column drop length question
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
Thanks for the feedback guys. I've heard that stock columns are mounted using copper bolts so that they will break away under impact. Using an adequate but not over built column mount sounds good. Plus using a sliding shaft should help.
Anyway, for a daily driver its something to think about. I hope no one finds out the hard way although John has tested the Ford frame pretty well already.
Thanks,
Half Ton
Anyway, for a daily driver its something to think about. I hope no one finds out the hard way although John has tested the Ford frame pretty well already.
Thanks,
Half Ton
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Half Ton
OEM column mounts are made of an alloy designed to sheer. And we didn't intend to make light of your concern. I believe you should build your truck so you are comfortable driving it. And I'd bet John does too.
John, I and many others on this forum have upgraded our steering, handling and brakes, We are adding seatbelts, performance tires and designing our columns with some regard for safety. You could add the collapsible column you suggest. That would get you upgraded to safety technology of thirty years ago. But shouldn't you also consider ABS and airbags to be truly up to modern safety standards. Pretty soon you'll have 30K invested into a truck that still may not be any safer than a well used Ford Ranger. I have added all the safety features I can afford with the exception of the door latch upgrade. A mod I intend to make. I have no way to test my safety mods adequately. Time to decide if I am comfortable with driving a 50 year old truck with the added features. And I believe it is adequately safe for my intended use.
OEM column mounts are made of an alloy designed to sheer. And we didn't intend to make light of your concern. I believe you should build your truck so you are comfortable driving it. And I'd bet John does too.
John, I and many others on this forum have upgraded our steering, handling and brakes, We are adding seatbelts, performance tires and designing our columns with some regard for safety. You could add the collapsible column you suggest. That would get you upgraded to safety technology of thirty years ago. But shouldn't you also consider ABS and airbags to be truly up to modern safety standards. Pretty soon you'll have 30K invested into a truck that still may not be any safer than a well used Ford Ranger. I have added all the safety features I can afford with the exception of the door latch upgrade. A mod I intend to make. I have no way to test my safety mods adequately. Time to decide if I am comfortable with driving a 50 year old truck with the added features. And I believe it is adequately safe for my intended use.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 3
From: Pensacola Florida
John,
My SHORT phone call to Heidt's cost them my business on the IFS crossmember. It was my second call to them and both times I had a idiot or the night janitor. I knew more about their product than they did.
On the steering column debate........I haven't figured it all out yet but I will have a telescoping one that appears period correct on the top side. I haven't looked into it any really and I'm open to suggestions. I want a steering wheel that is smaller than the huge truck one but it must look 57ish and I want to incorporate/fabricate a telescoping shaft. Has any one else done this?
My SHORT phone call to Heidt's cost them my business on the IFS crossmember. It was my second call to them and both times I had a idiot or the night janitor. I knew more about their product than they did.
On the steering column debate........I haven't figured it all out yet but I will have a telescoping one that appears period correct on the top side. I haven't looked into it any really and I'm open to suggestions. I want a steering wheel that is smaller than the huge truck one but it must look 57ish and I want to incorporate/fabricate a telescoping shaft. Has any one else done this?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City area
Fenders-
Finally got a photo of the Ididit column install in my gallery if you care to see it. I used the longer drop because I have a fiberglass panel that goes under the dash (not installed in this photo) with a recessed area at the drop. If I used a 3 1/2" drop I would have to cut the panel. I lose a little knee room but I think it will look better. I started out with the 3 1/2".
Larry
Finally got a photo of the Ididit column install in my gallery if you care to see it. I used the longer drop because I have a fiberglass panel that goes under the dash (not installed in this photo) with a recessed area at the drop. If I used a 3 1/2" drop I would have to cut the panel. I lose a little knee room but I think it will look better. I started out with the 3 1/2".
Larry
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