Has anyone installed one? Feedback or thoughts?

Here is the one I'm looking at for my 72 F100 Ranger: https://www.ididitinc.com/i-25048458...f=brand:102176

 

I can only speak for the quality of there units, very nice stuff that fits like it should. I used a tilt / telescope in a Ford 1928 roadster pickup hot rod and had no complaints.

 

Thanks, Old28!

 

What is the part number of their unit you are planning on using? Would like to take a look at it.

 

https://www.ididitinc.com/i-25048458...tegory:1310143 here you go! Let me know your thoughts.

 

If your interested this is the one i am looking at.

https://www.ididitinc.com/i-25048099...tegory:1310145

 

\That one uses GM wiring and a plug so you will have to make a GM to Ford adapter to connect.

 

Love mine. I did the Universal. Swapped into my 68 f100. Cut old plug off. Used new connectors terminals (supplied by ididit) and plug them into the GM style connector. Had to chase a demon to get turn signals to work but love the column.

 

As said, the quality is top notch. Fitment is sometimes up to the end-user, but they make it as reasonable as possible.
I have two of our "Direct Fit" units in my Broncos, which use Ford turn signals and wiring. But they are Bronco switches, not specifically early pickup style. But the wiring colors should be mostly spot on.
These also utilize the 3/4" x 36 spline shaft end common to Fords. The 1" Double-D end of the universals and GM setups is quite nice though, so that would never be a deal-breaker for me at all.
I see the one mcline linked to is for Fords specifically and has proper wiring. Not only that, but also the 2.25" body that is common to our trucks too, rather than the traditional 2" body of the aftermarket universals.
Does list a 3/4" DD lower shaft though, which is interesting. I thought our trucks all used 3/4" x 36 spline instead. Maybe that's just for the newer models?
Makes no nevermind to me though, as I like the DD interface. Very secure and simple.

My only complaint is that the PRNDL indicators are not illuminated. Not sure why this is such a problem, as the factory did it and when using the proper turn signal switch, the lamp is built right into the switch. So no customizing on their part would be needed. Other than cutting a slot in the bell so that the light can show through. Maybe it's more than that and I'm just not aware of it, but seems like it's just a cost thing rather than a design problem.
Maybe some of their units are illuminated? If you have an auto trans and are interested in having the shift indicator lit up, I would check the wording of their parts, or call them and ask. I haven't made the time to do it myself yet, but am curious what they say about it.
Obviously if you're using a floor shift this is not an issue.

One other thing that is definitely personal opinion, but I don't like a really bright, or shiny column. Whether polished stainless chrome plated, it's just too much glare for me.
You would think being the column and kind of hidden from view behind other things, it would not be an issue. But I've been in trucks (mostly Early Broncos) that have had both shiny and brightly colored columns and hated them both after ten minutes behind the wheel.
Even the Orange one that was factory body color matched was just too much Orange for me. I loved the color, just hated driving with it in my face so much.

Again though, that's personal opinion. Your results may vary!

Paul