Customs What after market steering col to use in 40 Ford Coup???

I am about ready to decide on the steering column on my 40 Ford coup project.
Here is a recap of what I am working on:

40 Ford coup
302 Ford engine with C4 trans
already replace all floor sheet metal
set back the lower part of the firewall approx 3-4 inches for 302 engine clearance.
using Chassis Engineering front IFS , transmission kit and 66 Mustang rear end.
Would like to use the existing original front seat and just have it reupolstered.
I need to decide to go with either the column shift lever or go floor mounted. My preference would be the column shift set up. Looks like benefits and draw backs on each way. Is there enough room to even use the column shift ? Distance between dash and steering wheel looks tight!
If column mounted, what length to order? Does the shift linkage to the transmission pose a problem? Does the LOKAR rod kit work out well?

Guess I would like some comments or feedback from guys who have used a column shift set up. What column did you use , length, fit problems, linkage , etc etc

Thanks in advance for any help!

Steve

 

Limeworks or Juliano's. If you want tilt use Tri-C Engineerings adjustable column drop.

 

http://www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/i...-2013_Unsafe_Aftermarket_Steering_Columns.pdf

http://www.nzdra.co.nz/racer-info/health-safety/2-uncategorised/40-steering-column-safety-alert

Don't know the length of column for the forty or can I be much help, but if you are considering an aftermarket tilt. Might want to read these articles to help you decide on which one.

 

Original always look good.

 

With a little work,you can use the column. I like the 67-72 chevy pickup. You can get a cable from a front wheel drive GM shifter. Get every thing. I used the 83 van col cause it was cheap. Hooked the cable to the trans and ran cable to right side of shifter. Used a bracket from donor car and it all worked. Would like to go back and change to the 67-72 pu.

 

Limeworks or original. HRP

 

I would use a lime works column and shifter. Very nice set up.

 

I have to go with D.Conrad, nothing better looking. You don't need no stinking tilt.

 

I agree with above^^^ poster...

 

Stocker works great with column shift if you already have it--no big deal to modify and add a detent plate as well. Can make the stock horn button work too.

 

It sure does....

 

For pete's sake, don't use a 70's-80's GM column; nothing dates a car's interior MORE! (Not to mention the fact they are hardly traditional) And there are still way too many of them out there; left-overs from the '90's fad.....

 

If it were mine, I'd have an original style column.
Wouldn't even consider a modern tilt!

 

I have a Limeworks 33" column in my 40 (flathead/5 spd). Very nice column.

If you want column shift, Limeworks has an add on that also works well.It comes with the linkage:

http://limeworksspeedshop.myshopify...ety-shifter-complete-kit-for-350-transmission

Also, I have used the Kugel shift arm kit on previous 40 Fords and they work well for me, haven't tried Lokar's.

Finally, if you have the original column, it can be converted to use a modern steering box either by cutting off the original box and machining a Double-D pattern on the shaft and machining of a lower collar and bushing or Weedetr has a kit for $145 that includes a new shaft and hardware: http://w.ivenue.com/WEEDETR/ecommerce/steering/axle-steering/early-ford-steering-shaft-kit-1940.html

I haven't used Weedetr's kit, but have used a lot of their suspension components and their stuff is top notch.

 

Thanks for all of your feedback.....now I am leaning toward using the original steering column and using one of the LIMEWORKS kits for the shifter rod.
Next question.....what is available for the turn signal system if I use this stock column??? I am going to be putting in an aftermarket wiring harness from KWIK-WIRE or PAINLESS or one of the major suppliers. What have some of you used????
Thanks,
Steve

 

stock with adjustable column drop.

 

Lime works has a turn signal switch also. It is a bit on the large side. I'd try a early bug or bus switch and housing.

 

Can you make the horn work with the stock column to later sector?

 

I used a '65 Corvair in mine. Nice and small in diameter. Fits the dash cut out nice. Had a nice long shaft. Kinda cut to length.

 

Just for S & G's,,,Coup is a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.

A Coupe is a closed two-door car body style with a permanently attached fixed roof. HRP

 

I'll give up one of the finds I use. Look in mail Jeeps, the RHD ones (maybe LHD should be the same if any?). They have a great small tube diam column that has a splined end for the drag link. It looks like old traditional style, but already set up for use with modern steering box. I forget the spline count, I think it is like 3/4 x 36 but it is an easy one to get a U-joint for. Only drawback is it may be a bit long for some applications.