steering column
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 131
Likes: 3
From: MA
steering column
hi everyone,
been playing around w/ the steering column on my 49 f1. ive decided to take the tilt steering column out of my truck (from my first overhaul) and use a column that more of an original style. my question is ive found the column im going to work w/... and the plus is that it has the directional switch built in..does that make it a 56 column? when did they start using integral directional switches? and if need be will i be able to find a new switch?
im also looking for an original style steering column mount/drop. ive looked and cant seem find one?? anyone know of a source? im not against used ones if anyone has some laying around?? also looking for complete dash insert that is restorable....
thanks r
been playing around w/ the steering column on my 49 f1. ive decided to take the tilt steering column out of my truck (from my first overhaul) and use a column that more of an original style. my question is ive found the column im going to work w/... and the plus is that it has the directional switch built in..does that make it a 56 column? when did they start using integral directional switches? and if need be will i be able to find a new switch?
im also looking for an original style steering column mount/drop. ive looked and cant seem find one?? anyone know of a source? im not against used ones if anyone has some laying around?? also looking for complete dash insert that is restorable....
thanks r
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Elkhart Lake,WI
I don't think they did. I have a 54 and my brother-in-law has a 55 and they didn't have them built in. You could ask Dianne at midfiftys f100. She is great and very knowledgable on these trucks. Mid fifty's has a catolog on line that you can look at also. I like the way the catalog shows the parts and how they parts go together.
Let me know if I can help you out with anything else. I'm sorry that I couldn't be of more help.
Let me know if I can help you out with anything else. I'm sorry that I couldn't be of more help.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
1953 is the first year that I know of that had a "under the steering wheel signal unit". The housing compartment sits under steering wheel and automatically cancelled after completion of turn. Many of the mid-fifty trucks had manual signal units clamped under the steering wheel to the column. These were often aftermarket or dealer installed units. Keep in mind the 1956 steering column is shorter than 53-55. If your looking to go stock I believe 1948-52 had the same column and have manual signal units. Just becareful if you do switch back to an original style column setup because the lengths and boxes vary thru the years. Hope this helps 
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land & Bandera, TX
One of the issues I am wrestling with this is, if you retain the stock column you have and you upgrade to power steering, like Toyota or MII, you have to address the horn issue not being in the column and exiting through the bottom of the gear box.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 131
Likes: 3
From: MA
hi,
thanks for the replies, ill just assume then that its a 53 and go w/ that.. it has a signal switch in it now ( lets just hope it works) i assume they are available if needed? thanks for the tip on the length.. i wouldnt have guessed that... i think ill be ok tho. my plan is to shorten it anyways, make a new lower mount and connect it to my rack and pinion thru some ujoints.. just didnt wanna use the big clunky tilt wheel again...it looked aweful to me.. like the simple columns....
thanks again.... R.
p.s. anyone know if the signal switches are interchangable between 53' and up?
thanks for the replies, ill just assume then that its a 53 and go w/ that.. it has a signal switch in it now ( lets just hope it works) i assume they are available if needed? thanks for the tip on the length.. i wouldnt have guessed that... i think ill be ok tho. my plan is to shorten it anyways, make a new lower mount and connect it to my rack and pinion thru some ujoints.. just didnt wanna use the big clunky tilt wheel again...it looked aweful to me.. like the simple columns....
thanks again.... R.
p.s. anyone know if the signal switches are interchangable between 53' and up?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: cleveland,Oh.
Just my 2 cents worth, if you're using a MII rack why not look at speedway motors columns reasonably priced w/ turn signals. I have a volare clip installed in my truck and I used my old column cut it down and had to have the U-joint welded to the shaft. This should be done by a professional welder who can have the weld magnafluxed to check for cracks in the weld. Those shafts are hollow and welding those u-joints are tricky business. I have been driving my truck for 5 yrs no problems as of yet! Iam in the process of a rebuild sort of face lift, I'll be changing my column and using a good solid mechanical connection this go round. I cant remember where I read that it is illegal in some states to have any kind of welded steering connection. Just something to think about.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
In addition to the lower mount you will need a lower centering bushing or bearing to keep the shaft centered in the jacket. MF has the bushings in their catalog. Doesn't need to be fancy, Ididit uses a 1" thick delrin disk that slips into the jacket with a hole bored into the center for the shaft. They secure it into the jacket with a roll pin.
They now also have a conversion kit that retains the horn button function, but it's on the pricey side...
They now also have a conversion kit that retains the horn button function, but it's on the pricey side...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ChristopherBarnette
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Jul 16, 2021 01:06 AM
mstpn2
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Oct 6, 2015 07:21 PM
kr98664
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Aug 29, 2015 11:03 PM
DuallyF350
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
May 12, 2015 08:12 PM
