Tilt column in 70 Mustang?

[miketyler]

Got my converted outer tube back today and the lockout collar. It is as I pictured previous and is part number D0ZA-3790-DW. I will compare it to the Lincoln, perhaps it could be modified. Will detail the assembly, pivot points repair with pics later.

[Grabber70Mach]

  Are you going to compile a how to for those interested?  w/contact info for the person that does the switch relocation.  :hap

[miketyler]

Absolutely. If you shop smart and do all the disassembly and reassembly yourself and need no new parts, you should be able to do this for <$350 depending on how cheap you can find a 71 donor tilt.

[miketyler]

This is the column after conversion. Will need to cut off the lower set of studs at the old starter switch location.

The next pic shows the Lincoln lockout casting on the left and the Mustang Cougar on the right. Would be VERY difficult to make the Lincoln casting work. I dont know how many 70 tilt castings Ed has stashed away but that may be the limiting issue for someone considering doing this. I will get that part number off that casting and post it up.

[Grabber70Mach]

Looking good so far.  Following closely.   

[miketyler]

Did the conversion this weekend. Pics to follow

[buening]

sweet, looking forward to it!

[miketyler]

finished product:

[buening]

Wow that looks great!  Don't forget the firewall mounting plate ;)

Were you able to tighten up the slop in the tilt mechanism?

[miketyler]

Yes, will detail that in the how-to but I got a machine shop to fabricate new pivot pins .003 oversize. They are a nice fit. 

[Grabber70Mach]

Man that looks really nice, can't wait to see your detailed writeup. 

[miketyler]

Here is a page from the manual. I have photoshopped the upper illustration to reflect the changes including discarding the column shift indicator, modifying ignition switch location and actuating rod, etc.   

[miketyler]

When you are done, the only way anyone could tell it wasn't original is the slot in the top of the tube for the reverse light switch. Even if the idea of the conversion doesn't work for you there is valuable knowledge here to help you disassemble and rebuild your original column if it's loose. I have about $400 in my tilt including the donor column, the additional parts, and the switch relocation.

You will need

1. a working tilt column with turn signal switch from a 71 Mercury Continental, Mustang or Cougar (71 is the easiest model to convert)
2. tilt rag joint
3. trans lockout tube upper casting from 70 tilt column (D0ZA-3790-DW)
4. outer tube stud relocation (relocates starter switch closer to wheel)
5. Optional: lockout tube from 70 tilt column

[miketyler]

Getting Started:
Start with locating a donor column. Columns from Continentals will probably be easier to find than a Mustang/Cougar. The 71 year is your best case as the key cylinder is the same as your 70 fixed column and can be reused. The 71 model year is also important If you want it to "look" correct as it has the plastic turn signal cover that is found on the 70 models. Later years did not have this. When looking for columns try and get a complete one with a good turn signal switch, rag joint, and plastic cover. The turn signal switch will be retained and will plug in to your existing harness directly. Purchased separately, these will add to the expense of the conversion. Expect to pay between $100 to $200 depending on how complete the unit is. 

Before you disassemble it, test it in the car or clamped to a bench to ensure it locks in all 5 positions. If bench testing, mount a steering wheel on it and check it for looseness as well. The design isn't that great and these probably were a little loose from the factory. A few thousandths wear at the pivot points or at the lower locking pawl will be magnified when you mount a steering wheel on it.

Disassembly:
Disassembly is pretty straight forward. Just take your time. The key in any disassembly is take lots of pictures (and make notes if you plan to do a how-to). Remove the rag joint, reverse light switch, and firewall bracket if still attached. Remove and disconnect the ignition switch. Knock out the pin to the column shift lever and remove it and discard.

At the steering wheel end, remove the four screws that attach the upper cover and the two screws holding the turn signal switch assembly and key buzzer. Pull the upper cover away from the rest of the column. At this point you will probably have to remove the lock cylinder and drive gear to free the actuator pin assembly from the lower actuator casting. Carefully fish the turn signal connector free by pulling thru the selector ring and upper flange assembly webbing. Rotate the shift tube so the key bolt aligns with the hole in the outer tube and remove it. You should be able to remove the shift tube and gear selector casting now.

Pull the pivot pins by inserting an 8-32 machine screw into each pin and use a slide hammer to remove. These should remove easily. Use caution as there is a spring in between the upper flange assembly and the lower flange. There are three allen screws and dogs that mount the lower flange casting to the outer tube. Now pull the assembly with the steering drive shaft out. Remove those three bolts and remove the lower flange from the outer tube.

Remove the two retainer clips for the bale and remove it and the tiny spring and pin. Remove the pin in the locking lever and remove the locking lever and spring.Slide the lower actuator casting out of the upper flange assembly. Remove snap ring from shaft, and separate shaft and bearings from tilt casting. Clean and inspect all parts for damage. 

Rebuild and Reassembly to follow





















   

[buening]

looks good so far!

[miketyler]

Sorry for the late response, been busy with life in general. I did notice this OEM tilt unit on eBay with BIN of $550. Someone wanting to avoid the time and labor could cut to the chase with this one.


 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220751525811&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ASS%3AUS%3A1123

[Grabber70Mach]

Sorry for the late response, been busy with life in general. I did notice this OEM tilt unit on eBay with BIN of $550. Someone wanting to avoid the time and labor could cut to the chase with this one.


 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220751525811&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ASS%3AUS%3A1123

Sold, appeared to be a good deal.  I noticed that the Rag joint coupling was missing.  Thought that was unique to the tilt, wonder how the purchaser is going to solve it.

[miketyler]

A strategy may be to look for the 71 Merc rag joint since it's the same. You could get by with the upper half.

The same deal goes on the little plastic turn signal switch cover that is commonly missing. I know a guy that specializes in Continental parts (not the guy I got my column from) and he sells original doors for $10/ea. They are the same PN as the Mustangs use. Some dealers will ask $50-$100 for this same part. Dont be taken in. 

[miketyler]

Just noticed CJ's has the 70 tilt switch in their overstock listing for $69 shipped. Not a bad price for new part. The hazard switch is later model and to look correct, you need to swap for round one.