Steering Column Repair: 64 Chevy Biscayne, turn signal switch, reverse light switch

Question
Hi Jay,
 I have a 64 Chevy Biscayne that has (now) a 3-speed tranny that I am changing to a T-10 floor shift. My steering column is screwed up in that the horn and turn signals are inoperative and since I am going to a floor shif will no longwer need the factory shifter lever. Since it does not have power steering I thought that a tilt wheel would be a bad choice because of the extra leverage needed to turn the wheel when pulling from a parking spot or making a low speed turn. This extra effort would no doubt cause the tilt portion to eventually give away and my wheel flop around...dangerous and useless. Do you happen to know where I can get a replacement non-tilt steering column (either used rebuilt or aftermarket) that would not have the shift lever and pretty much be a bolt in process? I asked Flaming River but their straight column is a replacement for a Vette and therefore would not work for my purpose. Any help will be greatly appreciated...Thanks much...Bob

Answer
Hi Bob,
You do have a few options, depending on your particular budget. Have you tried Columns Galore (1-888-326-5866)www.columnsgalore.com or Ididit Inc www.ididitinc.com?

Finding an OEM used non-shift column will be rather hard as they are rare. You could call your local junkyard and ask for interchange models and availability. If anything you'll at least have the models that will interchange. I am almost certain there are several GM interchange models as long as they are in the same vintage (ie, 62-65).

I have in the past seen a low-budget "conversion" to floor shift. The column will work and appear as an original non-shifted column. The first step after removing the shift lever, you must cut the nub off close to the bowl. Next the hole is filled with JB Weld or Bondo and then sanded, smoothed, and painted. The rest of the column is rebuilt ie. bearings, new turn signal switch and horn contact. This allows you to keep a linkage to the column for the reverse light switch which is mounted on the column itself. Of course there will need to be a modification of the reverse shift shaft lever on the transmission to link not only the floor shifter, but also the linkage back to the column. I've seen this conversion done in less than 6 hours not counting paint drying time, so it is a viable option for the do-it-yourselfer.

I hope that helps. Please feel free to contact me again if you need further clarification or assistance.

Have a great day!
-Jay