Classic Car & Truck Steering Columns Guide

1967-72 Chevy Truck Black Column Shift 1.5” More Cab Room

CPP Premium Deluxe Tilt Column for CPP Premium 1955-56 Tri-Five Floot Shift, Chrome

CPP Black Deluxe Classic Truck Column Shift Tilt Column Kit, 1955-59 Chevy Truck

CPP Classic Fit Premium Steering Columns are designed for builders who want a cleaner, more comfortable steering column upgrade without giving up the classic look of their car or truck. These premium tilt columns feature CPP’s 5-way tilt mechanism, tight internal tolerances, new turn signal components, and neutral safety switches for a more precise, reliable feel behind the wheel.

Available in both floor shift and column shift configurations, CPP Classic Fit Premium columns are built for a wide range of direct-fit and universal applications. Column-shift models include positive shift points with reduced play, along with lighted gear position indicators for both three-speed and overdrive transmissions. Builders can also choose between satin black and chrome finishes to match the style of their interior.

For classic trucks, Tri-Five Chevys, universal builds, and other popular applications, CPP Classic Fit Premium Steering Columns offer a strong combination of modern comfort, clean installation, and dependable performance. Whether you are upgrading worn factory steering, adding tilt for better driver comfort, or completing a power steering conversion, these columns are built to fit, built to perform, and built to drive.

Shop the CPP Classic Fit Premium Steering Columns today and get your classic car or truck CPP-Equipped.

CPP Premium Deluxe Tilt Column for Universal Fit Columns, 32" Length, Floor Shift w/ Black Finish

CPP Premium Deluxe Tilt Column for Universal Fit Columns, 30" Length, Floor Shift w/ Chrome Finish

CPP Premium Deluxe Tilt Column for Universal Fit Columns, 33" Length, Column Shift w/ Black Finish

CPP Universal Fit Steering Columns are designed for builders who need more flexibility than a vehicle-specific direct-fit column. They are a great choice for classic cars, trucks, street rods, restomods, custom chassis builds, and projects where the original steering column location, steering box, rack-and-pinion setup, dashboard, or firewall has been modified.

CPP’s Premium Universal Fit Tilt Steering Columns are offered in multiple universal lengths, including 28", 30", 32", and 33" configurations, giving builders more options when setting up steering wheel position and shaft alignment. They are available in both floor shift and column shift versions, making them useful for everything from performance-style floor-shift builds to classic cruisers that keep the shifter on the column. CPP also offers satin black finishes for a clean OE-style look and chrome finishes for builds that need a more custom or show-quality appearance.

These columns are built with CPP’s 5-way tilt mechanism, giving the driver better steering wheel positioning and improved comfort behind the wheel. CPP Universal Fit Columns also feature tight tolerances, smooth operation, new turn signal components, and neutral safety switch options depending on the column configuration. Column shift models include lighted gear position indicators for both three-speed and overdrive transmission setups.

Universal Fit Steering Columns are especially helpful when building a custom steering system from the steering wheel to the box or rack. Because universal columns are not tied to one exact vehicle application, builders can pair them with the correct steering U-joints, DD shafts, couplers, floor mounts, firewall mounts, steering wheel adapters, and related components to complete the installation.

Why Choose a CPP Universal Fit Steering Column?

• Works well for custom classic car and truck builds
• Available in multiple lengths for flexible fitment
• Offered in floor shift and column shift versions
• 5-way tilt design improves driver comfort
• Satin black and chrome finishes available
• Column shift options include lighted gear indicators
• Ideal for modified steering boxes, rack-and-pinion conversions, and custom interiors
• Can be matched with CPP steering shafts, U-joints, mounts, adapters, and steering components

Best Uses for CPP Universal Steering Columns

CPP Universal Fit Steering Columns are a smart choice for restomods, hot rods, pro touring builds, custom trucks, classic cars with updated interiors, power steering conversions, and vehicles where a direct-fit steering column is not available. They allow the builder to dial in the steering wheel location, column angle, and connection to the steering system while still using a high-quality column built for classic performance applications. When your build needs more flexibility, CPP Universal Fit Steering Columns make it easier to create a clean, comfortable, and reliable steering setup that fits the way your classic is being built.

Shop the CPP Universal Fit Steering Columns today and get your classic car or truck CPP-Equipped.

A tilt steering column allows the driver to adjust the steering wheel angle for a more comfortable and natural driving position. Instead of being locked into the fixed angle of the original factory column, the driver can move the wheel up or down to better match their seating position, arm reach, and overall driving style.

This is especially helpful in classic cars and trucks where the original steering wheel position may feel too high, too low, too close to the driver, or too upright compared to modern vehicles. Many classic vehicles were built with large steering wheels, bench seats, fixed columns, and driving positions that do not always work well with today’s updated interiors, aftermarket seats, smaller steering wheels, or power steering conversions.

