I'll be changing my 66 manual steering to power steering. I understand the 73-79 pieces swap. Re: the column, is the wiring color coded the same? If not, is there a schematic that shows the right connections.

Thanks, Ken

 

Ken, Should be the same. If your switch is working use it. The plug on the bottom can be removed by pushing the wire connectors out. Then you can pull the wires out through the top of the column, install it in the replacement and plug the wires back in. I used a tube top from a glue bottle. I cut a little bit off just so the tube would slide over the locking tab on the connector(holds the wire connector in the plastic plug), gave a little push and out they come. Plan on moving the 66 column dash clamp over to the shorter column. I drilled out the spot welds and moved the clamp. Be extra careful about saving the steel finger that works the reverse light/neutral start switch. Some folks change to a mechanical stoplight switch. I prefer to keep the hydraulic switch. Looks more stock and works fine. You will need some new fittings too mount it. While your in there replace the lower bearing on the replacement column and lube it with white lithium grease. I like to put in a new TS switch and one of the new plastic rag joints FOMOCO. Check the replacement box carefully it is a heavy sob and now is a good time to swap it for a reman gear. If you use the 66 wheel you need to saw about 1/2 inches off the steering shaft so the horn will clear, disregard if you use the newer stock wheel or an aftermarket wheel. There's lots more! email me off line and I'll be glad to help! http//:www.william40ford@cs.com
William in Atlanta

 

Thanks William,

But, I thought the main reason for changing columns was because it was shorter...thus avoiding cutting anything. I would like to use my stock steering wheel...is the earlier columns better in this regard? Also, I recently had some paint work done in the interior of my truck, and the paint shop removed the column to paint it, and to do so, (or so they said), they had to cut the wires from the column-then used butt crimps when they re-installed. I could not find a "plug" or connectors.
Ken

 

Ken, The wires are not color coded the same. I think the power wire and horn wire are all that are the same. I guess I need to bring my referrence back to the house. I had to go through and find the four corner blinkers, and get them hooked to the right matching wire.

Send an email to the address below and I send you what I got to work.

John
jowilker


66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

I have just completed swapping a PS and C4 into my 66 that had 3 speed and manual steering. I used a '72 column, with the column mount fron the 66. Shortening the shaft at first caused me concern, but it was easy. Place your 66 steering wheel on your new column, measure from the bottom of the wheel across the gap to the column. This is the amount you want to cut off the threaded end so the wheel fits almost flush and there is no gap between them. I just clamped the shaft in a vise and hacksawed it off at the threaded end. My 66 wheel fits on the '72 AT column like it was born there. The best way to get the exact fit for the dash mount bracket was to install the column onto the rag joint, hold it up to the dash, and using the bracket, mark thru the holes where the proper place to attach it. Wiring was easy, with the wheel off, you can compare the wires to the ones in your original wheel. Color codes are different, but the wire path is easy to figure out and splice to the 66 wire end plastic connectors. The AT shift lever will not interchange with the 66 stick shift lever, I just used the '72 chrome one, and chrome painted the 66 turn sigmal lever to match. Hope this is of some help...

 

Ken I brought my home made wiring color diagram, send an email if you are intersted.

John
jowilker


66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

Ouch! The Guys in the paint shop lied. But it is not a big deal. Just cut the butt joints out, pull the TS switch up through the old column and reinstall it in the replacement. Most important issue during this swap is the mechanical portion of the swap. The bearings, dash clamp and steering shaft length. Run the steering wheel nut on the shaft, chuck it in the vice, use a new hacksaw blade and cut off about 1/2 inch. I used a new TS switch from Dennis Carpenter.
William in Atlanta