This was my issue. Shortened the outer column and installed a sealed ball bearing at the very bottom, problem solvedHeat rises, possibly up an open run steering column?
Thanks OMM - the PO did cut back to the firewall the lower end my column, so that end is wide open and hot air is coming in. I'll stuff a short length of 2" OD Home Depot foam insulation for 1" pipe into the cut end to block out the hot air.The later cars have a foam seal at the bottom of the column. Also a plastic cover over the collapsible diamond portion of the column, this is all to keep engine compartment heat or cold air out. I usually cut the column back on floor shift cars that have headers. It does help keep the heat from the headers away when they are close.
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