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J Volk
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2024
Posts: 10
Location: North Carolina
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 Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2025 11:07 am Post subject: Steering column |
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I bought a project 58 Beetle that was completely disassembled. I have most of the parts but am missing a steering column. Does anyone sell a new column for a 58? Can't find any. Will a 1958 to 1967 work and what about the wiring? Turn signals horn? Since I didn't take it apart I'm lost with some of the assembly. I did get a Wolfburg harness with the car. I'm hoping it is good for a 12 volt setup and what ever year column I end up having to use.
Thanks! |
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Bobs67vwagen
Samba Member
Joined: March 27, 2005
Posts: 1017
Location: Eastern north carolina
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| Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2025 11:31 am Post subject: Re: Steering column |
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| I think your best bet would be to look in the samba classifieds for a complete steering column. I am not sure of what year columns are similar but others will probably weigh in and let you know. For wiring look at the top of the page right under technical and find the wiring diagram for your car. |
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Bruce
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2003
Posts: 17700
Location: Left coast, Canada
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 1:13 am Post subject: Re: Steering column |
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Any column and tube from an oval up to 59 will work and look correct for your car.
If you're not worried about originality, you can use the column and tube from a car up to 67. If you go that route, you must use the later turn signal switch and steering wheel.
_________________
| overheard at the portland Swap Meet... wrote: |
| ..... a steering wheel made from a mastadon tusk..... |
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EVfun 
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2012
Posts: 6398
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 11:35 am Post subject: Re: Steering column |
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| Bruce wrote: |
Any column and tube from an oval up to 59 will work and look correct for your car.
If you're not worried about originality, you can use the column and tube from a car up to 67. If you go that route, you must use the later turn signal switch and steering wheel. |
To add just a little bit, the steering column used from 1959 and down was longer and the steering wheel was flat. The splines for the steering wheel are different than 1960 and newer Bugs.
The steering column used from 1962-1967 will bolt in place and is likely easier to find if originality is not a concern. You will want to find a 6 wire turn signal switch (used on 1960 and 1961 Bugs, and I think available as a reproduction) if you are running the original tail lights.
I would avoid a 1960 or 1961 steering column. It had a different upper bearing, a plastic insulator on the steering shaft, and a horn system from hell. That said, it can be made to work like the 1962-1967 column.
1968 and newer steering columns have a wider bolt pattern under the dash and will not bolt into place.
_________________
| Wildthings wrote: |
| As a general rule, cheap parts are the most expensive parts you can buy. |
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