'54 steering column removal

[Robert V.]

I have the body off the frame of my '54 and have everthing removed from the body except for the steering column. Where the column goes thru the hole in the dash and the hole in the firewall doesn't allow the column to pivot far enough to the right for the steering gear box to clear the left inner fender apron. The radiator suppot is removed also. Any ideas how to get it out short of cutting fiberglass? Thanks for any help you can give.

[Wayne P.]

Re: '54 steering column removal

I guess I need to look at my car. I don't remember any interference at the point you describe. The steering box is inside the frame rail. The inner fender just comes to the edge.

[Robert V.]

Re: '54 steering column removal

Thanks for the response, Wayne. The body is off the frame and the steering gear box interferes with an inboard projection at the forwrd end of the left inner fender well.

[Paul M.]

Re: '54 steering column removal

Robert, I just took the column out of my 54. I had to push out on the inner fender so that it would clear. It was the only way that I could get it out.

Paul

[Robert V.]

Re: '54 steering column removal

Thanks for the response, Paul. I hesitated doing that because getting it back in will take a toll on newly painted parts. But, it may be the only way with touch up in order after installation. Maybe once I have it out I can separate the outer tube and then press it into the gear box after installation.

[Roy B.]

Re: '54 steering column removal

This may sound hard, but with the steering in the vett, body on, I use a hand torch to heat the steering box neck , pull the tube off and out through the dash. Then removing the side cover, pitman arm and shaft and end nut, I slide the housing up the shaft which makes it easy to remove the shaft out the grill area. I reverse the steps , paint the column real pretty slide it back in giving it a tap and presto I'm happy. If you worried about setting the box gears back to original.it's not that hard. This way you get to clean and inspect all the parts.

[Robert V.]

Re: '54 steering column removal

I was thinking about doing that and now that I know someone else had success with this method gives me the incentive to go for it. Thanks for the info, Roy.