Steering Column Repair: 74 chevk k5 tilt steering column replacement?, smog control, truck salvage

Question
I have a 74 chevy 4x4 (4 speed floor shifter) that was stolen a while back and the tilt was screwed up. Im not sure exactly what was disassembled but it just moves freely up and down. I am looking at replacing the whole column. I need to take the truck camping in 2 weeks so is there anywhere you can reccommend for me to purchase preferrably a reconditioned steering column. Or someone in the San Francisco Bay Area to rebuild mine? thanks

Answer
Hello Travis,
I'll set you a path in your search. If you need it immediately and money is no object, try

Columns Galore - http://www.columnsgalore.com - (toll free) 888-326-5866

Ididit - http://www.ididitinc.com/ - (517) 424-0577

Flaming River - http://www.flamingriver.com/ - (toll free) 800-648-8022

Columns Galore probably has a reconditioned column.

The longer version where money is of essence is to use junkyarddog.com, the online parts locator. You type in your contact info and send a query to networked salvage yards. Those that can help you will contact you using the info you supply (so use a good email address, names not so important). I've found many hard to find parts using this method. Surprisingly the prices have been competitive too.

Another thing I ran across is Recycler.com. On there I did a quick search and found:

PACIFIC Truck Salvage Parts for 60s-90s Steering Columns Rebuilt SMOG CONTROL PARTS 11644 SHELDON STSUN VALLEY Mon-Fri 10am-5pm - Sat 10am-2pm 818-767-0204

All of these links and contact info should get you going in the right direction.

Have a great day!
-Jay