My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Modifications"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Incites => Topic started by: Stich on June 21, 2012, 03:01:37 PM

Title: Column Swap
Post by: Stich on June 21, 2012, 03:01:37 PM

Hey all, new member here. I bought a '49 3A with a lot of mods already done to it. I'm not a purist so that's OK with me. I wanted something that was a "better" driver and had more comforts but still has the Willys look. Anyway, it's got a Buick V6 with power steering and the guy had put in a column out of a '71 Ford PU. It's way to tall and very uncomfortable. My question is what is an easy swap, preferably with tilt that can be done fairly cheap? Do I look for later CJ 5s maybe?
Thanks
Jack

Title: Re: Column Swap
Post by: Jesse on June 22, 2012, 08:45:04 AM

You could try looking at hot rod vendors for a column. There are tons of options for the 32 coupe crowd, and I would imagine that most of the sizing would be similar to something more like what the jeep originally had. Pretty much the same 'cab' size is what I guess I am saying. Shorter and  narrower than a full size truck at least!

-Jesse

Title: Re: Column Swap
Post by: 49willyz on October 15, 2012, 02:03:42 PM

Did you find a swap? Mine came to me with many mods as well but I'm a 80% purist so I am replacing the column that came with mine. I believe it is from a 70's Impala. It seemed like it fit well but we might have a difference in opinion. Regardless, I have a tilt column and pump I have no interest in storing anymore if you're interested?

Title: Re: Column Swap
Post by: Stich on October 18, 2012, 10:46:36 AM

Never did find a good swap for my budget anyway. I ended up dropping the column down a little from the dash and that helped. I'd still like to put in a tilt one though. I may be interested in your column. Is it for a manual or auto? is the key on the column? What do you think shipping may be to Pioneer CA 95666?
Thanks
Jack

Title: Re: Column Swap
Post by: 49willyz on October 18, 2012, 06:50:00 PM

Manual and I don't remember about the key. I'll check it out this weekend. You pay shipping $ and the column is free. I'll get some pics and PM you.

Title: Re: Column Swap
Post by: Stich on October 19, 2012, 10:21:18 AM

Cool, thanks

Title: Re: Column Swap
Post by: HillBillE on October 25, 2012, 07:03:35 PM

My 2A came with a tilt wheel from a late '70's GMC/Chev truck.

It had been converted to Saginaw style steering, and had a SBC in it.

When the tilt column went out of my '80 CJ7, I replaced it with one from a Chevy S10.

Did not take much work to make it fit, and it had a smaller steering wheel, making getting in/out much easier.