Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Finding the Column
Step1
Decide what you want on the steering column. You can get a column that has shift and speed wiper controls, etc. You also need to decide on the style of column - paintable steel, chrome-plated steel or aluminum.
Step2
Determine the make and year of your car. This is important because it can influence the length of the column. For example, a '32 Ford street rod may have a Vega steering box, an old-style Mustang steering box or an independent front suspension with a rack and pinion. Each situation calls for its own length of column - the old-style Mustang box is right at the firewall, the Vega box is underneath the motor mount about one-third the way up from the frame rail, and the rack and pinion is in back of the radiator.
Step3
Read automobile magazines that specialize in the make and year of your car. Companies that offer tilt steering columns advertise in these magazines or are mentioned in articles.
Step4
Call the companies and ask whether they specialize in your car's make and year. Ask about price, warranties and guarantees.
Step5
Buy the column from the company you feel most comfortable with.
Installing the Column
Step1
Read the instructions that come with the column and decide whether you're up for this. Essentially it involves the following two steps. If you're not, skip them and go to step 9.
Step2
Unbolt and remove the original column. Notice how it was bolted in place.
Step3
Bolt the new column exactly the same way as the old column was bolted.
Step4
Contact the manufacturer of the steering column you have purchased and ask for them to recommend a shop that can install it.
Step5
Check the yellow pages for a car restoration shop or car repair shop if you can't get a recommendation.
Step6
Call the shops and find out whether they have experience installing steering columns on your make and year of car.
Step7
Visit the shops and watch an installer install a column, if possible.
Step8
Select the shop with which you are most comfortable.
