Tech request - shortening a steering column shaft

[41ChevyTrucker]

I need some advice on shortening my steering column shaft.

I was thinking I would cut out a section in the middle and then cut/grind a flat section halfway through each end of the shaft so they overlap like a puzzle. Then bevel the outside edge and weld it up. Maybe put a pin in there to?

[stangzilla]

or you could cut it to the length you need drill and tap it boom your done

[Upchuck]

60's style did one that might help yousteering column tech (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=408463&page=&view=&sb=5&o =&fpart=1&vc=1)

[praisethelowered]

Typically people cut a section out of the middle like you planned, but just cut it straight across the width, taper for penetration and weld it up. Then fit a 3" sleeve over it and position it halfway over the joint and weld the ends of that too. It seems that it gives a little extra insurance.

the drill & tap idea i don't know about- it's it intended to resist twisting forces?

[flatheadpete]

I mated a '36 shaft to my Model A box. Cut the A shaft about 4 in. from the box, welded a plug in there good and solid. Cut the '36 shaft to size, drilled the lower end full of holes, and plug welded that sucker on finishing with a full circumference weld at the joint of the two. It hasn't come apart and it steers just fine. -Pete

[jerry]

why not do a double D on the end of the shaft and use a modern joint, flaming river or borgeson?


jerry

[Corn Fed]

Do as Praisethelowered suggested with the sleeve, but make the cut rather close to the top. The shaft is going to warp when it's welded and if you do it in the middle, it will just have that much more runout at the end.

Place the beveled shaft parts in a heavy angle iron chunk and clamp them in good with mutliple clamps. Weld as much as you can. Grind any positive weld material off and replace in the angle iron. Weld the other side. Grind excess weld. Roll the shaft on something flat to see what way it warped. Use a torch to slightly heat opposite the warp. Let it cool. Repeat until it is straight. Slide your sleeve over the joint. Weld it to the shaft. You will have to again heat and cool until it's straight again. Try to get it as straight as possible. Good Luck.
C.F.

[41ChevyTrucker]

thanks guys. glad I asked. The sleeve sounds like the way to go and no one will ever see it anyway. 60's post is good! I noticed he mentioned he would use a sleeve on a solid shaft too.