Collapsible steering column?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
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From: Western Washington
Collapsible steering column?
Howdy all, I have a question, I may be getting my grandpa's 1973 Ford F250, but one thing that is a deciding factor is whether or not it has a collapsible steering column. I read that 1968 and later ford cars had collapsible columns, but I'm not sure about the trucks. Just for reference the truck is a 1973 F250, custom, camper special, 2wd, 390 v8, with a 3-speed automatic tranny, and manual steering.
Thanks,
Sam
Thanks,
Sam
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 595
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From: Chico, CA
I don't believe that it does. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking they didn't come along for pickups until 1980.
You could retrofit one in though. Ididit makes them. http://www.ididitinc.com/universal_s...ns/adj_col.htm They're not cheap, and it'll likely take a lot of fab work to fit the universal column in, but anything's possible.
However, you likely don't even have shoulder belts in that truck either, so if safety equipment is your first priority when looking for a truck you might want to look elsewhere or plan on spending some money. Also, that truck may not have disc brakes and really doesn't include much else that will keep you safe except for the tons of metal surrounding you.
You could retrofit one in though. Ididit makes them. http://www.ididitinc.com/universal_s...ns/adj_col.htm They're not cheap, and it'll likely take a lot of fab work to fit the universal column in, but anything's possible.
However, you likely don't even have shoulder belts in that truck either, so if safety equipment is your first priority when looking for a truck you might want to look elsewhere or plan on spending some money. Also, that truck may not have disc brakes and really doesn't include much else that will keep you safe except for the tons of metal surrounding you.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
However, you likely don't even have shoulder belts in that truck either, so if safety equipment is your first priority when looking for a truck you might want to look elsewhere or plan on spending some money.
Also, that truck may not have disc brakes and really doesn't include much else that will keep you safe except for the tons of metal surrounding you.
Also, that truck may not have disc brakes and really doesn't include much else that will keep you safe except for the tons of metal surrounding you.
Disc brakes were first offered as an option on 1968/72 F250 2WD's (and F350's).
ALL 1973 and later F250 2WD's (and F350's) have disc brakes as standard equipment as do all 1976 and later F250 4WD's.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Western Washington
Well, thanks guys, not exactly what I wanted to hear, but it is good to know. You were right, the truck doesn't have shoulder belts, and no headrests on the seat. It is a bit safer than the other one I was looking at, a 1966 GMC.
Thanks,
Sam
Thanks,
Sam
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Dracut, Massachusetts
i didn't know that, lern something new every day! i will also say that i have never seen a 76+ with out shoulder belts. and i've also never seen a 75- with shoulder belts, must have been a RARE option...
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Posting Guru
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From: Dracut, Massachusetts
why do you think new cars come with so much safety equipment installed? because if you do get in aan accident you need EVERY LAST BIT OF IT!
i've been in a minor accident in both my 77 f250 and a friends newer small car, let me tell you, my truck had no damage and all 3 1/2 of its occupants were safe and unharmed. same could not be said about the friends car, totaled, but every one was safe...
i've been in a minor accident in both my 77 f250 and a friends newer small car, let me tell you, my truck had no damage and all 3 1/2 of its occupants were safe and unharmed. same could not be said about the friends car, totaled, but every one was safe...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Western Washington
I would agree, looking at my grandpa's truck it is heavy, and big. With a new car (my family has an 08 toyota), theres not much there. To me, there is real safety in size, and steel. I do plan to install a new seat (with head-rests) and some shoulder belts though, the seat needs replacement anyway, its pretty far gone.. Any recommendations as far as what seat would would fit the truck?
Thanks,
Sam
Thanks,
Sam
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
Contrary to popular belief, these trucks are not as safe as they're made out to be. Newer vehicles are safer by far. These trucks have no crumple zones. When you are in a sudden impact, your velocity has to go to zero very quickly, which takes a large acceleration. Newer cars have crumple zones to absorb the impact. Guess where the acceleration is transferred in an old truck? You, the driver. Since these trucks are giant chunks of steel, they do little to absorb the impact of a collision.
Note that I'm not even mentioning the fact that these trucks lack air bags, collapsible steering columns, head restraints, and in many cases shoulder belts. The size of the truck gives many people a false sense of security.
I'm not complaining; I thoroughly enjoy my truck and think that these trucks were designed to be as safe as they could at the time. But you all need to realize that if you're going to compare these trucks to modern vehicles, you need to understand that technology has come a long way in 30+ years, and it's not all about size. I feel safer in my Civic because I understand the facts, not because of misplaced loyalty.
Note that I'm not even mentioning the fact that these trucks lack air bags, collapsible steering columns, head restraints, and in many cases shoulder belts. The size of the truck gives many people a false sense of security.
I'm not complaining; I thoroughly enjoy my truck and think that these trucks were designed to be as safe as they could at the time. But you all need to realize that if you're going to compare these trucks to modern vehicles, you need to understand that technology has come a long way in 30+ years, and it's not all about size. I feel safer in my Civic because I understand the facts, not because of misplaced loyalty.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 595
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From: Chico, CA
Any bench seat from a Ford up until '96 is a direct swap. You can make just about any other seat work with some fabrication. Use the search function and you'll find tons of threads about seat swaps people have done here.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
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From: Western Washington
Thanks, I'll have to 'hit the junkyards' and see what I can find. As far as seat belts go, though, I did a search here and didn't find much. I did found this link in another thread though: http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/am4point.html I think that might work, but I would prefer a 3-point belt, anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks,
Sam
Thanks,
Sam