 1956chevy
Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 286
Loc: Orlando, FL .
Reg: 05-11-01
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 03-26-12 04:03 PM - Post#2207775
Hello all. I had posted a prior topic about my CPP 500 series steering box and my Ididit column not fitting my 56 very well. The column was still inside the firewall, prohibiting a good seal with the firewall seal. Here is what I did to get a perfect fit.
First, the rag joint that came with the Ididit column was too long. I found a rag joint at Eckler's that was 1/2" shorter. However, when I tested it I noticed that the 3/4"-30 side that attaches to the steering box was not seating all the way down on the shaft like the Ididit rag joint. This was due to the way the rag joint bolt was positioned through the opening. The rag joint was about 1/4" further up the shaft of the steering box (towards the firewall) than the rag joint from Ididit.
I removed the 3/4"-30 half of the Eckler's rag joint and replaced it with the Ididit half. I kept the other half of the Eckler's rag joint. I made sure that the steering box shaft did not protrude from the end on the 3/4"-30 side of the rag joint. I wanted to make sure that the column and steering box shaft didn't touch (Kind of defeats the purpose of the rag joint).
By doing this I shortened the rag joint mounting position by 1/4".
This is the "blended" rag joint, using half Eckler's and half Ididit.
Notice how the Ididit side of the rag joint (3/4"-30) has a set screw instead of a bolt that passes through the splined opening.
The next issue was to trim the column to the minimum. I had noticed that when the rag joint was installed on the column I still had 3/8" of the shaft that could be used inside the rag joint.
I cut off 3/8" from the end of the steering column.
Notice the red lines. The right line is where the top of the rag joint was before the cut. The left line is where it was after the 3/8" was cut off.
BEFORE - when using the original Ididit rag joint.
It may look like the same amount of column shaft is sticking out of the rag joint as after I shortened it. The reason for that is the Ididit half of the rag joint (1" DD) in this picture is deeper than the Eckler's (1" DD) rag joint that I used.
AFTER
As you can see, the column now exits the firewall. 
Thank you to everyone who responed to my questions in the previous posts.
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 WagonCrazy
"7th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 2314
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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03-26-12 04:28 PM - Post#2207780
In response to 1956chevy
Good work. I see from earlier posts that you've been struggling with this for a while. Looks like it's fully functional now.
What are your plans for covering up the firewall hole now? How did you mount the leading edge of the steering column? Or is it mounted down low on the firewall at all?
57 Nomad C4-LS1 Pics
57 210 9passenger wagon Pics |
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 Charlie57
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2934
Loc: Lebanon, Tennessee
Reg: 03-30-08
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03-26-12 05:06 PM - Post#2207798
In response to WagonCrazy
Looks really good! Glad to see you got it fixed.
Charlie
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1956chevy
Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 286
Loc: Orlando, FL .
Reg: 05-11-01
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03-26-12 05:21 PM - Post#2207805
In response to WagonCrazy
The column is mounted in the stock position using the stock dash mount. On the last photo above you can see the Ididit lower column mount under the column.
I was not able to use the factory threaded nuts to secure the lower column mount to the firewall, as they had been drilled out. Since I had to use nuts and bolts I positioned the bolts inside the firewall. This way I will not have a problem getting the seal over them.
As for the hole, I am using the factory column seal and firewall seal.
Here is the column ready to go in. I have not attached the seals to the firewall yet. (Yes, the column mounting clamp is on the wrong side of the seals. I found that out later.  )
I will clean up the over spray on the firewall around the opening in the engine compartment. I realize that Eckler's sells a polished stainless lower column mount that mounts from the engine side, and covers the whole area. I considered that, but wasn't sure how much clearance I would have. The old 605 box and column I removed had a piece of sheet metal bolted under a massive power brake booster that covered the opening. It was really a nightmare working on the steering with that in the way.
Yes, they also broke all the studs off the pedal assembly when they mounted that brake booster. I have replaced the pedal assembly mount after painting it and rebuilding it.
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Jalapeno
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 8485
Loc: The Republic of Texas
Reg: 04-30-00
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03-26-12 07:51 PM - Post#2207890
In response to 1956chevy
Keith, glad you solved the problem(s). Your explanation was well stated and the pix are great.
Thanks for taking the time to walk us through it. The next guy with this particular set-up will benefit.
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1956chevy
Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 286
Loc: Orlando, FL .
Reg: 05-11-01
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03-26-12 08:43 PM - Post#2207919
In response to Jalapeno
Thank you Jalapeno. It is nice to be working on the 56 again after so many years. I remember talking with you years ago when I was doing a frame off on a 56 4 dr sedan. I ended up selling it before it was completed. I was moving from OK to FL.
It's good to be back.
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1956chevy
Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 286
Loc: Orlando, FL .
Reg: 05-11-01
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03-27-12 06:05 AM - Post#2208005
In response to 1956chevy
I will clean up the over spray on the firewall around the opening in the engine compartment. I realize that Eckler's sells a polished stainless lower column mount that mounts from the engine side, and covers the whole area. I considered that, but wasn't sure how much clearance I would have. The old 605 box and column I removed had a piece of sheet metal bolted under a massive power brake booster that covered the opening. It was really a nightmare working on the steering with that in the way.
After careful consideration, I think I will use the Eckler's polished stainless lower column mount (#53-146). It should fit fine, and will look a lot nicer. 
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