Steering Column

[Telopea]

In order to enhance the safety of my 66 coupe I am currently looking into incorporating a collapsible steering column.  I have had some initial advice suggesting that I could replace the coulmn with and early model ford (xw/xy etc),  or,  keep the existing outer and include a collapsible inner. I measured the column in my xy and fould that it is a bit shorter.
Does anyone have any experience with this issue ?

[nassi]

The shorter column is a bit of a PITA, a lot of the converted cars are using the shorter Falcon column. This makes it harder to enter and exit the car and worse still you cant fit a rally pack.
 I say this based on my own limited experience and hope others may have more positive news.
nassi

[Telopea]

Thanks Nassi, for the input

I look forward to hearing from other enthusiasts on this subject.

[Telopea]

Mo,
My 66 coupe is RHD.

Regards Telopea.

[Horselover]

Hi,

I have a ZJ Fairlane (similar to XE Falcon) column in my 65 convertible.

Advantages are:
Headlight flasher on the column (and horn button)
Wiper controls on the column.
Length is good.
Column is collapsible
Rag joint bolts straight up to XY power steering box.

Disadvantages
Redoing the wiring for headlights, horn and wipers.
Mustang steering wheel doesn't fit, had to get a smaller diameter wheel and boss kit from Supercheap. (Darn!)
Need to fit XE lower column mount to floor.
Need to grind off mounting ears

I'm 6'5" tall so smaller wheel and long column make it easier to get in and out.

Hope that helps
Warwick:f

[DruDel]

I'm currently in the middle of this headache.

My panel beater went bust midway through painting my 66 coupe. He somehow lost my column.

I had to source a second hand outer and purchased another shaft. I beleive it was from an XB falcon. My original wheel still fits so I guess they're a good match.

I shopped around for another wheel as I didn't like the way the original nor the Grant wheel petruded so far. I purchased a Moto-Lita Classic mrk3 and they have supplied a boss kit to suite. I think I still may need to shorten the column a little to make it less evasive into the crotch area :)

Hope that helps