Has Anyone Ever ?
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 4
I have a factory tilt wheel column from a '78 F150 so, I didn't have any problems of the bracket clamping around the column tube.
Looks like you may have to make some sort of split bushing --possibly out of some UHMW material (?) --just a thought, to take up the gap and secure the tube.
https://www.usplastic.com/mobile/item.aspx?itemid=23155
The factory column tube O.D. is 2-1/4".
Looks like you may have to make some sort of split bushing --possibly out of some UHMW material (?) --just a thought, to take up the gap and secure the tube.
https://www.usplastic.com/mobile/item.aspx?itemid=23155
The factory column tube O.D. is 2-1/4".
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
About 4 years ago I bought a used 78/79 column of evilbay. Which I haven't used yet. Seems like I paid $150.00 for it. Whether it needs bearings and a new T/S switch or not I dunno. So they are out there for a decent price IMHO. Your aftermarket steering wheel is set up for a Ford column I am assuming. So I think you ought to go with a used 78/79 FORD column.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 4
About 4 years ago I bought a used 78/79 column of evilbay. Which I haven't used yet. Seems like I paid $150.00 for it. Whether it needs bearings and a new T/S switch or not I dunno. So they are out there for a decent price IMHO. Your aftermarket steering wheel is set up for a Ford column I am assuming. So I think you ought to go with a used 78/79 FORD column.
Here is the wheel I bought and plan to use
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
'78/'79 truck columns, whether tilt wheel or not, do not have the NSS on top of the column tube like the trucks had through '77. '78/'79 column/wiring is designed for an NSS on the side of the (automatic) transmission. If you have an automatic, you will either need to mount an NSS to the transmission or, jump out the NSS. Just know that the engine will crank in gear if it's jumped out.
If you have a standard transmission, the NSS won't matter.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
I used the connectors/pigtail from the old TSS from my '69 manual steering column and the female/pigtail, from the main underdash wiring harness from a donor Dentside, to make a 'patch cable' that plugs in between the TSS connector on the '78 column at one end and plugs into the factory connectors of my stock '69 underdash wiring harness at the other end of the patch cable. This way, I didn't have to cut and butcher my original '69 main wiring harness.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 4
The key wasn't put on the side of the columns in the trucks until 1980. --no key on the '78/'79 tilt wheel columns.
'78/'79 truck columns, whether tilt wheel or not, do not have the NSS on top of the column tube like the trucks had through '77. '78/'79 column/wiring is designed for an NSS on the side of the (automatic) transmission. If you have an automatic, you will either need to mount an NSS to the transmission or, jump out the NSS. Just know that the engine will crank in gear if it's jumped out.
If you have a standard transmission, the NSS won't matter.
'78/'79 truck columns, whether tilt wheel or not, do not have the NSS on top of the column tube like the trucks had through '77. '78/'79 column/wiring is designed for an NSS on the side of the (automatic) transmission. If you have an automatic, you will either need to mount an NSS to the transmission or, jump out the NSS. Just know that the engine will crank in gear if it's jumped out.
If you have a standard transmission, the NSS won't matter.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 4
I don't recall the column length --whatever the appropriate length is for a column connected to a Saginaw PS gearbox.
I used the connectors/pigtail from the old TSS from my '69 manual steering column and the female/pigtail, from the main underdash wiring harness from a donor Dentside, to make a 'patch cable' that plugs in between the TSS connector on the '78 column at one end and plugs into the factory connectors of my stock '69 underdash wiring harness at the other end of the patch cable. This way, I didn't have to cut and butcher my original '69 main wiring harness.
I used the connectors/pigtail from the old TSS from my '69 manual steering column and the female/pigtail, from the main underdash wiring harness from a donor Dentside, to make a 'patch cable' that plugs in between the TSS connector on the '78 column at one end and plugs into the factory connectors of my stock '69 underdash wiring harness at the other end of the patch cable. This way, I didn't have to cut and butcher my original '69 main wiring harness.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
That style steering wheel was used through 1970 but, as far as I know, it would also slide onto the splines of a '78/'79 tilt/non-tilt wheel column steering shaft. The only thing that may interfere is the mushroom head at the upper end (tip) of the steering shaft. If so, the mushroom head can be cut off.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 4
That style steering wheel was used through 1970 but, as far as I know, it would also slide onto the splines of a '78/'79 tilt/non-tilt wheel column steering shaft. The only thing that may interfere is the mushroom head at the upper end (tip) of the steering shaft. If so, the mushroom head can be cut off.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 208,487
Likes: 410
From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
I'm using the same column, but, using a bracket I got from Summit. Still working on the final product, for where it will connect, and, I'll need to come up with something for the firewall mount. That bushing that Steve mentioned might do the trick. Here is that bracket:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clp-cpcd-2/overview/
FYI, I'll have power steering. Might want something heftier for manual steering.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clp-cpcd-2/overview/
FYI, I'll have power steering. Might want something heftier for manual steering.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 4
I'm using the same column, but, using a bracket I got from Summit. Still working on the final product, for where it will connect, and, I'll need to come up with something for the firewall mount. That bushing that Steve mentioned might do the trick. Here is that bracket:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clp-cpcd-2/overview/
FYI, I'll have power steering. Might want something heftier for manual steering.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clp-cpcd-2/overview/
FYI, I'll have power steering. Might want something heftier for manual steering.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
