The main player in this process...
The main player in this process is this 33-inch tilt column from Flaming River (PN FR30001, $549). It has a factory-style ignition switch and includes two keys. Best of all, it's designed to be a plug-and-play deal in terms of the wiring. All of Flaming River's columns are comprised of new components, not re-manufactured parts.
Ergonomics is all the rage these days, especially in the automotive arts. Having the various controls we use to interface with our classic Chevys in just the right spot really adds to the overall driving experience. Having them in the wrong spot, for lack of a better term, blows. The steering wheel is how we become "one" with our cars and having it positioned correctly makes a huge difference, not just in performance driving, but even cruising down to the local Dairy Queen.
This whole concept is really nothing new. Back in the day, the General offered tilt columns as an option for those that didn't mind shelling out a few extra bucks for some added driving comfort. Today it's nearly impossible to find a car that doesn't have a tilt column as standard equipment.
We also picked up this slip...
We also picked up this slip shaft double-D (DD) kit (PN FR1856, $115.21) from Flaming River. This will let us attach the new column to the steering gear box. We will also be ditching the factory rag joint and going to the stainless U-joints included in the Flaming River kit. The shaft has about 3 inches of travel to help eliminate binding caused by chassis flex.
Adding a tilt column to a non-tilt car isn't rocket science, but there is one problem: Availability. Twenty years ago, you could just hit up a salvage yard and find a good OEM unit, but over the years these carcasses have been picked clean and it has become increasingly harder, and more expensive, to find factory tilt columns. Also, given that most of them are over 40 years old, they're typically suffering from the ravages of time.
Unless you're building a concourse restoration, there's a better way: The aftermarket. Companies like Flaming River are making retrofit tilt columns, and the best part is that they're brand new and made from modern components. This lets you upgrade your ride without getting tetanus at a local scrapyard or having to deal with a factory column and all of its worn out components.
Here's the factory arrangement....
Here's the factory arrangement. The OEM shaft is connected to the gearbox by way of a coupler, also known as a rag joint.
After disconnecting the rag...
After disconnecting the rag joint and unbolting the broken column from the firewall and the dash, we were able to remove it from the Camaro. Our second-gen had a tilt column, but it was busted and no longer held any position besides fully tilted up. Not exactly the most ergonomic position for driving.
As you can see, the old column...
As you can see, the old column was removed in one piece. On second-gen Camaros the plate that seals the firewall area around the column is attached to the column. Once the new column is in place, you will either need to remove this from the factory column and adapt it to the new column or fabricate a new one from some sheetmetal. We opted for the latter.
We then attached this adaptor...
We then attached this adaptor plate from Flaming River (PN FR20300, $39). This will make everything line up perfectly for our Camaro application. They call it a Stramp Clamp. It includes a rubber mount for vibration absorption.
To the Flaming River adaptor...
To the Flaming River adaptor plate we then attached the factory bracket taken from our original steering column. This is the only part reused from the OEM column.
With that done, we were able...
With that done, we were able to slide the new steering column through the firewall and bolt it under the dash. We then simply plugged the factory wiring loom into the plug on the steering column. We wish all wiring jobs were this easy.