Before humbly approaching I dug through the archives but still not sure WTF I am. I have a 72 column which I've taken the head off. That leaves no bearing. I've read that you can use the bearing kit for the pre-67 columns -fine. I have the early bus turn signal that I'd like to use. I've read you need a Dremel or file to enlarge it for the larger diameter tube -ok. But I've read here that the early columns "look right" (TC). Does that mean the really early tubes are a smaller diameter? Will the 72 shaft fit? Seems like there are all sorts of early tubes on thesamba but I'm not sure about the combo. Thanks in advance.
TC Wrote:
"I've also heard that I can downgrade to a 52-57 VW Steering Wheel Column and this would eliminate that handle (the one on the right) and also the housing for the ingition swicth that is attached to the steering column. have you ever heard of this or know somebody that has performed this downgrade? "
THAT'S the "correct," best, easiest, and most esthetic way of doing it, 'cept we all call it an "upgrade" around here 'cause it looks So Sweet when you're all done.
Of all the options, that's the most "stock" way of going about it. You can most likely find a complete column, shaft, and good used switch on TheSamba. (You can even search out a Porsche 356 switch if you want, maybe a Pre-A with the little red light on the end.) If you want new, check the various VW suppliers on the web. Someone will have what you need. Exhaust tubing or copper pipe makes a fine steering column and is a snap to cut to length. You can use a urethane collar at the top to act as the "bearing" and go from there.
Greg wrote:
You can also use a later VW column. It can be used with the Aluminum "head" that houses the ignition switch. OR...You can also use it without the alum "head" by installing an earlier model ('67 on back) bearing assy. I got that stuff from CIP1.com. This sort of retro fits the column to 1967. It's just a bit shorter, but still fits. You can use the 3 wire (I think from a 1967 bug) turn signal switch. I used the shaft from a Seventies vintage bug. (the ones that have the expanded tube crush section) I think any bug steering shaft will work.