CPP tilt steering columns are a smart upgrade for street-driven classics because they improve comfort without taking away from the vehicle’s traditional look. A tilt column can make the vehicle feel more refined and easier to drive while still fitting the style of a classic interior. For many builders, it is one of those upgrades that improves the driving experience every time they get behind the wheel.

A tilt column can also make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. By raising the steering wheel, the driver gains extra clearance between the wheel, seat, and legs. This is especially useful in classic trucks, lowered vehicles, cars with smaller cabins, bench seat applications, and builds with custom interiors.

CPP tilt steering columns are available in floor shift and column shift configurations, making them a good fit for a wide range of classic car and truck builds. Whether you are keeping a traditional column-shift setup or moving to a floor shifter, a tilt column helps create a cleaner, more comfortable steering setup.

For restomods, cruisers, pro touring builds, hot rods, and weekend drivers, a CPP tilt steering column helps bridge the gap between classic style and modern drivability. It gives the driver more control over steering wheel position, improves comfort on longer drives, and helps complete the steering system with a more finished look inside the vehicle.

CPP steering columns are available in both floor shift and column shift configurations.

When choosing a steering column for a classic car or truck, one of the biggest decisions is whether you need a floor shift column or a column shift column. The right choice depends on where your transmission shifter is located and how you want the interior to look and function.

What Is a Floor Shift Steering Column?

A floor shift steering column is designed for vehicles where the gear selector is mounted on the floor, console, or transmission tunnel. Since the shifter is not part of the steering column, the column has a cleaner, simpler appearance with no shift lever on the side.

Floor shift columns are commonly used in:

• Classic cars with manual transmissions
• Automatic cars with console shifters
• Street rods and custom builds
• Pro-touring and restomod vehicles
• Trucks converted to floor-mounted shifters

A floor shift column is a popular choice when the goal is a cleaner interior, a sportier feel, or a custom look.

What Is a Column Shift Steering Column?

A column shift steering column includes a shift lever mounted directly on the steering column. This setup allows the driver to shift an automatic transmission from the column instead of from the floor.

Column shift steering columns are commonly used in:

• Classic trucks
• Bench-seat cars
• Factory-style restorations
• Automatic transmission conversions
• Vehicles where floor space is limited

A column shift column is a great option when you want to keep the interior closer to original, retain a bench seat, or avoid adding a floor shifter.

A proper steering column installation often requires more than the steering column itself. The column is the main foundation, but the supporting components are what help it mount securely, connect correctly, operate smoothly, and work with the rest of the vehicle’s steering system. CPP offers steering column components and related parts designed to help classic car and truck builders complete the installation the right way.

When upgrading or replacing a steering column, it is important to look at the entire steering path, from the steering wheel all the way down to the steering box, rack-and-pinion, or steering linkage. Depending on the vehicle, build style, transmission setup, and steering system, additional parts may be needed to properly position the column, support it at the dash and firewall, connect the shaft, and complete the electrical or turn signal functions.

Common CPP steering column components and related parts may include:

Steering wheels
A steering wheel completes the driver connection to the column and can change both the look and feel of the interior. Choosing the right wheel diameter, dish, grip style, and bolt pattern helps improve comfort, control, and appearance.

Steering wheel adapters
Adapters allow the steering wheel to properly mount to the steering column. The correct adapter is important for fitment, horn operation, wheel spacing, and a clean finished installation.

Horn buttons
Horn buttons finish the center of the steering wheel and allow the horn circuit to function properly. They are available in different styles to match the interior and steering wheel design.

Column drops
Column drops support the steering column under the dash. They help set the column height and angle, which is especially important when installing an aftermarket or retrofit column in a classic vehicle.

Floor mounts and firewall mounts
These mounts secure the lower section of the steering column where it passes through the floor or firewall. A solid mount helps reduce column movement, improves safety, and creates a cleaner seal between the interior and engine compartment.

U-joints
Steering U-joints are used to connect the column shaft to intermediate shafts, steering boxes, or rack-and-pinion systems when an angle is required. They are especially useful in custom builds, engine swaps, lowered vehicles, and tight engine bays where a straight shaft path is not possible.

Rag joints
Rag joints help connect the steering column or shaft to the steering box while providing a small amount of vibration isolation. They are commonly used in many classic steering systems and can be an important part of a comfortable street-driven setup.

Steering shafts
Steering shafts connect the column to the steering box, rack, or additional steering joints. Correct shaft length, diameter, and spline configuration are critical for safe steering operation.

Couplers
Couplers help join steering components together when the spline count, shaft size, or connection style needs to be matched. The correct coupler ensures a secure mechanical connection between steering parts.

