I am looking for an upper steering column bracket for a 58 Ford. I drive my Ranch Wagon daily, on my way home from work the other day I heard a rattle inside, upon closer inspection the bracket was snapped in three pieces. Fortunately, I did not have to any evasive traffic moves on my way home. The original bracket appears to be aluminum, and I am having a friend who is a bit better at welding than me take a look at it. I found a bracket from a 59 that appears it will work (but looks completely different), but it is halfway across the country and I am going off of pictures. My question is, does anyone know if the 59 bracket will work? Better yet, does anyone know where there is a 58 bracket available? There is also someone on the 57 Ford Forum selling a new custom made aluminum piece, that looks really nice, but it is a bit pricey. I thought I had a local source, but that isn't panning out like I had anticipated. My car still has the original 3 speed on the column if that makes a difference.
JMHO, but this seems to be a frequent issue that comes up, so a permanent fix, that (Rick/57Tudor on the '57 forum) custom machined piece would provide may be something to give a second thought to. If they are in fact aluminum, it's most ***uredly cast and not very strong.(think 50's, not modern day castings). If that's out of the price range, there is a guy in Kansas (Roger Vasholtz) that has about 30 '57-58-59 parts cars. 1-620-680-0449. I was there two weeks ago, btw. He's the one I got a door from. Good guy! Since you're a '57 forum member, check the salvage yard links. I've got 8 or 10 places listed that regularly have '57 and 58 parts cars. Also while you're there, check the parts suppliers links. We've got over 40 places that sell 57-8 specific parts. My tag on the '57 forum is just my name, btw, Rich Muise. You tag has me curious, btw.....TKEBH964???
Texas57/HOTRODPRIMER - Thank you for the salvage yard links, I have some phone calls to make. Texas57, I am more of a 57 Ford Forum lurker than active member. Rich's bracket is the one I was referring to in my original post, and will likely be what I go with. I am not to keen on the way it looks or the price, but I am more of a function over form person so I could get over that. Trying to find an original (or original looking) part first. Screen name is a holdout from my college days and is a reference to my fraternity, chapter and scroll number. Really appreciate all the tips!
Last time I was at Bob Owen's place he had a number of '58's. Forgot about him...he's an active Hamb supporter for sure. His place is about 100 miles from me.
Back on the road! Thanks for everyone's help. I didn't have much luck with the salvage yard links. However, I was able to modify a U-Joint cap and combined that with the remains of my original bracket and hardware. Drove it to work today wit no issues. Total cost $10
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