smoothing area around steering column on firewall

[scherp69]

I have a question regarding the area on the firewall around the steering column. I have smoothed the rest and will switching from a column shifter to a 5 speed so I thought I would make the hole where the steering column comes through smaller. Around the current hole, there is a metal piece that is screwed in. I'm assuming for support. Is there any issue with taking that piece off and just welding in some sheet metal to make it look cleaner? Once the hole is drilled, would I be better off putting a round piece on an angle to guide the column through (hope that makes sense), or just leave it as a flat hole? Here's a pic that shows the area I'm talking about.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/scherp69/PICT00216.jpg

[mhotel1]

Good question ..I would like to do the same thing. Seems to me like the hole is a much bigger than is needed for the column.
Please post pics if you have done this

[J2SpeedandCustom]

If we are using an aftermarket column then that entire side of the firewall goes bye-bye. Once it's all cut away mount the column in the car and hook it up to the steering box/rack. You'll then know the location it needs to be in make a template and weld her in. I make a tube piece that goes inside the car and welds to the firewall to support the column at the bottom. The tube also doubles as a lower mount.

That part of the firewall is set back from the rest of the car for the pedals, etc. Make sure you keep that in mind when your welding in the new pieces...

[ProdigyCustoms]

You can smooth it all and use one of these, pretty simple

http://www.ididitinc.com/accessory_pages/floor_mounts.htm

The pipe idea works well and is cheaper, this is faster and allows for some liberty in the angle of the dangle.

[scherp69]

Thanks guys. Yeah Frank I was looking at one of those on the Flaming River site. I'm going to use that instead of the pipe, I like shiny things :D Plus it does look cleaner.

[10Seconds]

I closed mine up. Here is a pic of my new hole for the steering column.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u184/2slowTA/DSC00800.jpg

[MarkM66]

I like this pass through from Billet Specialties. It's cleaner looking, and about half the price as the others,

http://www.billetspecialties.com/assets/500/0000000426-prod.jpg

[Romulus]

I like this pass through from Billet Specialties. It's cleaner looking, and about half the price as the others,

it is one of the cleanest, but make sure it will fit your column as it's a different size from the standard Flaming River and Ididit - so watch the diameter.

I got the flaming river and hate the exposed bolts - so I welded and polished a brand new piece and and tapped it to mount from the backside of the firewall. There are reasons i will never be done. :lol: I'll probably change my mind again anyway.

[scherp69]

it is one of the cleanest, but make sure it will fit your column as it's a different size from the standard Flaming River and Ididit - so watch the diameter.

I got the flaming river and hate the exposed bolts - so I welded and polished a brand new piece and and tapped it to mount from the backside of the firewall. There are reasons i will never be done. :lol: I'll probably change my mind again anyway.

Flaming River offers a cover that hides all the bolts now. It goes on the firewall side.

[Romulus]

Flaming River offers a cover that hides all the bolts now. It goes on the firewall side.

Thanks. I have that piece and don't like how that looks either. Hides the bolts - but leaves a huge gap around the column to accomodate for the unknown angles and fit - unless I am doing something VERY wrong.

[MarkM66]

it is one of the cleanest, but make sure it will fit your column as it's a different size from the standard Flaming River and Ididit - so watch the diameter.

I got the flaming river and hate the exposed bolts - so I welded and polished a brand new piece and and tapped it to mount from the backside of the firewall. There are reasons i will never be done. :lol: I'll probably change my mind again anyway.

What's the size difference? My FR column fit perfectly in it.

[VP23271]

Thanks Scherp69 for posting the question and also to Frank for posting a good solution. I like the fact that it looks like it will also provide a better seal than the factory setup. :thumbsup:

[Romulus]

What's the size difference? My FR column fit perfectly in it.

BS website says 1 7/8" which I assume is intended for their columns.

FR columns are either 2" or 1 3/4" depending on application.

Guess I got hung up on that 1/8". :willy:

[MarkM66]

BS website says 1 7/8" which I assume is intended for their columns.

FR columns are either 2" or 1 3/4" depending on application.

Guess I got hung up on that 1/8". :willy:

Hmmm.. maybe I did have to remove some material from the inside. I loose track sometimes...:_paranoid