<VV> 66 steering column

[James Davis]

Having owned a 1965 Corsa convertible since March 3. 1965, I have faced the
same problem.  Easiest is to find a 66 to 69 steering box and intermediate
shaft.to replace the long shaft 65 steering box.
You can continue to use the 65 box, IF you remove the box, cut the shaft to
the length of a 66 box, grind the stub shaft to fit a DD shaft, buy the
correct  universal, fabricate an intermediate shaft (I recommend you
purchase a commercial collapsible intermediate shaft) to fit between the
universal on the steering box and the steering shaft.   As the 65 column
has a different mount than the 66, you will have to modify the car's floor
to fit the different bracket.  Lastly you will have to cut a hole in the
trunck's floor to allow the set screws on the upper joint to be tightened.
You can look at a 66 to see exactly where to cut the hole..The 66 shop
manual also shows the hole's location.  The good news is later on you may
find a 66 to 69 quick steering box and steering arms and it will all bolt
in.
You may want to cut the floor reinforcement from a 66-9 Corvair and weld it
to your floor.  This reinforcement is to mate with the special fitting on
the 66 and later columns and keep the steering shaft from extending into
the drivers chest in a front end collision.  The collapsible intermediate
makes the floor reinforcement unm=nessary.

Jim Davis.

On Wed, Aug 21, 2024 at 7:13 PM Bryan Blackwell via VirtualVairs <
virtualvairs at corvair.org> wrote:

> Hi Mark,
>
> I'm guessing you've come across a '65 tele column for a reasonable price
> and you'd like to put it in your '66.
>
> The short answer is only a '66 tele column will bolt into your '66.  An
> early '65 won't - the bracket at the bottom is different and the box shaft
> is a different length.  Late '65s had the '66 style column, but those are
> generally far more expensive as they also fit Corvettes.
>
> I have some collected notes on the subject at
> http://autoxer.skiblack.com/steering.html
>
> --Bryan
>
> > On Aug 20, 2024, at 2:35 PM, Mark Plucenik via VirtualVairs <
> virtualvairs at corvair.org> wrote:
> >
> > Im hoping you guys can shed some light on this subject.  I am hoping to
> > install a telescopic column in my 66 Corsa. The column Im looking at is
> a 66
> > model not the early 65 style. I am getting conflicting answers on the
> > install.  Some tell me I need to change the steering box because of shaft
> > length and others say its not a problem. Also are there any other trade
> > secrets with this swap?  I really appreciate the help.
>
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