I recently ran accross aftermarket steering columns, made for hot rods and the usual Chevys and Fords. I discovered that one company, called Ididit, sells one that has a 1" shaft on the gear side, and a 2" tube where it attaces to the dash. As far as I can tell this is the same shaft and tube size as our old Volvos. It is available in different lengths and finishes.
There is nothing wrong with my steering column, but I am attracted to this idea because these columns come with new electronics for turn signals and the horn. Both the horn and turn signal switches are problem areas for Volvos. I am constantly taking my steering wheel off to deal with problems with these problem areas. Volvo turn signal switches are not designed for longevity, and they are not available.
Another bonus is these new columns have a tilt mechanism, which would be nice. They also have an emergency flasher switch, but I think it would require a different kind of relay also.
I would have to give up my Volvo steering wheel. These columns accept GM type steering wheels, so the aftermarket steering wheel choices should be just about limitless.
The paintable steel models run about $300, not bad for all you get.
I noticed that the hole in the firewall will have to be made larger, because the 2" tube extends much farther down the shaft than Volvo designed it. Also, some sort of adapter would have to be used to connect the new column to the short Volvo shaft that comes out of steering gear. The column model I was looking at has a double D type end of the shaft instead of splines, other models haved the splined shaft end.
Has anybody installed something like this? What problems did you encounter?