Aftermarket Steering Column?

[aps63]

I'm thinking about swapping in an aftermarket steering column (ididit or Flaming River etc...).
How much of a differance, if any, is there between an aftermarket one and a stock one.
I have a 70 Camaro. I would like to upgrade it to a tilt wheel.
Any help would be appreciated.

[raf0419]

I'm looking at doing the same for my 67 build. I spoke with an Ididit rep at the Food Lion Auto in Charlotte show last month. He gave me the impression these columns fit exactly the same as OEM with the added benefit of tilt. Curious to see what others with experience say.

[CFster]

Don't think the aftermarket ones collapse in a collision? Could be old information though.

[aps63]

Thanks for the response guys, hopefully a few members who have these columns give us their opinion.
Should I get an oem column with tilt or go with one of the aftermarket companies?
Lets hear from you.

[parsonsj]

I don't use anything but ididit columns. They fit like original, and offer a variety of finishes and options.

[astroracer]

Don't think the aftermarket ones collapse in a collision? Could be old information though.

most of the "collapse" in a GM column is designed into the mounting bracket. The next chance you get look at the mounting lugs the column bolts go thru. Most of these are made from a soft material and you will see they can "push thru" the open slots they are mounted in. This where the collapse feature does it's job in a crash. There is a little collapse in the column itself but most of the energy dissapation is thru the tear out mounting lugs.
Mark

[The WidowMaker]

my 70 chevelles main column is 2 pieces and it collapses. yes the mount makes this possible, but if its a solid shaft in the column all you will do is push it forward with your chest. mine has give itself. i talked ididit into making me a collapsible tilt column. they said they were updating their catalog but that it would take a while. i personally wouldnt put a column in my car that doesnt meet 1960's federal safety standards.

[aps63]

Thanks alot guys, great info so far.
The safety stuff is inpart, what I'm looking for.
Is there any differance in the feel, between oem & aftermarket?

[raf0419]

FYI- I just ordered an Ididit for my '67 Camaro. Evidently they are on bakorder.

[raf0419]

Make that back order. Lol!

[nekkidhillbilly]

my 66 dont collapse anyhow

[aps63]

Thanks for the help guy's.
I just ordered an ididit steering column.
Thanks again.

[scotzilla]

how do you like your ididit. I put one in a 73 truck a few years back and the customer hates houw cheap the key and cylinder feel. We called i did it and they said " yea everybody complains about it if you dont like it send it back." Im now looking for another customer who wants to put tilt in his 71 and ididit looks to be the only option with the key on the column.

[scotzilla]

I called both companies right now to see what they offered. Ididit says they changed the location of the key on the column to the factory 3 oclock position and have upgraded the key and tumbler to a factory gm style replacement. That being said they wanted $1065 for their black powder coated column. Flaming river wants $655 for their version of the same thing. I have installed several flaming river columns and have no complains. Ill post back on how this install goes.

[aps63]

I really like my Ididit column. The key feels great to me, but I think I have the newer version.

[ccmc]

You should look into a 3rd gen camaro column. I adapted a 1988 tilt column for my 1st gen.

[Classic Nova & Performance]

You are correct that ididit has made updates to that column. We've been a dealer for them for 6 or 7 years and they have been improving most of their products along the way.