HI New to this site I am installing a 605 PS box in my 56 Iam using a chevy van tilt column.I am needing some help on modifing the column I cant figure out how to tear it down to modify it if anybody has any information i would greatly appreciate the help MANY THANKS

How far do you want to tear it down?

I really need to take it completely apart to shorten the shaft and the inner and outer tubes I have it down to just below the turnsignal plate and thats it.

I will look for my book that shows an exploded view of the tilt column so you can tear it down.

Couldn't you just remove the lower bearing support, drive out the shifter arm, cut the outer column and then trim the inner shaft to fit without messing with the tilt column?

Joe

Off to look for the exploded view of the column..

Hey Thanks for your reply.The reason I am tearig it down is because I just thought thats how it was done I have no idea The post i have read on other sites talk about tearing it apart to modify it. also i would like to to cut a section out of the steering shaft and retain the splined end if that is possible. also I have a 700r4 transmission with a column shift that i want to keep a column shift and still use the original shift indicator .any help will greatly appreciated.also what do you think of the 605 boxes that they sell at Mc gaulys I see them advertised all the time in super chevy.

In my 57 wagon I installed the 605 conversion that I got from Danchuck, I think it is the same one that Mcgaughys. However I used the Ididit column.

Hound dog, I've used several column shift/no key chevy van columns.I did on one occassion cut the splines off and use a pinned DD shaft.I still have the car and no sign of problems.Many years ago Street Rodder magazine did a tech article on dissasembly and shortening of one, probably early 80,s.I'm sure I have it if you are really serious.Around here these columns sell for about $100 to 150, if you can find one.I am building another 40 Ford,but I will not try to locate another van column, I'll buy an after market.My guess is any left out there are really trashed and you could end up with close to the same dollars invested.Thats my thoughts.I will find the article if you are serious.

Hey thanks for the replies I found a column last week it is in great shape I gave 60 bucks and i had to take it out of the van. that was fairly simple I have it torn down to just below the turn signal plate and thats it cant seem to figure how to go any farther. as far as the 605 box from mc gaughys i was wondeeeering about the mount that comes with it any problem with twisting or flexing. Thanks Hound dog 56

I have had my 605 box in for a couple of years and have not have any problems, a buddy of mine used the mcgaughy system and also has not had any problems, It is a very easy conversion, just unbolt the three bolts that hold the original in the car you even use the original steering arm from the bottom of the orignal box. I am next going to add some serious size sway bars to the front and rear of the old wagon not the wimpy 3/4 or 7/8 units, I want at least a 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inch units, I like to go around curves.

Hey EBlack36 thanks for the reply.My concern if the mounting bracket flexes, also I like the idea about the sway bars.Also still looking for any info on how to modify the chevy van column.THANKS