Steering Columns and Accessories
Bring together steering columns and their connections for classic cars and trucks. Choose tilt columns in different lengths, finishes, and shifter configurations, plus installation kits, shafts, U-joints, mounts, wiring adapters, steering wheel adapters, bearings, and related hardware.
Steering Columns and Accessories
From Steering Column to Shaft, Mounts & Connections
Choosing the column itself is only the beginning of the installation. Its length and diameter need to suit the vehicle, while the lower shaft must connect correctly to the steering system. The column also needs secure mounting at the dash and floor, compatible wiring, and the correct steering wheel connection. This collection brings those different parts of the installation into one place.
Tilt columns provide several choices before the supporting hardware is considered. POL's universal-style columns are available in 28-, 30-, and 32-inch lengths and use a 2-inch-diameter housing with a 1-inch steering shaft. Plain paintable, black powder-coated, and chrome finishes allow the column to suit different interiors, while separate column-shift and floor-shift versions let buyers match the column to the transmission and shifter arrangement.
Vehicle-specific columns provide another route when the installation calls for a column designed around a particular classic. For example, POL's 1960-66 Chevy and GMC truck Ididit tilt column is configured to position an aftermarket steering wheel in the original location. It includes features such as self-canceling turn signals, four-way flashers, a wiring harness, neutral safety switch, horn relay, and a 3/4"-36 output shaft. POL notes that additional components may still be required to complete installation.
The connection between the column and steering system deserves just as much attention. The collection includes single needle-bearing U-joints, U-joint and intermediate shaft kits, rag-joint slip-shaft couplers, steering shaft support bearings, and Stage 5 shaft kits. These components help connect the column to the steering gear or aftermarket steering conversion, but shaft diameter, spline count, connection type, angles, and clearance all need to match the particular installation.
Mounting and electrical connections complete the installation. Adjustable floor mounts, billet dash mounts, vehicle-specific floor plates, wire harness adapters, steering wheel adapters, and complete install kits are all represented. POL's universal tilt-column install kit for 1947-64 classic Ford and Chevy trucks, for example, combines column mounting and wiring components so they do not have to be sourced individually.
FAQ
How do I choose the right steering column for my classic car or truck?
Start with the vehicle, available column length, and current steering system. Determine whether you need a column-shift or floor-shift design, then check the column diameter, output shaft, steering gear or rack connection, mounting locations, wiring, and steering wheel compatibility. POL's universal-style tilt columns are available in several lengths, while vehicle-specific columns provide another option for certain applications.
What steering column lengths are available?
POL's universal-style tilt steering columns are available in 28-, 30-, and 32-inch lengths. Choosing the correct length helps position the steering wheel properly while leaving the lower end of the column in a suitable location for the steering shaft connection. Measure the existing installation rather than choosing a length based on appearance alone.
Should I choose a column-shift or floor-shift steering column?
Match the column to how the transmission is shifted. A column-shift version incorporates the shifter into the steering column, while a floor-shift column is intended for a separate shifter elsewhere in the vehicle. POL offers both configurations in different finishes, so determine the shifter arrangement before choosing the column.
Can these steering columns work with an aftermarket steering conversion?
Yes, depending on the components used. POL states that its universal-style tilt columns can be used with an original steering box or aftermarket steering conversions. The correct U-joint, intermediate shaft, coupler, or other connection components still need to be selected according to the column output and steering system input.
How do I know which steering U-joint or shaft I need?
Identify the connection at both ends of the steering shaft. Check shaft diameter, spline count and size, connection style, required shaft length, operating angle, and available clearance around headers and other components. The collection includes individual needle-bearing U-joints as well as U-joint and intermediate shaft packages for installations that require multiple components.
What parts may be needed to install a new steering column?
Depending on the vehicle, installation can require floor and dash mounts, a steering shaft, U-joints or couplers, support bearings, wiring adapters, and a steering wheel adapter in addition to the column. Vehicle-specific install kits can combine several of these components. POL's classic Ford and Chevy truck install kit, for example, includes parts for mounting the column and connecting it to the wiring harness.
What should I check before ordering a steering column and installation accessories?
Confirm the vehicle, required column length and diameter, floor- or column-shift arrangement, steering system, column output shaft, steering gear or rack input, mounting points, wiring connection, steering wheel compatibility, and shaft clearance. Also review exactly what comes with the chosen column because some vehicle-specific products may require additional installation components.