Need longer steering column 69 camaro custom dash

[Norwaycamaro]

Hi guys! I`ve put in my Bmw E9X dash in my camaro in another thread here, so now i need to find another steering column more suitable for my combo. As far as lenght i have measured my original column to appr 28" . I am in need of one around 32"-35", Also want to get one with integrated wiper and lo/hi beam controls like late 80s Chevy Astro or something. But need to get some measurements for lenght on those first. Any inputs and/or ideas guys??!!

[BuzzKillian]

I have a column out of an '85 Trans Am that is about what you are asking for. I was going to put it in My '68, but I determined it was too long. It has tilt, Hi/Lo Light switch, and delayed wiper switch. The washer lever is cracked... but I think those are replaceable. I'll get a picture and a measurement.

[Norwaycamaro]

Great! I was thinking of just buying a Ididit column or something similar, but the space for the column in my dash is somewhat square like most newer cars, so something like your column given the lenght is right, would look pretty nice in there IMO.

[BuzzKillian]

Here are columns from a'68 Camaro (auto) and a '85 Trans Am
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/camaro033-1.jpg[/IMG]
The next 2 pictures show the measurement from where the steering wheel mounts to the end of the shaft.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/camaro034-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/camaro035-1.jpg
It looks like there is only 1-3/4" difference in the 2, but you could extend the shaft a little if you had to. I cut the mount for the fire wall off of the T/A column. the bolt-on mount for the camaro is a little bit bigger and does not tighten up. Some kind of spacer could be made.
I wanted to use the wood wheel for the camaro. But it ihas a lot deeper dish to the hub. I thought it put the wheel too close to the seat (or my chest). So it didn't work for me.

[DarkoNova]

I demand pics of the BMW dash in your Camaro.

[astroracer]

Have you looked at steering wheel placement? It sure would suck to have that longer column place the wheel right up against your chest while you are trying to drive it. Getting in and out may be a problem also. You had better do a mock-up with the wheel positioned where you think it needs to be...
Mark

[neki67]

I demand pics of the BMW dash in your Camaro.

Matt,

You didn't pay enough attention! ;)

Pics are already in one of Frank's other threads.

[Norwaycamaro]

Mike! Thanks for the excellent pics and measurements! When i tried my original column for mock-up with original mount i found that my directional lever would interfere with my dash and would in fact almost be levelled side wise to the dash. There is a pretty big difference with the lenght with this dash compared to the original. But as far as i can determine without measuring to extensively i think i would be good to go with maybe 2-3" longer column.
I also have the Unisteer r&p with borgeson joints, so should not be a biggie to just prolong that shaft- maybe with an ekstra joint to get the right lenght. It is extremely difficult to decide exactly the perfect lenght- even with a mock up. Also i am planning to use a NRG quick-release just to get more space when entering the car also. I am 6.2 so need the extra space:-)

[Norwaycamaro]

Oh and here`s another pic from when all mounts are tacked in place and finally you get to see how it will turn out:-49642

[BuzzKillian]

That looks really good Frank. I am 5.9 with short legs LOL . The column would have worked for my application with the T/A wheel, because it's pretty flat. But it wouldn't look right in my build.
It looks like the angle of the turn indictcator arm is greater on the T/A also. That should help with clearance. The other thing you might consider, is this column is not colapsable.

[Norwaycamaro]

Excactly my point Mike! - The biggest problem is to get the whole thing to look "right". A fellow gearhead over at Lat G gave me a tip to check out 4gen column also. He had one in his 69`and was happy with it, so i will get some measurements on that one too to compare with yours. I think actually this matter should be pretty easily fixed since there are a lot of great and helpful friends out there like yourself and also litterally thousands of different columns to choose from:-)