1965 1000 Series Steering Shaft

[biscaynebirdie]

Anyone know where I can buy a brand new 56" steering shaft (not the column) for my 1000? My lower bearing has (unbeknownst to me) been missing, and so I have slowly but surely damaged the shaft to the point where I don't feel comfortable having a machinist simply build it back up and get it flush again. I have a brass bushing coming in the mail that will replace the original bearing.

I'm going to try calling Borgeson tomorrow, but it seems that they only offer shafts in shorter lengths (albeit with the same splicing and threading at the top). Will update once I shoot them a call.

Update: Called Borgeson and asked if they carried a 56" shaft and got a resounding "nope".

[BillT]

I doubt that you will be able to buy a new one, unless someone has an NOS one somewhere, but even that would be pretty hard to find. Unless you get real lucky, you will most likely have to settle for a good used.

[biscaynebirdie]

Originally Posted by BillT

I doubt that you will be able to buy a new one, unless someone has an NOS one somewhere, but even that would be pretty hard to find. Unless you get real lucky, you will most likely have to settle for a good used.

Thanks for the response. I'm heading up to my local junkyard in an hour or two. They have about half a dozen 60-66 C10s, so I'm hoping one of them is in decent enough shape to use.

[biscaynebirdie]

Update: The junkyard offered nothing that wouldn't also require machining. It seems that substantial damage to the shaft at the lower bearing is common on these trucks.

I brought the shaft into a local welding and machine shop and the machinist told me that he will be able to build it up and turn it down (for $140). Once I get a call from the shop, I plan on bringing in the bronze bushing to be pressed (and if need be, soldered) into the bearing housing.