Author Topic: Tilt column, IDIDIT or Flaming River? (Read 406 times)

RyanG85 · « **on:** March, 08, 2010, 01:43:31 PM »

Those with aftermarket columns, which and why? I'll be putting a TCP manual rack in my 65 and plan on going with a tilt column. TCP sells the Flaming river as an option with the kit but I'm thinking the IDIDIT seems like a better option. Who has experience with these?

68EFIvert · « **Reply #1 on:** March, 08, 2010, 02:39:58 PM »

I used Flaming River but the customer service sucked. I did not know about forums at that time and the question was pretty basic. It wouldn't have been an issue now. If I were to do it again I would go for IDIDIT for the CS issue. They are both GM based so you will have to do some wiring. Nothing major but be ready for it.

daveSanborn · « **Reply #2 on:** March, 08, 2010, 02:47:13 PM »

We used the FR column in my son's '68 and although I don't have anything negative to say about their column we probably should have gone with the IDIDIT column as everything I've read/heard points to IDIDIT as the better product.

SELLERSRODSHOP · « **Reply #3 on:** March, 08, 2010, 03:07:00 PM »

i've installed many of both brands in the street rods & would recommend the ididit also.

RyanG85 · « **Reply #4 on:** March, 08, 2010, 05:47:47 PM »

Thanks for the responses. Isn't the new IDIDIT, wired correctly for the ford?

68EFIvert · « **Reply #5 on:** March, 08, 2010, 06:22:40 PM »

Quote from: RyanG85 on March, 08, 2010, 05:47:47 PM

Thanks for the responses. Isn't the new IDIDIT, wired correctly for the ford?

If it is then I think I should be a no brainer. Besides then you can say "I DID IT!" :beat

RyanG85 · « **Reply #6 on:** March, 08, 2010, 06:46:59 PM »

http://www.ididitinc.com/retrofit_columns/mustang_tilt_column_fs65_66.html
Not sure if its wired correctly after re-reading.

SELLERSRODSHOP · « **Reply #7 on:** March, 08, 2010, 08:32:59 PM »

they usually come with terminals already installed on the wires so all you have to do is plug the correct wire into the correct space on the plastic connector, so not hard to do at all.

AtlantaSteve · « **Reply #8 on:** March, 09, 2010, 06:09:41 AM »

I've been looking at the Ididit's for a while and just recently realized that the 65-66 isn't a collapsible column. DOH! One of the main things I'm trying to fix is getting rid of the Wheel-On-A-Spear design.

Don't think the FR column collapses either.

apollard · « **Reply #9 on:** March, 09, 2010, 06:39:36 AM »

Quote from: AtlantaSteve on March, 09, 2010, 06:09:41 AM

I've been looking at the Ididit's for a while and just recently realized that the 65-66 isn't a collapsible column. DOH! One of the main things I'm trying to fix is getting rid of the Wheel-On-A-Spear design.

Don't think the FR column collapses either.

Unless I remember wrong, don't the late '67 on collapable columns fit the '65-66 cars? If so, would a Ididit for later years work? It would need wirng changes & some teaking, but it should fit.

AtlantaSteve · « **Reply #10 on:** March, 09, 2010, 07:33:59 AM »

Did the late 67's have a rag joint or similar? The 65-66's had one long shaft straight out of the box and into your chest, LOL. I don't think there'd be a reliable way to connect an Ididit column into my box. So I'd have to also replace the box, it seems..which is what I Was trying to avoid.

68EFIvert · « **Reply #11 on:** March, 09, 2010, 07:38:18 AM »

Flaming River has a collapsible column.
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=68/category_id=163/home_id=62/mode=prod/prd68.htm

AtlantaSteve · « **Reply #12 on:** March, 09, 2010, 07:46:05 AM »

Huh, thanks. I'd thought I'd read the FR wasn't collapsible for my year...Thanks for clarifying.

PJ Moran · « **Reply #13 on:** March, 09, 2010, 08:10:14 AM »

I went with Ididit only because that's what Unisteer was including with their kit. It does have a GM connector, but it includes crimp-on terminals and block that go on the factory harness for a straightforward hookup. You do have to change the horn circuit, though, as GM does not provide power to the horn through the column like Ford does. GM just grounds a relay (that Ididit includes, as I recall) that you must install. The horn circuit is the hardest part.

My Ididit colum is about 1/4" or so smaller in diameter where it goes through the firewall. I had to make a sleeve out of PCV pipe so that the factory floor mount would work. I think Ididit now makes a column with the correct diameter tube on it.

The quality of the Ididit column was top notch. I decided I wanted it 2" shorter, and sent it back to them. For $50, they shortened it and sent it back in no time.

As I recall, the FR collapsible column was ALOT more expensive than the Iditit non-collapsible version. With R&P, there is that jog in the linkage and two U-joints. I figure that in a severe collision, those will "buckle" and the column will have some give to it. It's not nearly the same as a strait rod going to a gear box bolted to the frame - not even close.

I also think I saw something recently about Ididit having a collapsible version now, too. Contact them both and get the latest info.