To update this Chevy C10 pickup, Jason Scudellari installed a Classic Performance Products Classic Fit Shortened Column Shift Deluxe Tilt Column (PN DC-6772-SB1.5). We followed along to document the process.
A tilt steering column is an accessory that once you’ve had one it’s hard to imagine living without it. Being able to adjust the position of the steering wheel when driving, not to mention the convenience of moving the wheel out of the way to exit and enter the vehicle, is obvious. What’s not always so obvious until it’s too late is that retrofitting a tilt steering column often moves the steering wheel far too close to the driver due to the added length of the tilt mechanism. This problem is particularly true when dealing with the less than commodious cabin of a 1967-72 Chevy or GMC pickup. Fortunately for every problem there is a solution and in this case the solution is a shortened tilt steering column from Classic Performance Products (CPP).
This comparison shows the 1-1/2-inch difference in length between a shortened and standard-length tilt columns.
CPP’s Classic Fit Shortened Column Shift Deluxe Tilt Column for 1967-72 GM trucks are available in chrome or black, with or without a column shifter. They feature a five-way tilt mechanism and are 1-1/2 inches shorter than typical tilt columns from the dashboard to the tip of the steering shaft, moving the steering wheel away from the driver for much-needed cab space.
Delivered in a protective plastic case, CPP’s columns come with shift, turn signal and tilt levers, dashboard seal, floor gasket and plate, neutral safety/backup light switch, and three- and four-speed gear indicators.
Installing a CPP shortened tilt column is basically a remove-and-replace operation. These columns attach to the truck via all the stock brackets for a solid, stable installation. They come with GM electrical connectors and accept the original neutral safety/reverse light switch. Replacing the stock, fixed position steering column couldn’t be easier, and best of all none of the valuable interior space is sacrificed, proving yet again, less really can be more.
The lever on the neutral safety/backup light switch fits over a tab on the shifter tube inside the steering column. The switch must be adjusted so the truck only starts in Park and Neutral (easy-to-follow instructions are included).With the switch installed and adjusted it plugs into the stock wiring harness.The first step to installing the included shift lever is to drop this detent spring in place.With the spring installed, the lever is next. It’s held in place by driving in a knurled pin. Note the light bulb that illuminates the shift indicator.This is the pointer for the shift indicator; it moves in and out as the wheel tilts.CPP provides two shift position indicators, one for three-speed automatics and the other for four-speed overdrives.The gear indicator and bezel attach to the column with the supplied screws.On the right side of the steering column the button to activate the hazard lights is installed.The CPP steering column is secured to the dash with the factory clamp and fasteners.On the engine bay side of the firewall the bottom of the column is again secured with the original clamp and hardware.With the column in place the factory steering column grommet is installed. It fits around the bottom of the column and on the outside of the instrument panel.The CPP 3/4-inch, 36-spline steering shaft accepts the stock GM steering shaft. Note the flat spot for the fastener that secures the U-joint to the shaft.CPP also offers an upgraded U-joint and collapsible shaft assembly that is a direct replacement for the factory components.Included with the column are new turn signal and tilt levers.To simplify connecting the steering column’s shift lever to the transmission, CPP offers their shift linkage kit (PN CPTSL).At the top end of the CPP shift linkage is an adjustable rod end that attaches to the shift arm on the column.At the transmission end the CPP linkage kit has a slotted lever that makes it easy to adjust the shifter’s throw; particularly useful when four-speed overdrive automatics are used.Included with the steering column is an adapter to plug the column into the original wiring harness, if needed.There are a variety of steering wheels and adapters available from CPP. For the turn signals to cancel properly the horn button connector (arrow) should be between the 10 and 11 o’clock positions, with the front wheels pointing straight ahead.For convenience the gear position indicator is illuminated. It can be connected to the dash lights or a keyed source to come on with the ignition switch in the “on” position.
