My son and I bought a really clean 1972 Comet with the 200 6 cylinder, with the three on the tree. We're not really sure what happened but the steering column was butchered. The key switch was chiseled and beat out, the wiring harness was cut to pieces, just generally wasted. Parts are scares in our area, but we have found another column that hasn't been butchered. We noticed a lot of slop, or play, where the main shaft comes through at the bottom. We looked at an extra automatic column that we have and it isn't as bad as the other columns, but is still sloppy. We did notice that it has a white plastic bushing that the other two do not have. (i'm sure they should, or did..) Even at that it appears that there should be something else in there, like the bearing at the top of the column. We have tried searching, and seemed to come up empty handed. Can anyone share any information, sources for acquiring parts, or happen to have a GOOD column, or a complete floor shifter and linkages at a fair price. Thanks in advance!
I know this post is a few months old, but I thought I'd take a crack at helping... You're right...finding info on the "3-on-the-Tree" Steering Columns is difficult. First of all...I think this is the exploded view of the 70'-72' Maverick 3 speed Column (w/ Key Lock): Alot of the early 70's Ford Vehicle's Steering Columns had similarities between the Steering Columns....so here is a link to a detailed writeup about rebuilding/repairing Ford Truck "3 on the Tree" Steering Columns of the 65'-73' era. He does step by step instructions, with pictures, and parts source info. It even shows the top bearing, and shows some plastic pieces: http://www.fordification.com/tech/3spd-column_01.htm Maybe comparing the Maverick Exploded views, with the info, and Exploded views on the link, this might help you to do something with your butchered steering Column.
3 on the tree Thanks for the info, I was able to get my column fixed. . . . by robbing parts from a junk Maverick automatic column and a Mustang & Pinto column ! works like new
