I always go with the 80s GM tilt column. Has the ubiquitous wiring schedule, common as dirt, dirt cheap, several lengths, all wear parts still available, fairly easy to work on. You invariably have to tear it apart and tighten the loose head screws but that is really easy to do.
Depending on your transmission choice, either '32 or '40 Ford. I think that covers all reasonable eventualities.
Flaming River also makes a good one. Either of these two are good choices. I don't usually look in that direction for my cars because I am pretty low rent but I have installed them in other cars with good success.
If you do a search, the NZ Govt? Did testing on all the aftermarket columns and it lists which ones failed due to poor manufacturing or engineering standards. I only use original ford columns
1-1/2" exhaust tubing, two wheelbarrow bearings, one split-lock collar, and the 3/4" inner shaft from whatever is in the yard, and will take a cool looking steering wheel.
I used and like a late 60's Chevy pickup column from a 4 speed farm truck. Nice looking teardrop upper head and good parts support from the truck restorer catalogs. Can be easily shortened to fit. Gary
For my Model A, I just built my own from a bit of machined Delrin as a bushing, a piece of exhaust tubing and a swaged piece of the same tubing to match the flange of the chosen steering wheel. It really is not that difficult a job. connected to a '56 F-100 steering box, but it could used with a vega style box by adding a a lower bushing and U-joint. Sorry the photo of the Delron bushing could not be found, but it is simply slipped into the upper end of the column and held in place with a set screw. A typical Turnmaster style aftermarket turn signal switch is used bolted on, and the ignition switch is on the dash switch panel. It all looks traditional to me. I just don't like the look of a GM tilt column on an early hot rod.
Used a Speedway Motors Nostalgia Steel Steering Column for less than $90 plus I can remove the steering wheel at night.
I used a column from a 1970s Jeep. Made by GM for Jeep so internals are all GM. Has illuminated shift quadrant with "tilting" indicator which GM used only on vans and has ignition key on column which GM vans did not have. So this column was made by GM but not used in any GM cars.
The shaft is part of the box on old Fords and pickups, so the outer column will slip right off and interchange with the F-1. Except for the length, which could be adjusted with a hacksaw if too long.
There's a company that manufactures street rods...Every one of them has this GIANT tele-tilt column sticking out of it...the T's look especially ridiculous. I'd rather be a democrat than use one of those monstrosities in anything.
'70s GM tilt columns - easy to find and modify, such as this one I reworked from a '77 Old Cutlass to fit my 1960 VW.
I'm in the market for one and have my eye on the 40 ford style from Limeworks. I've heard nothing but good reviews for them.
thanks, alchemy I think I used the wrong term, steering shaft is inside the steering box right? don't know the name of the shaft that connects the steering wheel with the steering box. So if I got you right I can use this shaft from a 1940 Ford with its steering wheel and connect it to the F1 box, correct?
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