Tilt Steering Wheel

[STAT303954]

I'm looking to buy a 1970 Chevelle but its doesn't have tilt steering wheel. I meed it becasue I'm 6'6. Anyways, I was wondering if it is possible to add tilti wheel option if I took it to a garage. If it is possible I was wondering how much it would cost to do it. Thanks.

[Hank70SS]

Tilt wheel was an option on the 70. You can try to one locate one if you want an original. They also make a replacement tilt column if you're not concerned with originality. I really can't tell you prices. Figure close to $200 for an original depending on condition. Can't say how it would cost to install but it's not a huge job, you could do it yourself if mechanically inclined.

[Derek69SS]

69-72 are very easy and cheap to do... they share the exact same column type and dimensions as 70-78 Camaros and Firebirds. (note: the 79+ changed the column, so those don't work) As an added side-benefit, ALL 2nd gen F-bodies had bucket seats and floor shift, so they work great for converting to floor shift also.

I put one out of a 77 Camaro in my Chevelle. They are extremely common, and most junkyards will only want about $50 for a complete column.

Besides basic handtools, you'll also need a steering-wheel puller, a lock-plate remover, and a grinder.

Find a donor column, and pull your column to compare.

Steering wheel puller, or "crow's foot" is required to pull the wheel off.

Lock plate remover is required to pull the lock plate and access the inside of the column. Once inside, swap the lock cylinders to keep your key the same. Also check the flat plug for the turn signal switch! My '77 column was different, so I had to pull and swap turn signal switches to get my harness to plug in properly. The hardest part of this whole swap is fishing the signal harness through the column.

Grinder is required to cut 3 spotwelds where the column bolts to the firewall. Camaros had a different plate at this location than Chevelles... Camaro plates were spot-welded on, Chevelle plates were bolted on. Cut spot welds, remove plate, grind welds smooth, and install the Chevelle plate just the same as it comes off the Chevelle column.

Install back into car.

The ONLY notable difference between them is the bracket where the signal switch harness clips to the column itself, under the dash... when they changed the style of the plug, they also changed the bracket, so a couple zip-ties are required to hold it in place.

I would say a newbe without a lot of wrenching experience could spend 4-5 hours doing this job. Someone with a lot of experience could probably do it in under 2.

I did it while drinking, so your results may vary.

[Black_72]

An original tilt fits perfectly. The only difference is the ignition switch. They are 180* different. Also it is a very easy job to accomplish.