I just about have the Mustang II frontend completed on my '55 and am wondering about what steering column length, shafts, etc. I have a C-6 on a floor shift, so obviously no shifter required and I want a dash ignition switch vice column. Mainly, what length, I know I have to marry to a splined shaft on the power ram and from what I have seen I think I need about a 4.5" drop.

Any suggestions would be great, since I know many of you have done this already with success. I am not proud, if you have part numbers, brands for me to check out even better.

Thanks,

 

you need a 30 inch column.

I don't know what your finished look is intended to be.. but I found recently a decent priced ididit knock off.. (I got the column shift version)

here is one for floor shift
30" CHROME TILT STEERING COLUMN STREET ROD FLOOR SHIFT + LEVERS + GM PLUG | eBay

here is a pic of my column, in the 56
Sam

I should add that mine is also connecting to a MII suspension..

I have the following set - 1in DD (column) to 3/4 DD(shaft) to 3/4 DD (shaft) to 9/16-36 (mustang 2 rack)..
adapter - shaft- adapter

 

Hello,

I havent personally done a floor shift but from what I have read here most guys use 30" to 32" long columns. I have seen some threads in the post regarding it. You might try searching the past threads seems like I just saw one two weeks ago about it.

 

Sam beat me to it

 

Thanks guys, the link and pic on the column was very helpful. Not sure if I want chrome, but since this is my toy, I may as well dress it up some. Good price on the column too!

 

there are non-chrome columns too.. but this was an easy search..

maybe they can tell u about non-chrome, but for the price...

Sam

 

Sam,

Is that one of those floor pivot mounting systems at the base of your column?

Thanks,
Pat

 

Sam, im thinking of just buying a new column. I see here yours,very nice. whats it take to get the the shifter to work for you? Is there a cable down the column or a shaft that rotates under the floor board? what was your drop aswell. Sorry to highjack!

 

I'm running the same exact 30" column as Sam is, along with the same lower column mount. I have a 4.5" drop on the dash. If you're a little portly, i think you could go with a 3.5" drop to give you a little more room if you need gut clearance. (like me-lol) Using a 3.5 just put the shift lever real close to the dash and i was afraid of crackin knuckles on the dash everytime i put it into park. So I went 4.5" to be on the safe side.
At the very end of the column's main tube is a piece that rotates off the inner shift tube. The shift lever is removable and clockable. Because of my steering box I had to add some drop to my shift lever to get it to work right and clear the lower firewall/toeboard. If you are running a MII front end, you may be able to get away with a 32" too, if you need the column to come through the floor a little more. Also have to take into account, what seat you're using (mine is a stock bench) may change the amount of drop you need too. On mine I have a C6 and I just bent up a linkage from a later 70s ford truck to work. Again, all depending on what transmission you're using too.

Here's a little eye candy.








Also wanted to point out the Sam's column sits more to the top of the acess hole in the floor and mine is more centered. This affects the needed drop too. Certain difference between a stock style steering box and the MII rack an pinion steering and where it comes into the cab.

 

Dano thanks for the response and love the pics! I also have a MII and c6 trans. from looking at your pics it just saw you have your brake pedal in. I need to get mine in so i clear everthing. What size steering wheel are you using? Thanks!

 

I'm using a 13" Grant vinyl grip wheel I picked up through Summit Racing. This is the wheel here in the pic below. The one in my other build pics is an old Superior 12" vinlyl grip i had layin around.



And if one wanted to run a wheel similiar to this (like any 3-hole mount style) this would be the steering kit for you to use. I had to dig to find this one. This kit here is specifically designed for a Flaming River column and utilizes the odd horn and turn signal cancelling piece that comes with the column. You cannot use a stock GM tilt adapter for any year. Trust me, i tried. Either the adapter wouldn't fit correctly, or the horn button/wiring was incorrect.



Also keep in mind that I am running a Toyota steering box and NOT a MII front suspension with R&P steering. You're may be more like Sam's, higher up in the access hole in the floor. In the long run this should actually help you to get your shift linkage around the brake pedal easier. Definately install the brake pedal before making the linkage and be sure to depress the brake pedal and go through all the gears. I think the closest ones comming in contact with the pedal arm was Park and Reverse. they clear fine, but were the closest.

 

I used a flamingriver painted coulmn 32'' and droped it 3 1/2 inch. Worked out great for my needs.

 

A 30" column wouldn't have cleared my headers. I have a 33" with a 4.5" drop(I wish I had used a 3.5" drop instead).