JC68Cutlass

I'm interested in swapping my fixed steering column for tilt. I've contacted Ididit and YearOne and was told by both '68 is the only year it can't be done. I have column shift, dashboard ignition. I can't use the column shift because my gear selector indicator is in my instrument panel and not sitting on top of the column. Plan "B" was to convert from column shift to floor shift but was told there was not a conversion kit for 2 speed ST-300 Jetaway transmission, only 3 speed and 4 speed transmission. Any suggestions? I'd appreciate the help.

2blu442

You can get a factory 1968 tilt column with a column shift arm. Or you can get a factory tilt column for a floor shift automatic or manual transmission, they were factory options too. I've seen the aftermarket columns but am not familiar with them. If you get a factory one you can be sure it will fit and function.

John

edzolz

I do not know the name but there is a company in Athens Texas that makes exact replacement columns for GM cars. Tilt and straight.

JC68Cutlass

Hi John,

From GM?

Thanks.

exotec

I found them as well, because of considering also a tilt column for my Omega.

For the Cutlass/442 they also do not list any 68 columns.
http://garys-classics.net/restco.html

JC68Cutlass

correct

joe_padavano

The 1968-earlier columns do not lock and thus are smaller in diameter since they do not have a lock cylinder and mechanism. Ididit and other aftermarket companies primarily sell columns based on the 1969-up GM architecture. Even their columns that do not have a lock cylinder use the larger 69-up diameter to be compatible with all the aftermarket steering wheels. You can get an aftermarket column that will work in a 68, but you won't be able to use your original steering wheel due to the larger diameter. You could use a four spoke wheel with its larger hub, however.

joe_padavano

I'll add that Ididit sells a tilt steering column for the 67-68 Chevelle and GTO. This is exactly the same column used in a 68 Cutlass. It uses the large diameter 69-up steering wheel hub.
Don't assume that any Chevy-centric vendor has a clue about what does or does not fit an Oldsmobile. How many vendors claim that their headers don't fit Supremes?

https://www.ididitinc.com/i-29487491...tegory:1310143

JC68Cutlass

so if I get this with column shift, I'll be fine? All I need is an aftermarket larger diameter steering wheel? I'm fine with a new aftermarket steering wheel if it gets me a tilt column.

joe_padavano

That one I linked to is a floor shift column. I didn't realize you wanted column shift, but I believe they make those also. In any case, I have to believe you can find a factory 68 column shift tilt for less than the cost of the Ididit and a new steering wheel.

Your money, your call.

edzolz

There website show a tilt column for the 67 Buick Skylark. I might be wrong, but I do feel that column will fit the 68 Cutlass also since it is a non keyed column.

JC68Cutlass

thanks, the guys at Ididit are saying it will not work with my dash. I had no idea 68-72 were not the same.

JC68Cutlass

thanks, the guys at Ididit are saying it will not work with my dash. I had no idea 68-72 were not the same.
69 was the transition year to column ignition. That's the problem.

2blu442

Yes, the factory did make these and I agree with Joe you should be able to purchase a factory column for less than aftermarket.

joe_padavano

The 67-68 A-body columns all interchange. Ask them specifically what part of the dash does it not work with.

By the way, here's an aftermarket 67-68 A-body tilt column shift steering column from OPGI. I have no personal experience with this product. Again, it uses the 69-72 architecture so you need a larger steering wheel hub.

https://www.opgi.com/interior-access...t-pp00954.html

2blu442

Wow! Now that's cheaper than I'd have expected.

JC68Cutlass

a larger steering wheel hub is not an issue. I can work around that. Do you think that's the reason it states in the link that it will not work with a 68 Cutlass?

edzolz

Sounds like Ididit wants to make a sale. I assure that column will fit your dash. The Ididit does not have the nut inserts that factory columns have.

JC68Cutlass

Thanks so much!

joe_padavano

Just so we're all clear, like headers, no aftermarket steering column will be a direct bolt-in. I guarantee that there will be differences in the turn signal connector, attachement of the mounting bracket under the dash, and possibly even in the spline diameter for the shaft. Be aware that some fabrication or swapping of parts will be required. That's called hotrodding. If you want a direct bolt-in, get a used original 67-68 column.

JC68Cutlass

OK, thanks.