1955 steering column install

[Al M.]

Is there a way to install the steering column in a 55 without lifting the body? If there is, can someone please explain the process.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

i just installed the col in our 55. even without the engine in place, its tight quarters.good luck,mike

[Michael L.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

Be ready to flex the fenderwells a bit... It can be done, I did it once before the body off, you might want to wrap the column if it is freshly painted and remove the masking when it is in. It is a two person job, one to guide the upper portion of the column, the other to handle the steering box.

Mike

[Steven B.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

Do cover the column if you want to eliminate damage to the paint. Blue masking tape works well and is fairly easy to remove. I recently tried Vetwrap, a cloth based self sticking bandage you can get at your local vet's. It will not damage, sticks to itself (is not sticky), and is easy to wrap and remove. It comes in 2 inch and 4 inch wide rolls. The 2 inch is easier to wrap. It is similiar to a thin, self adhesive, Ace bandage.

[Al M.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

for those of you who have done this, do you start from the top or bottom of the car?

[Edward M.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

I am assuming the issue is pretty much the same for a 56, which I am about to do.

Can you change the column with the radiator in the car? Do you need to jack the car up? Do you separate the linkage at the steering linkage end of the pitman arm, or remove the pitman arm from the box?

[Michael L.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

My radiator was out, I attached the arm and lowered the steering box in to the radiator area, and maneuvered the column through the firewall and then the dash. Hitting the fenderwell was unavoidable. When I did the body off, I inserted the column in the body and it was much easier. You can still do this but may scratch fenderwell with the box.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

Anybody know what the factory did for steering column installation?

[Michael L.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

It is my understanding the column was mounted in the body before drop.

[John H.]

Re: 1955 steering column install

It is my understanding the column was mounted in the body before drop.

That's correct - the '53-'57 instrument panel design that completely captured the column dictated the process - there was no other way to do it. '58-'62 gave more freedom of movement for install/removal for service, but it still had to be installed in the body prior to body drop for production.