Steering column removal?

Discussion in 'Maverick/Comet Projects' started by mojo, May 1, 2015.

  1. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,272
    Likes Received:
    833
    Trophy Points:
    513
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    I am in the process of removing my steering column and installing Borgeson upgrade for mid-size Fords.
    My question is basically removal of the electrical connectors attached to column? My main concern is to not damage/break the 40+ yr. old connectors "at all cost". I tried to pull them apart but cud'nt get them separated. Thought I'd better come here and ask some of the experienced folks.
    1.) Is there a tab or something to lift b4 pulling them?
    2.) How many connectors attached to column? I only see 2 but have not lowered the column enough to see everything.
    While I have the column out will replace ign. sw. and install adjustable rod on brake mc to get the pedal down from the nearly 7" to a more reasonable height. Finally, got warm enough to get some serious work done.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. 71Mavrk

    71Mavrk Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2011
    Messages:
    1,217
    Likes Received:
    427
    Trophy Points:
    238
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Nevada
    Vehicle:
    1971 Maverick Grabber Clone, 1971 Maverick project
    Everett,
    No secret to the plugs. You just have to work them apart. You could try a little heat with a hair dryer. That might help. I usually use a small screw driver.

    If your pulling it all out. I would suggest replacing the bearing and bushings in the column. As well as the firewall seal.

    Micah
     
  3. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,272
    Likes Received:
    833
    Trophy Points:
    513
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    Ok Micah! Thanks for the info. Had'nt thought abt the seal or bearings/bushings. I have to order the switches, guess I will order it all from AK tomorrow. Trying to take my time and get it right, but this time of the year I like to keep the car rolling - so it's a challenge to be patient. When you say, seal you mean seal at base of the column? Where are the bearings your referring? Guess I'll find a lot more abt the unit once I get it out - Hopefully, tomorrow.
     
  4. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2008
    Messages:
    8,067
    Likes Received:
    959
    Trophy Points:
    498
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    GA
    Vehicle:
    '74 Maverick 302 5-Speed.'60 Falcon V8. '63.5 Falcon HT
    I use a pair of snap-ring pliers to 'walk' the connectors apart.

    snapringpliers.jpg
     
  5. 71Mavrk

    71Mavrk Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2011
    Messages:
    1,217
    Likes Received:
    427
    Trophy Points:
    238
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Nevada
    Vehicle:
    1971 Maverick Grabber Clone, 1971 Maverick project
    Everett,
    It has been a while since I pulled mine apart. I think I highlighted the correct parts. If someone sees it differently, let Everett know.

    I'm sure AK or Melvins will be able to get you what you need. These items are pretty common on other models.

    Micah

    Steering.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2015
    mojo and Hotrock like this.
  6. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2002
    Messages:
    26,576
    Likes Received:
    2,931
    Trophy Points:
    978
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    MACON,GA.
    Vehicle:
    '73 Grabber
    "replace ign. sw."
    I replaced my switch when I did the rack n pinion swap. I bought a new switch that was bad. ordered another one and it busted installing it...put the old stock one back in and it's still working....just a thought..."if it ain't broke........."
     
  7. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    18,299
    Likes Received:
    1,362
    Trophy Points:
    878
    Location:
    Albany, Indiana
    Vehicle:
    1972 Maverick Grabber - Color: Orange Also, 1976 Ford Maverick 4-door, 1977 Mercury Comet 2-door.
    There are "tabs" you have to pry apart in order to unplug. They may break...but that should not be a problem.
     
  8. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,272
    Likes Received:
    833
    Trophy Points:
    513
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    Thanks for all the help guys, most appreciated. I need all help I can get on this one.
     
  9. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,272
    Likes Received:
    833
    Trophy Points:
    513
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    My car will continue running if I turn the key from run to accessory quickly, that's the reason for the change while column down. Why did you change yours?
     
  10. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,272
    Likes Received:
    833
    Trophy Points:
    513
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    Thanks for the drawing Micah! I like & appreciate u took time to highlight the parts I may need. My column does not seem to have any issues/play in the column; the car has abt 82k orig. miles. The rubber seals I will definitely try to obtain. I think my main problem will be getting the heavy steering box wedged in between the towers and headers.
     
  11. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2002
    Messages:
    26,576
    Likes Received:
    2,931
    Trophy Points:
    978
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    MACON,GA.
    Vehicle:
    '73 Grabber
    you may be able to adjust that out or lub it. I had my column out to hook it up to the rack.
     
  12. COMETIZED

    COMETIZED Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,671
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    288
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    70 Mav. 74 Comet
    Hello Everett:
    I just posted a video on COMET taillights you may be interested in . Check it out .
    Cometized
    (Chip)
     
  13. George P.

    George P. Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2015
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    10
    Location:
    Whiting NJ
    Vehicle:
    1972 Comet GT
    My apologizes for adding to an old thread. I'm in the process of dismantling a 72 comet and want to remove steering column all the way to the steering box. I want to get access to under the dash and cowl and do a restore, and of cource restore the column

    My dashboard, master cylinder are removed.

    Bolts attached to 01738 circled are removed.

    Not sure what to unbolt at this point, is it unbolting the knuckle in photo 3524? The bolts are old and will strip, any tricks here? I never did this.

    Thank you.
    View attachment 119335
     
  14. George P.

    George P. Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2015
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    10
    Location:
    Whiting NJ
    Vehicle:
    1972 Comet GT
    Removed pin 358794 and used a hammer and crowbar to get it off steering box. ugh!
     

Share This Page