Need help here. I need a bracket/whatever that will attach the steering column and firewall. I envision a flat piece and a circular sleeve. Thanks for the help jim
On 40's with a stock column converted for modern box I made one as you suggest-small ring a little larger than column with a set screw and arms horizontal that bolt to the floor--works well and is easily hidden by carpet--have done 7 this way-the ones I see for sale are kinda bulky and rather unattractive
I used a small piece of angle iron under the floor, and an exhaust clamp, works perfect and cheap too.
did a google and found some pics that may help http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40674 at the very bottom of the above post later jim
For a clean look and to avoid the big flange that's present on the aftermarket floor mounts available, find a 3-4 inch section of tubing that will just slide over your steering column and drill and tap it to accept a small pinch bolt. Slide it over the steering column and tighten it in place where it passes through the firewall. Slowly open up the firewall to accept the column with the section of tubing until its snug, then weld the section of tubing to the firewall. Make sure the column is in its final resting place before doing so.
I used a piece of exhaust tubing, split with clamping "ears" welded on. When I welded it to the firewall I left the bottom edge un-welded so when clamped it would squeeze together. After this pie was taken I reversed the bolt direction for better access.
While looking for pictures and writing my response, I missed your post. We had the same idea, you beat me to it! LOL
On my '38, I made a pattern from a 5" x 7" index card. Half-moon cutout the diameter of the column and measured the distance from the flange at the bottom of the firewall that the toeboard fits up to down to the top of the column. Transfer the pattern onto a piece of 1/4" steel plate, cut out, and drill bolt holes to attach the plate to the firewall flange. Get an exhaust clamp the diameter of the column and weld the bottom piece of the clamp onto the steel plate. Bolt this piece to the bottom flange of yur firewall. I used 3 3/8" bolts. Fit your column up into the plate, use the u-bolt and nuts from the exhust clamp to bolt your column up into the plate.
What you're envisioning is pretty much on point. I cut out the abomination that the previous owner made (based on the parts used, the car was originally made into a Hot Rod in the early 80's) but their method was to cut the hole with possibly a hatchet, or maybe they used an angry beaver to gnaw a hole into their interpretation of a firewall. They just used some silicone and glued the column to the floorboard. Anyway, I replaced the firewall and made my own steering column mount using a piece of sheet metal for the base, some flat stock that was about 1.5" wide, and a outdoor gate hinge. I used a Inner tube as a sheet of rubber for a gasket, and just cut a hole for the column that was smaller than the diameter of the column and stretched it over the column. it sandwiches between the bracket and the floorboard. I welded the caged nuts to the outside-side of the firewall so it'll have some "wiggle room" for adjustment and I wouldn't have to have a helper hold a wrench on the nuts when installing the column bracket. The pictures explain it better than words.
Check into a 1960's VW Bug; they used a rubber grommet in the front firewall that the steering column tube slipped into.