch, and various other parts with all new stuff from LMC. Some of it was out of necessity, some was just cheap insurance.

I got surpised by a couple of things, such as the ignition lock from my non tilt colum wouldn't work, because the part is different for tilt vs non tilt, so then I had to order a new one with keys. Also, the ignition switch is different for tilt versions, and somehow I didn't take it when I pulled the tilt column at the yard. Not a big deal to order a replacement, but it was really puzzling trying to figure out how to plug everything back in, as I'm on my back under the dash, because they don't plug in the same way as the non tilt column, and so the pictures I took to help me put it back together were worthless.

Anyway, I'm very pleased with the end result. It took a lot of hours to rebuild it the way I did, but it should be less likely to give me issues.

It looks and works great. Gives my arms more room to stretch out and hold the wheel, and makes it easier to get in and out without whacking a knee

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[AuroraGirl]

Whats the point of tilt column? Is it if youre really big..? I Guess mine sits just fine, I think

 

[Camar068]

lol

 

[dvdswan]

Tilt columns are handy for a lot of reasons. It can make a long drive more enjoyable.

 

[SquareRoot]

Whats the point of tilt column? Is it if youre really big..? I Guess mine sits just fine, I think

Wow.

 

[AuroraGirl]

i dont mean it in an offensive way, I meant big as in like larger. Like does a person who is 6'3" have trouble fitting in with a non tilt column? I dont have any reference. Is it too low? Too high? Does it move the steering wheel closer to you( no idea if its length is the same as non tilt)
Im curious, I just dont have any reference. Like in my car, I tilt the steering wheel to not cut off my view from dash cluster but thats the only reason.

 

[MisterB]

i dont mean it in an offensive way, I meant big as in like larger. Like does a person who is 6'3" have trouble fitting in with a non tilt column? I dont have any reference. Is it too low? Too high? Does it move the steering wheel closer to you( no idea if its length is the same as non tilt)
Im curious, I just dont have any reference. Like in my car, I tilt the steering wheel to not cut off my view from dash cluster but thats the only reason.

It definitely helps more, the bigger and taller the individual. Look at the top of the steering wheel when it's tilted up. It gives you more room for your arms. Notice the space between the seat. This makes it easier to get in and out without hitting a knee on the wheel or column.

Now, if someone is the reverse they're really short and small, being able to move the wheel down helps them to better reach the wheel

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[eskimomann209]

Yeah my knees hit the hazard switch in my way in n out sometimes.

 

[Vbb199]

Interesting. I've seen most people exchange the tilt column for a non tilt because of all the issues they sometimes tend to have.

For a squarebody, I don't need the tilt I don't guess... I'm but 6 foot 5. No issues there.

Now in something small like my 1 ton s10 blazer , tilt is a necessity. Lol lol

 

[MisterB]

Interesting. I've seen most people exchange the tilt column for a non tilt because of all the issues they sometimes tend to have.

For a squarebody, I don't need the tilt I don't guess... I'm but 6 foot 5. No issues there.

Now in something small like my 1 ton s10 blazer , tilt is a necessity. Lol lol

What, do you have T Rex arms or something? [emoji1787]

It's one of those things that while not 100% necessary, adds just enough convenience and comfort to make it worthwhile.

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[MisterB]

Also, the majority of the problems people have with a tilt column, are when they get loose... Usually from people pulling themself in and out of the truck by using the steering wheel as a grab bar.

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[82sbshortbed]

I like a tilt wheel. Got one in both camaro's and the square. Otherwise it's like driving a school bus. Lol

 

[Vbb199]

What, do you have T Rex arms or something? [emoji1787]

It's one of those things that while not 100% necessary, adds just enough convenience and comfort to make it worthwhile.

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I need the steering wheel tilted up so my legs can fit under it in the s10.

 

[Blue Ox]

I plan to swap the one from the Suburban donor into the pickup for the exact same reason I liked it in the Suburban. Tilted one notch up from straight the steering wheel rim doesn't obstruct the oil pressure gauge. Set it and forget it.

I have to agree with @MisterB. Most of the problems come from people using it as a grab-handle, or people pulling the tilt lever and just letting the wheel bang into the up position when the get in and out of the truck.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I plan to swap the one from the Suburban donor into the pickup for the exact same reason I liked it in the Suburban. Tilted one notch up from straight the steering wheel rim doesn't obstruct the oil pressure gauge. Set it and forget it.

I have to agree with @MisterB. Most of the problems come from people using it as a grab-handle, or people pulling the tilt lever and just letting the wheel bang into the up position when the get in and out of the truck.

im fortunate the view is unobstructed where i sit