Wiring adapters
Many aftermarket steering columns include wiring for turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, and horn functions. Wiring adapters can help simplify the connection between the new column and the vehicle’s existing wiring harness.

Column seals
Column seals help close the opening where the column passes through the firewall or floor. They help reduce air, heat, fumes, moisture, and road noise from entering the cabin.

Shift indicators
For column shift applications, the shift indicator allows the driver to see the selected gear position. This is especially important when using an automatic transmission with a column-mounted shifter.

Turn signal components
Turn signal switches, levers, canceling parts, and related hardware help restore or maintain proper turn signal operation. These parts are important for both safety and everyday drivability.

Choosing the correct supporting components is important because every steering column installation depends on the vehicle layout. A column shift setup may require different parts than a floor shift setup. A stock steering box may need different connections than a rack-and-pinion conversion. A lowered truck, custom chassis, engine swap, or aftermarket dash layout can also change the steering angle and required mounting points.

The right combination of column drops, mounts, shafts, joints, adapters, and wiring parts helps ensure that the steering column is properly supported, correctly aligned, and safely connected. This improves steering feel, reduces unwanted movement, helps prevent binding, and gives the interior a more finished appearance.

For the best results, choose steering column components based on the vehicle year, steering system, transmission type, column length, shift style, steering wheel choice, and firewall or floor layout. A complete steering column installation is not just about making the column fit; it is about making the entire steering system work together smoothly, safely, and reliably.

Before ordering a steering column, consider the full steering system and vehicle layout. Important questions include:

What vehicle are you building?

Start with the year, make, and model. Direct-fit steering columns are often the best choice when available for your application.

Are you using floor shift or column shift?

The shifter location determines which column style you need. Floor shift columns are for vehicles with a separate shifter. Column shift columns are for vehicles that shift from the column.

What steering system are you using?

The steering column needs to work with the steering box, rack and pinion, power steering conversion, or manual steering setup. Shaft size, U-joint type, and output connection all matter.

What column length do you need?

Universal steering columns are available in multiple lengths. The correct length depends on the vehicle, seating position, dashboard, firewall, and steering shaft layout.

What steering wheel will you use?

Some columns are designed to work with specific GM steering wheels or aftermarket steering wheel adapters. Make sure your steering wheel and adapter match the column.

Do you want tilt?

A tilt column is one of the best upgrades for comfort and drivability, especially on classic trucks and cruisers.

What is the best steering column for a classic car or truck?

The best steering column depends on the vehicle, steering system, shifter location, desired finish, and whether the build needs a direct-fit or universal column. Direct-fit columns are best for vehicle-specific installations, while universal columns are ideal for custom builds.

What is the difference between a universal steering column and a direct-fit steering column?

A direct-fit steering column is designed for a specific vehicle application and is typically easier to install. A universal steering column is designed to fit a wide range of vehicles and may require measuring, mounting, and custom steering shaft setup.

Should I choose a floor shift or column shift steering column?

Choose a floor shift column if your vehicle uses a shifter on the floor or console. Choose a column shift steering column if your automatic transmission is shifted from the steering column.

Are tilt steering columns worth it?

Yes. A tilt steering column improves driver comfort by allowing the steering wheel angle to be adjusted. This is especially useful in classic trucks, lowered vehicles, and restomod builds.

Can I use an aftermarket steering wheel with a CPP steering column?

Many CPP steering columns can be used with aftermarket steering wheels when paired with the correct steering wheel adapter. Always verify the adapter and column compatibility before ordering.

What parts do I need with a steering column?

Depending on the vehicle, you may need a steering wheel adapter, U-joints, steering shaft, coupler, rag joint, floor mount, firewall mount, wiring adapter, and horn button.

Can a steering column upgrade help with a power steering conversion?

Yes. When upgrading to power steering, the steering column may need to work with a new steering box, rack and pinion, shaft, U-joints, or coupler. Choosing the right column helps complete the conversion properly.

How do I know what length steering column I need?

Column length depends on the vehicle, dash position, seat position, firewall location, steering shaft path, and steering box or rack location. For universal columns, careful measuring is required before ordering.

CPP Brake & Power Steering Troubleshooting Guide — Your Go-To Tech Resource

When you’re installing or diagnosing a brake or power-steering system in your classic car or truck, the CPP Brake & Power Steering Installation, Technical & Troubleshooting Guide is one of the most practical reference tools you can have in your toolbox.

This comprehensive PDF is designed to help both novice DIYers and seasoned builders walk through common issues and get systems working smoothly and safely.

Whether you’re installing a new disc brake conversion, hooking up power steering, or just trying to figure out why your pedal feels soft, the

CPP Brake & Power Steering Installation, Technical & Troubleshooting Guide equips you with structured advice and hands-on troubleshooting techniques. It’s a must-have reference for classic car builders who want confidence under the hood and out on the road.