I did a quick search in the technical archives and didn't find much. Has anyone tried an aftermarket column in their maverick? If so, which one? Also, are there some good production columns out of newer mustangs or ?? that ford produced?
just what is it your looking for? you mention aftermarket or good factory units? if your just wanting tilt there are serveral options.I've done several column swaps using both factory and aftermarket. anything I could help answer ?
Radmav, how about a factory column with no shift lever!! The mav columns are hard to find so any factory or aftermarket unit would be great. Similar vintage factory units would be nice (74-77).
so, if all you want a new column for is to get rid of the shift collar? how about getting a collar off of another ford floor shift car (mustang/granda,ect) and swapping out the part? I'm guessing that as long as the diameter of it is the same it should work?....the other option I could give is to machine one yourself / or have one machined out of the correct size tubing. sorry, I dont have much to help you with on that aspect of it. if you were looking for fitting in a tilt unit or modifiying newer to fit, or adding an aftermarket unit I could be of more help.
The existing column is damaged so it needs to be replaced. What type of newer units have you modified to fit?
ah, now we're getting some where , I've used a mid 80's mustang column . it fit great on the inside, bolted right up to the stock hardware on the dash, it does require shortening of the shaft to hook back up to the box on a mav/comet. this can be done 2 ways, cut and weld, or cut and use a coupler.either way works fine, but if you weld it, I would TIG it (safety 1st). only other issue with this unit is I hope your not afraid of wiring. I used an 85 column, which like I mentioned fit great, and looked right at home for what I was doing, it has the wipers on the turn signal stalk,as well as a dimmer. not that you have to use them. but it adds another bunch of wires to sort. myself I wanted that stuff as I changed the dash... oh, and the 85 was a pre-air bag unit,...one small added bonus (I thought) was the steering wheel wasnt too bad looking. theres one option (that I've done) I belive Thack used a 79 t-bird unit, he'll have to chime in on that one. another one I've used was an aftermarket column, again, for what I was doing it worked out great, the differences with this unit is you'll have to fab up mounting brackets,vs. virtually bolting in. you'll have to measure to see which length column will work the best for your application, you can get them with several options, tilt,with/without key, different finishes or paintable. now, for details, for what I was doing, this was the best option at the time for my build. I had to determine where I wanted the wheel , measure the column from the firewall, add steering wheel adapter thickness, and wheel thickness, then you have your required measurement. then choose which column will best fit your needs.noe will be exact to the ford unit your replacing. you will end up having to buy all the related shafts, u-joints ect to hook to the box, and possibly some mounting bracketry? depending on your situation. none of this is that difficult, it just cost extra. the aftermarket will require more fabrication, at the firewall,and mounting at the dash. I think you may have more flexibility with options using an aftermarket, but it depends on your needs. cost wise- money ahead using a factory ford unit and modifiying. ease of installment? if your doing a basic stock retrofit, I'd be more infavor of the ford unit. easy to do, bolts in under the dash, little to change. if your doing something really different, aftermarket is the way to go, because chances are nothing stock will remotely come close. I hope that helps you out somewhat.
Thanks RadMav, I think we will stay with the ford unit. It would be nice to have the wipers and dimmers on the switch. Thanks again for the response.
Forgive the thread resurrection, but has anyone installed a late model column and made the control stalks functional? I'm really interested in doing that.
