Hey guys, I recently discovered that my '68s floor shift steering column is collapsed and needs to be replaced or rebuilt. I'm leaning toward replacing it with a Flaming River or Ididit tilt column.

What I'd like to know is your opinions on these products, whether you have installed one or seen examples of them and what (if any) hidden costs are associated with the install. Any advantage to one over the other?

The pricing is similar on both but Ididit seems a little vague on whether the column secures to the dash with the original brackets or a custom bracket. I have contacted Flaming River and they seem to have all the conversion details, but they are unsure on the hazard flashers (they think I need the conversion kit, but there is a hazard knob on my column...? My car is a mid May '68 build).

All advice is appreciated!

The Flaming River column requires a special mounting kit (a piece of billet aluminum). It is NOT included in the price of the column.

Gary

The Ididit bolts normally to the dash, but the firewall hole and bracket took a little fabrication to make tight.

The Ididit is smaller in diameter than stock.

I used the universal clamp that Ididit sells, and had to find a smaller seal.

Also, on the 67 model they sell it has a double "D" shaft.

I'm using rack and pinion, so I got the joints from Borgeson.

[ 09-19-2003, 08:40 PM: Message edited by: ZZ430DropTop67RS ]

Scott,

I have a Flaming river in mine, do a search, I posted the pics of the mount and the universal DD to 13/16 spline on the steering box, I am totally happy with the install.
Jerry
I added these pics, you can see the billet mount under the dash.
http://www.msnusers.com/_Secure/0UAAAADMYhcVtTPwMidA6soS0sOoF5*2sZ5jehUIKuPMPItOKV KLSd4Dfd01e!Mwn9nplU4Q5ii0CpxCB*Xk0*Evuk9ocACed5VF emEjdy0sQLEaBwodGPQAAZAFgT2kh/DSCF0056.JPG?dc=4675423702737713991
http://www.msnusers.com/_Secure/0UADOAjYYWsZtTPwMidA6slQyI4rKL1DL4Met69AvD3U79iGge fj711Lx0ivSO5L1RlLFwgI3anDLzpYs2WI2w4glKj!0kKkNSUb oXAFodIEGPxGoD4lDmXSC!ikAcPop/DSCF0059.JPG?dc=4675423702744745012
http://www.msnusers.com/_Secure/0UADwFi4YI8RtTPwMidA6sh3I2tIvIKTZBSoeItqAaSlaDLcwO VORa!BOl1IJBVRDxAx8iwPqE7v1dJ3pTFJYUvTyUvJJSVkRfuK pK01A7wKxmIDGpXNXZ!kDAABmAAIA/DSCF0060.JPG?dc=4675423702747156556

Thanks for the info guys!

Jerry, did the Flaming River unit you installed need any custom parts at the firewall or were you able to re-use the original parts?

Scott, I reused the firewall two piece mount, there was a little space or slack due to the Flaming river column is slightly smaller than original, I filled that space with foam weatherstripping and clamped it tight. I think it is a good fix, its watertight and might even help to reduce a little vibration. Hope that helps. Oh, you will also need to purchase the female GM connector to attach to your underdash harness or buy a adapter harness...both are only about 10 bucks each whichever route you choose.
Also I bought my column and mount from another supplier and it was drop shipped from Flaming river I saved about $40 over direct from FR.
Ill try and find it.
Jerry

here is the website:
http://www.jdsperformance.com/index.asp?initemuid=363&fcmd=item&inmake=all

Thanks Jerry! I think I'll give Flaming River a shot through JD's Performance.

DSE sells Ididit columns. Call Kyle and ask him about it. He is always willing to answer all questions. I thought they were direct replacements.

www.detroitspeed.com (http://www.detroitspeed.com)