gm steering columns

[rer_239]

hey;
can anyone tell me how to take a 60's gm steering column apart?  i need to shorten the inner tube 4".  i'm putting it in a 29 a coupe.
thanks
rer_239

[phat rat]

take the collar off the bottom of the outer tube, it has a nylon insert with bearings if I remember right. Cut the outer shell higher than where you'll cut the shaft. Cut V grind the ends to be welded then reweld  and sleeve the inner shaft. Put the outer sleeve back together (shorten it from the middle also) and weld. Done

[t-vicky]

And dont forget to mark them before they rotate.

[rer_239]

ok, so i don't have to take the inner tube out to make sure it absolutely straight.
thanks
*

[phat rat]

ok, so i don't have to take the inner tube out to make sure it absolutely straight.
thanks
*

Are you talking about the shifter tube? If your going to use a column shift you would otherwise just weld a tabs between the two tubes to keep the inner one from banging around. Sorry I forgot that in my first reply. Just make sure everything is step cut ie. the outter tube cut an 1"-2"  farther up from the bottom then the inner tube, make sure to cut the shaft far enough down from the inner tube that you have room to do all needed welding on the shaft and sleeve. A sleeve around 3" long would be good