Technical 58 Merc Steering Column Options

Hey y'all:

We're trying to figure out our options for the '58 Mercury Medalist project. The car was originally equipped with a 312 and 3-on-the-tree. We current have a '59 352 FE and MX Cruise-O dropped in. Merc auto columns didn't have a column shifter, so we're exploring our options.

I haven't found a compatibility manual, so I don't know if parts from any other Ford would work. We're looking for help if there are any close to bolt on options.

I've tried searching before about turning the original 3-speed shifter to an auto column but didn't turn up anything of much help. But I think I saw it could be done, just don't know the details.

Thanks!

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58 to 60 T bird and 58 to 60 Lincoln might work.

 

I have a few 57-8 & 9 Fords. Post up some photos of what you have and maybe what you have is close enough to Ford you can swap over.
The Wizzard

 

Wizzard, once my buddy forwards some photos my way I'll post 'em up. He may still be sleeping...

 

Here are the pictures. We're also looking for measurements from similar 57-59 FoMoCo cars if anyone can help; we need from the firewall to the mounting point under the dash and from the firewall to the end of the column on the steering gear side.

 

The '58 Edsel also had the push button shifter, but it was in the steering column versus the Merc having it in the dash. This was an option on the smaller Edsels and you could, in fact, get a column shift automatic. In those cases they used a '56 Merc column and steering wheel. This may be something you could look into.

 

Quite a bit different than the Ford family. I'll get you some photos today and post up latter. Will also include length measurements. I can tell you the under dash mount and gear box mount will take some mods to make bolt up. Don't look difficult though.
The Wizzard

 

That looks more like the later Ford/Mercury columns, say '63ish-69. If the outer tube diameter is the same, you may be able to mash something together using a later column or just use one intact.

 

So, 57-58 & 59 outer jacket total length is 32 1/2". Steering wheel base to dash mount is 10" From steering box mount to firewall is 7 1/2". The 3 years will interchange but the signal switch is different for 57. It was the last year with a horn wire that went through the steering shaft. 59 and 9 had the horn wire follow the signal harness. The dash mount bracket will slide on the tube and is of Crimp style when bolts are tightened. The base of the tube slides over the top bearing retainer on the box and again crimps with a band to hold in place. The gear indicator is a pointer mounted to the selector shaft and the Crown is in the dash panel above the column.
F.Y.I. 1960 Was the first year of a Rag joint at the box.
Here is a few photos for ya.
The Wizzard

 

That helps a lot, I definitely appreciate it.

I just bought a '59 Edsel auto column from eBay, it looks similar to your pictures. Between the manual and auto columns we're hoping to piece together something that works and looks right.

The easy way out would be to cut the floor and put a Mustang floor shifter or similar, but that just wouldn't look right. And if we're cutting holes, then I'd be tempted to blow the budget on a 4 or 5 speed...

- 1958 Mercury Medalist -