With the steering column in place, we installed the U-joint on the end of the column and measured to the steering box. Remember ... Measure twice, cut once.

We then transferred that measurement to our collapsible Flaming River shaft. Remember that you don't want the shaft all the way collapsed or all the way apart, but rather somewhere in the middle of its range.

To make the cut, we used a diamond blade in our chop saw. Whatever you use, try to make sure the cut is as close to 90 degrees as possible. This will lessen the chance of it binding in your universal joint. We made the cut about 1-inch long so that we could fine-tune the length with the part in the car.

With the shaft attached to the new steering column, we could then precisely determine our final cut. With the mark made, we revisited the chop saw.

It was time for us to test-fit the U-joint on the end towards the steering box. We tightened down the set screw hard enough so that it made a mark in the shaft. We repeated this procedure on the column side as well.

Using the marks left by the set screws, we then used a drill to "dimple" the shaft ends. This will ensure the set screws stay in place where they are supposed to. After all, having your steering come apart on the highway would fall directly into the "bad" category.

Here you can see the lower U-joint installed. On the end nearest the steering box, we locked the set screw in place with the supplied jamb nut, however, for clearance reasons, we had to shorten the set screw securing the U-joint to the collapsible shaft. This meant we couldn't use a jamb nut there. Instead we applied a generous dab of blue Loctite. On the upper U-joint we were able to use jamb nuts on all the set screws.

Here you can see our finished shaft assembly. Make sure you let Flaming River know what type of steering box you have when ordering your system since they use different splined shafts. We then hooked up a grease gun to the zirc fitting on the new shaft to lube it up.

Back inside the car, we installed our functional, sweet-looking turn signal and tilt levers (PN FR20112AL, $39.00). We also bolted in the tapered billet adaptor hub from Flaming River (PN FR20119TA, $99.50). The adaptor hub allows for the use of any five or six-bolt steering wheel.

We opted for Flaming River's Nova Deluxe leather steering wheel (PN FR20127DX, $279.95 at Summit Racing). The three-spoke design is 13.4 inches in diameter and has an almost OEM look to it.

Lastly, we popped on the leather wrapped steering wheel cover and tested the horn. If you need a horn kit, Flaming River offers one, but we were able to make what we had work. Now, if we can just get the rest of the interior looking as good as the steering wheel and column.