Hi,

Got a problem with the steering column on my 1965 El Camino Custom. The steering column extends too far into the cab by about 2 inches. My question is, how long should the steering shaft be? The one in my 65 looks to be a solid piece from the rag joint to the steering wheel, is this correct? I can't find any information in my books or on-line about this, any help is appriceated. Thanks.

I just rebuilt mine a couple of years ago. Yes, the shaft is one piece from the rag joint to the top of the column. I find mine to be at a comfortable distance for me, why do you say yours is 2" too long?

Devin

Thanks for the information Devin,
With the bench seat all the way back, the steering is right about four inches from my chest. I've measured the distance from the dash to the base of the wheel and it's about 2 inches longer than the other 65's I've seen. And, the guy who put it in also installed an external turn-indicator box because the original cable is too short to make it to the in-column turn indicator. I'm thinking he used a steering shaft from a full size Chevy truck, the overall length of the shaft is 50 inches and the distance between the dash and the end of the shaft is 10 inches. Add to that the turn-indicator housing and the depth of the steering wheel and it is a bit long. Thanks again for the input.


Jim

65`s do have a external indicator on the colomn. They just use a pointer. I don`t remember any cable for this on my old 64 and 65 elkys. Is your column a tilt? you might have a van tilt that is a common swap into older trucks.

Hi sschevellefan,

No, it's not a tilt, looks like it is an original 65 even with the powerglide gear indicator. The external turn-indicator box is clearly after-market. Plus, the cable connecting the in-column turn indicator has been cut, and the horn hardware removed. The external turn indicator is a huge swith lever that right up next to the instrument panel that you have to really reach for to use. It also does not have an auto-cancell on it. I would up-load a picture but I've taken it all apart. Thanks for your input.

I have a 64 El Camino shaft out of the column and it measures 50.5" from the rag joint plate at the mount hole to the end of the threads.

THANKS!!! That helps alot. Just one more question, does your 64 have power steering? It looks like they converted from manual, could that push the steering shaft forward by a couple of inches? Thanks again.

Mine did but the overall length of both manual and power steering gears are the same. The manual gear has an extended shaft so the same column parts can be used.