I did a long-distance trade for a '56 Fairlane, and found some stuff that I hadn't expected (I know, par for the course). One of those surprises was that the steering shaft is completely ******ed up where the nut should screw on. I need, at the minimum, a steering shaft. I'm thinking about maybe putting something in that is collapsible, just in case the worst happens. I've seen the results of the old, solid steering shafts meeting soft tissue and bone, and would like to minimize the damage if I ever hit something good and hard. I'm looking at the collapsible columns from Speedway, Sweet, and others that are used in modified and late model roundy-rounders. Has anyone here already tried this? If so, how did it work? It looks pretty straight-forward, and I've built a bunch of oval-track cars, and the column is very plain and smooth (easy to put a turn signal unit on).
Ford steering boxes used the "deadly spear" into the mid 60's this article will act as a guideline as to your options:http://fordfalcon2000.com/restoration/tiltcolumn.htm Be aware that offshore made aftermarket columns are failing and can put your life at risk there are posts on several forums regarding those,IDIDIT is all USA made but costs more but if you go by the article a trip to the U-Pull-It would give you a quality unit,whatever you decide please do***ent it in pictures and share it here.
Ford pickup column? I think up until 79 the key stayed on the dash, and they can be had with tilt. It's an OEM Ford Option to get a two-piece shaft. Cut your existing one piece 'death spear' into a stub and put a rag joint or u-joint on it....
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