wierd steering column

[jeryst]

I went to look at a 73 340 Cuda the other day. The guy says he bought it from the original owner, and he showed me the original title signed over by the owner, and it was dated 73, so it seems reasonable. The fender tag is completely full of options. The car needs total restoration, but I noticed that the steering column does not look correct. It looks like a normal 73 Cuda column, but the corrugated part is not there. It's not like there is a gap or anything. The area behind the wheel is smooth, and looks shorter. The key removal lever is there. Does anyone have an explanation for this? Could this be a column from another year Cuda? Was that a common practice, or does this signify that maybe the car was  wrecked? Was a different colunm part of an option package? I am realy puzzled by this, and it throws up a red flag. The car is partially torn apart, and the price is reasonable for the shape it is in, but I'm on the fence because of the column. To the naked eye, the car does not look like it has been wrecked. Any opinions?

[Plum6Pak]

Hey jeryst, look at the crush sleeve on the steering column, there is an expanded metal cage around the column where it could telescope, if the cage is straight and not bent to one side or the other or crushed inward, I wouldn't think it's been wrecked. I had one that had went off the road and from the impact of just going into a ditch, the column crush cage was tweaked to one side a little, actually made the steering column crooked upon close inspection. As far as the ribbed cover on the column goes, I would get some pictures and post if possible. That would be a big help. There are enough Cuda owners here that could tell you if you have a problem. Hope that helps a little.

[4Cruizn]

Welcome aboard!  Sounds like an interesting car!!  Would like to see some pics!!  Hope you enjoy the site! 

[JS27N0B]

Sounds like it may have an aftermarket steering wheel on it as all e-body columns had the crush can.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I've seen some Tuff-wheel steering wheels on E-Bay recently that had a smooth can attached. Maybe they are from some other Mopar?  Possibly, this is the steering wheel you are looking at???

  Mike

[JS27N0B]

I've seen some Tuff-wheel steering wheels on E-Bay recently that had a smooth can attached. Maybe they are from some other Mopar?  Possibly, this is the steering wheel you are looking at???

  Mike

The short smooth adapter is from A, B bodies and used later in trucks.

Remember, an E body never came new with a tuff wheel.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The short smooth adapter is from A, B bodies and used later in trucks.

Remember, an E body never came new with a tuff wheel.

Seriously???

  I didn't know that!!! I thought they did after 1970.  Thanks for correcting my continued boggled mindness.  

   Mike

[360 'CUDA]

I run one of those B-body cans on my '74 and I like it alot. Even though it is just a couple of inches shorter then the stock one it feels more natural to me. That and a Tuff wheel feels great even though the gauges are blocked a bit by the thick grip.

[ShelbyDogg]

I had one of those, from a dodge truck, in my Chall before I put in the tilt column and new wheel. I hated the large, flat, huge stock wheel, that came right to your chest. That shorter column adapter was just right. Here's a couple of pics.
Rob