Steering Column Suggestions
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 934
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From: Sterling, Virginia
Steering Column Suggestions
Planning on replacing the steering column on my F1 because the turn signal switch broke. It's a junk yard find, from a 77 Ford pick up. It has a nylon plate under the wheel which mounts the signal lever to the switch just got dried out with age and broke. So it's good excuse for a new column and steering wheel. After all, I can't pass inspection the way it is, at least that's what I told the wife, LOL. I started looking and there is a big price difference between a Ididit and those nice chrome ones I've seen advertised by several distributers. Any experience with one brand or another? Also, I'm not quite clear about the steering wheel adapters and horn buttons. Some need columns need adapters some don't. I'm obviously confused, Also how much length do the adapters add to the column? Thanks in advance for any advice., Dean
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
I have a Flaming River tilt and really like it. The Ididits are real good too. I'm sure they have measuring instructions on their websites. I did not buy their stuff fo hookup. Vibration dampers were expensive then, and it is not a piece you want to delete. Larger 80s GM cars have a nice damper that fits the column shaft. It has the D shaft you can trim to fit your truck. Easy to find at the salvage yard for cheap. I bought one borgeson joint. All that will be dependant on what steering box you are using. I use a Volare box, but the concept it nearly identical, just have to buy the right spline for your adaptering pieces.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
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From: Austin
Hey Zoot,
I went with one of those knockoff ones you see on Ebay, etc. - from Gearhead enterprises or something. Pretty cheap - chrome plated plastic for the most part & the inside pieces were all plastic. We never really could get it to work right & ended up getting a more name brand one for round 2.
We used a 30 inch column with a GM wiring harness. Nice to have tilt & built in turn indicators.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
I went with one of those knockoff ones you see on Ebay, etc. - from Gearhead enterprises or something. Pretty cheap - chrome plated plastic for the most part & the inside pieces were all plastic. We never really could get it to work right & ended up getting a more name brand one for round 2.
We used a 30 inch column with a GM wiring harness. Nice to have tilt & built in turn indicators.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
What kind of steering box, IFS or stock, you runnng?
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 934
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From: Sterling, Virginia
I'm running a MK11 with a manual rack. 1" double D. OK last question, what length column did you get. It's a 52 F 1
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Iowa
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: peyton, colorado
There was a tech article on steering columns in the articles/specs section at the top of the page, it's probably still there. Most of it was which junkyard donor would work. If you're OK with a used column, try an early 90's jeep cherokee. It's a standard GM column, 30" long. Most of those jeeps had floor shifters. You can get them with tilt, cruise, high beams, wipers and washers all on the column. If you get one with intermitent wipers, get the wiper control module too. The plastic is easily paintable with krylon plastic paint.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
If you go used, get one that is functional, with readily available repair parts. If you have to go inside a 20+ year old column, the nylon and plastic is often crispy, and doesn't like to reassemble without breaking.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Sterling, Virginia
Yeah, that's why I'm getting a new one, crisby nylon!!!!!!! Thanks the advice.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 934
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From: Sterling, Virginia
Let's see your steering wheel
Thanks for the advice on the steering column replacement. Now I have to decide on a steering wheel style. I kept the interior as original as I could, so I don't want to change the original feel. So suggestions or let's see your wheel for ideas. Thanks again
