I just purchased a 53 Pathfinder which has been full modified below the body. The tranny has been changed to a 700R4 and as such the steering column and steering wheel has been changed. I would really like to go back to a more original steering wheel... has anyone had experience with this? Thanks!!
firstdancebridalcars said
May 6, 2019
Have you got photos of the car and what has been changed
Wildoat3 said
May 7, 2019
Hi.. I do but am not sure how to attach a pic!
Wildoat3 said
May 21, 2019
Hello!! Thanks to some awesome help.. I can now attach the pics. If anyone has any experience of upgrading to a steering column for a floor shift but managed to keep an original steering wheel.. please let me know.
Also looking to buy an original steering wheel (black) if it can be used. Thanks!!
I need to check my friend's '53 Pathfinder. His is a 3-on-the-tree, and if I remember correctly, the shift mechanism is not really integral to the steering column like the newer columns. If I remember right, the shifter is supported by a flange that wraps around the steering column, and the shifter is connected to a vertical shaft that is exposed and parallel to the steering column shaft (if that all makes sense). If I'm right, I think you could pretty easily eliminate the 3-on-the-tree shift mechanism and leave a bare steering column....
I will see if I can get some pictures and post them - it won't be for a few days, sorry.
Wildoat3 said
May 21, 2019
Thank you so much!! That would be fabulous!
timbuk said
May 22, 2019
hey do we get to see the whole car?
66 Beau said
May 23, 2019
Here are a couple photos of the steering column and shift mechanism for the three-on-the-tree in a '53 Pontiac Pathfinder.
It looks like you could just remove the shifting mechanism and change/modify the mounting flange under dash to eliminate the shifter shaft...
You just need to find a steering column and wheel ...
yea thats nice hopefully i can get my 53 looking that good one daywonder if 53 chev wheel is same i will look as i have a few
2drpost said
May 25, 2019
Nice, '53 was the last year for the business coupe, Chevs and Cdn Pontiacs
66 Beau said
May 25, 2019
Great looking 53! They sure didnt skimp on chrome on those cars!
norontcan said
May 25, 2019
That is a treasure.
Wildoat3 said
May 25, 2019
I love the chrome!!! Thank you! From what I understand, the chev steering wheel should fit... am looking for a black one. Also looking for the bezel around the radio as the prior owner cut it out and put a modern day stereo in - I would like to put it back to stock. Thanks everyone! Great forum!
long stroke said
May 26, 2019
2drpost wrote:
Nice, '53 was the last year for the business coupe, Chevs and Cdn Pontiacs
Business coupe was offered until 1957 but it was called a utility sedan. No back seat, no roll down rear windows, rubber mat, black block off cardboard where seat back would be and basic 150 model interior and exterior. Cheers.
Prefectca said
May 26, 2019
long stroke wrote:
2drpost wrote:
Nice, '53 was the last year for the business coupe, Chevs and Cdn Pontiacs
Business coupe was offered until 1957 but it was called a utility sedan. No back seat, no roll down rear windows, rubber mat, black block off cardboard where seat back would be and basic 150 model interior and exterior. Cheers.
Yes, the utility sedan replaced the business coupe but 1953 was the last year for the short roofline.
Paul
cadboy said
May 31, 2019
I like this 53 business coupe, and has the same 22-27 number as my 50.
I have an aim to make my 50 BC the same condition as this 53
Hello!! Thanks to some awesome help.. I can now attach the pics. If anyone has any experience of upgrading to a steering column for a floor shift but managed to keep an original steering wheel.. please let me know.
Also looking to buy an original steering wheel (black) if it can be used. Thanks!!
I will see if I can get some pictures and post them - it won't be for a few days, sorry.
Here are a couple photos of the steering column and shift mechanism for the three-on-the-tree in a '53 Pontiac Pathfinder.
It looks like you could just remove the shifting mechanism and change/modify the mounting flange under dash to eliminate the shifter shaft...
You just need to find a steering column and wheel ...
Thank you SO much!! Great stuff... now to find a steering wheel!! pics added!
Lookin' good!
Nice, '53 was the last year for the business coupe, Chevs and Cdn Pontiacs
Business coupe was offered until 1957 but it was called a utility sedan. No back seat, no roll down rear windows, rubber mat, black block off cardboard where seat back would be and basic 150 model interior and exterior. Cheers.
Yes, the utility sedan replaced the business coupe but 1953 was the last year for the short roofline.
Paul
I have an aim to make my 50 BC the same condition as this 53