I've installed a Toyota PS set up in my 56 and have decided to add an automatic transmission. What I'd like to know is weather any of the late 50s, 60s or 70s Ford Trucks or Vans have a column that will bolt in without a lot of cutting and modifications? I'm thinking if one of these will bolt in I'll have a column very similar to the 56's that will have an automatic indicator on it as well as a different style horn that won't have to be modified like the original 56 column. I tried using the advanced search but didn't come up with much.
Any ideas or info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Have you seen this FTE site of information? It has a lot about steering columns. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Adapting Major Components of 1948 to 1960 Ford Trucks - Ford-Trucks.com

 

Thanks Topmoo! Yes but it didn't really address stock looking columns. Really addressed tilt columns and I'm not sure I'll need a tilt. I was hoping someone had already done the leg work locating a column that looked close to original. It's not like salvage yards have these ole trucks sitting around anymore.

 

You might check out a column from 1968-72 ford trucks with automatic trans. The tube is small and would look at home in a 56. Maybe even later up to 79. Some I remember had tilt wheels that tilted by pushing the directional lever down .

 

I was eyeballing 70s van columns before I bought my Flaming River. GM columns in particular as that is what I was finding in the yards. They have a somewhat old utility appearance. If you don't get a tilt you may find yourself wanting to buy a different column drop. I gave up on the idea as the plastic parts in these columns are 40 years old and everyone I found needed work. You can still buy the repair parts but the deal starts to go away if you spend too much to get it repaired and and fitting comfortable. I say that not knowing the current price of an aftermarket column.

 

From what I've found on the web you are correct the late 60s to mid 70s looks to be what I need to look for. The problem is I don't know how long these columns are.

 

I bet the bump side guys on here can help you (68-72)

 

New iDidit around $600. You can get a Chinese knock off form $250. But the trade off is safety and quality.

 

The ididit columns are the same length through those years. Maybe I've found the answer.

 

I would be getting a collapsible one, whatever model it is out of, just to be safe.

 

 

Wow, they have really went up significantly. I think GM Van columns can be easily shortened to about 32" long just in case you run across one. I think that may be for a non-tilt column with shifter though. MidFifty sells an inexpensive drop specifically to fit the GM column. Around 1979 they went to the larger style with key on column.

I don't prefer the look of most OEM car columns. They look way out of place unless you are going to update the interior. The key in the dash look just fits better IMO.

 

Hey BJ,
We went the cheap route first & bought a knockoff column.
The parts that look metal are actually just chrome plated cheap plastic.
It just fell apart trying to install it. We then went with an Ididit column - much better. The paintable ones aren't that expensive.

Good luck over there.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Greetings to all- just did rough-in of ’75 F-100, automatic column into my ’56. Biggest obstacle was shifter lower arm was inside cab about 1".
However, I had already planned to relocate my Series 400 gearbox (Toyota clone), forward 1-1/4" on frame rail.
Two reasons: First- moving frt axle/strng lnkg forward 1-1/4" & can now use stock drag link; Second- want column/wheel to tilt back toward driver a little more.
Lower shifter arm is now out of cab- barely.
Also, had to graft a ¾" –30 spline female (from donor rag joint with Series 400 kit) onto the ’75 rag joint which was ¾" –36 spline. Top portion of ’75 rag joint was swedged onto shaft. More than one way to skin that cat.
I fabed my own brake pedal brace/hanger, knawed around to fit ’75 pedal & managed to use stock '56 upper column brace/brkt where it mounts to lower part of dash panel. Used top set of holes on ’75 column mount piece. I’d be inclined next time to buy ready-made pedal brace/hanger.
I had to redo a few of the steps because of no ‘blueprints’ – took me about week & half. But I’m old & slow.
I’ll probably use ’75 strng whl- smaller dia., but ’56 one will fit right on shaft, but there’s a little gap to deal with between wheel & column bell.
I can give you some dimensions if I can. Good luck... john

 

50's are you driving it yet if so how do you like the Series 400 ?