Project MaxStreet Update: Flaming River Steering System Installation


In a recent project update on our Project MaxStreet ’66 Chevy II and in a subsequent full length tech and installation article, we focused on the front half of our complete suspension modernization project on the old Nova with the installation of our Chassisworks g-Machine subframe system that replaced the old factory front end. The kit from Chassisworks also included a rack and pinion steering setup to replace the ancient and less-than-desirable factory steering system that used an idler arm and drag link-type setup.

With the subframe bolted up and complete and the rack and pinion box in place, we just needed to finish up the rest of the steering system before we could check this part of our project off the to-do list. And so we called upon our good friends at Flaming River to supply us with some of their industry-renowned steering columns and wheel for our build.

Polished Floor Shift Tilt Steering Column – PN FR20005SS

• Designed for use with a floor shifter – column shift available
• Two-inch tube diameter with compact shroud
• Includes billet dress up kit
• Made from 304 stainless steel

With MaxStreet, we wanted to take our interior appearance to the next level with a sort of custom look, which would include the use of a minimalist design steering column like that commonly seen on street rods and muscle cars these days. To accomplish that, Flaming River set us up with their Floor Shift Tilt Steering Column. As you learned in a previous tech piece on this project, we’ve opted to mate the supercharged 555-inch big block that will power the car with TCI’s 6X transmission that’s shifted on the floor. Thus we were able to go with the narrower and simpler column design that lacks the column shift gadgetry.

The wiring harness for the column comes pre-wired, or you can choose to add your own harness

Our new steering column from Flaming River mounts in the stock location using two bolts located under the dash. A supplied connector mates the shaft to the steering column as it routes through the firewall.

The stock clip style mount is re-used to hold the rack in place by the dash

The lower column mount reuses the stock mounting holes with the supplied bracket, which is secured with a band clamp

To fit the Flaming River steering wheel we used one of their 5/6 bolt wheel adapters that converts the single bolt into a five or six bolt confirguration.

This column from Flaming River measures just two inches in outer diameter, and coupled with a very compact shroud, gives it a really sharp, custom look that we’re after. Adding to that is a billet dress-up kit with tilt and turn signal levers and a hazard knob. The necessary GM wiring and turn signal canceling cam are also included. The column mounts up in the factory location under the dash using a supplied floor plate that mounts to the floor for the swivel to adjust the angle. The column is then mated to the steering shaft using a Flaming River-supplied connector.

Flaming River Nova Fiber Steering Wheel – PN FR20140FB

• Three spoke, 13.80-inch diameter
• Polished finish with black leather
• Direct bolt on with Flaming River’s five and six bolt adapter

Also from Flaming River, we’ll be installing their Nova Fiber Wheel that incorporates a clean, polished aluminum look with a leather composite wrap for a sporty, race-inspired three spoke design that’ll look great in our interior. Installation of the wheel is a rather straightforward process: a 5/6 bolt wheel adapter available through Flaming River and made specifically fore their columns mates the wheel right up to the column.

The sporty looking Nova Fiber Wheel from Flaming River attaches to the adapter with the included six bolts.

The Flaming River tilt column and Nova Fiber Steering wheel mocked up in place. We will have it in and out a few times as we begin to rebuild the interior.

We’ll hit on the features and installation of these components in a future article on our Project MaxStreet, but for now you’re up to speed on what we’ve got going on here in the powerTV garage. In our next progress report, we’ll take a look at the first part of our fuel system and the installation of the related components that will put us one step closer to dropping the big Edelbrock beast down into the engine bay and getting this baby on the road. Keep it here to powerTV as we keep rolling on with our Chevy II project!

About the author

Andrew Wolf

Andrew has been involved in motorsports from a very young age. Over the years, he has photographed several major auto racing events, sports, news journalism, portraiture, and everything in between. After working with the Power Automedia staff for some time on a freelance basis, Andrew joined the team in 2010.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading