R and P steering on a 48 Chrysler

[48Chrashler]

I have been away for awhile but very busy. My 48 Chrysler was completely off frame and is now getting rebuilt ground up. I am getting alot of help from a SoCal shop but spending a day a week there learning. We took a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee as a donor and used the 318, auto tranny and rear end. Front end rebuild with disk brakes from Olddaddy kit. Used plymouth spindles as instructed.

Now the steering. Is the consensus that the Cavilier with tie rods the way to go? If I want to keep the original steering column, what and where do I find the fabrication from old to new to transition the steering column? There was a previous post about moving the engine to the right but I assume that was for the flatty or a SBC. Is that correct?

Thanks for the help. I promise pictures in the future!

JC

[BeBop138]

You are correct on the Cav stuff---I am going to do this after my engine is running on my 52 Windsor. Tim Adams has done this on his car and Fat Man sells a kit that should work on our cars. Charlie on this forum sells a set up also--go with Charlie. I may have a friend I know put mine in----I think I could do it, but would rather have a pro do this, I don`t want any problems after. Keep us informed and I will do the same as thing progress............Lee

[Plymouthy Adams]

if you wish to sue you old originla column..you wil have to cut, build a through the firewall termination brace and bush the center to the housing and affix by welding a joint connection based on if you are using splined or flat sided universal. You will lose the horm button unless you also fabricate a slip ring at the end of the cut shaft and prior to the borgeson joint you yuse..

[48Chrashler]

Tim,

Would it be easier to use a whole new column but try to incorporate the actial steering wheel. That is really the only part I want. Love the feel of the huge wheel in both hands!

[Plymouthy Adams]

I have no experience with new column old wheel..just old column/wheel and nthen upgrade useing modern new stuff..I am partial to the 88-94 Plymouth Acclaim and Dynasty columns myself..very very easy to work with...

[garbagestate 44]

It's worth the extra hassle to keep the original steering wheel if possible since a modern wheel looks out of place with the rest of the dash. Lots of 40's cars have dashboard that look like the designers were trying too hard but the c-38,p-15,and d-24 have some nice symmetry that the steering wheel can only enhance.

[windsor8]

I used a right side exhaust manifold on the left side of the 318 that I put in my 48 Dodge. I centered the engine and didn't move it over .However I used a steering column from an early 70's Dodge van connected to the r & p.

Used column shift.

[wayfarer]

Moving the engine to the right side is common with the smaller Dodge and Plymouth compartments. You may still have clearance issues at the exhaust manifold / steering column area depending on exactly what modifications you do to the column and what the Jeep manifold looks like. Perhaps someone with new car experience can offer info on what design variations exist in manifolds so you can look for an alternative if needed.

.

[HughForrest]

I did the R&P in my '38 Chrysler and am very happy with it.

When you go to purchase the rack do not get the sport/quick steer version though.

The steering column mod is easy: cut off the "Mast Jacket" (the outer tube) just a couple inches south of the firewall, and cut the shaft inside about 3" longer than that. A $4 flanged bearing with the correct 3/4" I.D. and O.d. which I forget, but was maybe 1.5" is available at any good hardware store.

Weld (be quick about it so you don't melt all the grease out) or clamp the bearing into the end of the jacket, and put a split collar (also from the hardware store) on the shaft up snug against the bearing you just installed.

Done.

If you want to maintain horn function you can get a widget from Lineworks Speed Shop for this purpose:http://limeworkspeedshop.com

I don't see it on their web page, so call and ask. I got one from them and it works fine.

Not a great photo, but look down below the brake booster:

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[dndrodshop]

'71 Chrysler Tilt-Telo Steering Column with a Mark 10 wheel and a JD adaptor for the stock Horn Button and ring.

Using the starter button for the horn.

[Frank Elder]

Not a personal attack, but the wheel and column just don't blend in to me. I'll bet it is nice to have tilt though.