49-50 Ford steering columns

Ok, quick question. Im looking at buying a 50 Ford car, and it has a moderen 302/AOD driveline....with the gear selector sticking out of the floor..yick..

So to put it back on the column, Im thinking of modifing the stock 3 speed shifter...

Or..using the Ford-o-matic column..trouble is, is the 51 column the only one that will work, in relation to steering wheel hub to column bell. I hate it when its obvious the the two do not mach. Or are they pretty much the same up through 54? Or later?

I will be using a Crestliner wheel if that helps any,

Thanks!

 

The 51 column is 3/4" longer than the 49-50 ones, you can change out the entire steering box and all but not just the outer tube. Also the dash column bracket, u-bolt (goes with previous bracket) and plates on the floor have to be changed. 52-54 are totally different and won't go in without a lot of modification.

Shoeboxford Moderator

 

Thank you sir! Thats exactly what I needed to know!