Steering Column

Jcmrant · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 07:01 AM

I, like a lot of people, have been caught up in the CRII situation. My kit was started by my brother over 10 years ago and I’m determined to try and finish it. I have the frame all assembled and was waiting for the 2nd two phases when everything went south. Now I’m determine to at least get this car moving, need driveshaft and steering column. I’ve done some searching on the forum and found someone recommending a 30” shaft from ididit. I have a 10 year old kit, does anyone know if the 30” column is still the way to go or has anything been changed since the late 90’s?

Double Venom · #2 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 09:31 AM

JC,
Don't be a stranger........and welcome, you will find all the help you need here. Maybe not the part but you will get help.

The original donor columns were a tilt Chevette. However IDIDIT and especially FLAMING RIVER makes a column that goes right in. You can get them with a tilt and also a dimmer, or you can put a GM dimmer switch on the floor. FR also has the U-joints and shafts you need. Simply tell them it is for a CR Cobra and they should be able to lead the way from there.

Both columns are comparable but I think the FR is little cheaper too.

If your bored, jump over to "the other Ed's build with DV, (This forum) get a large cup of coffee and read on. The best manual "we" have at the time is there!
DV

James Stern · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 01:27 PM

DV,

I have the chevette column in my CRII and the only issue that I have is the fact that I have to use a GM Key. Will it continue to work after they have gone bankrupt? Or do I have to return it to GM creditors everywhere

.

I do have a complete construction manual (ca 1999) that is available for loan.

Jcmrant · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 02:11 PM

Jim,

Thanks for the offer to loan the construction manual. I actually found the old manual, thankfully. I didn't want to use the chevette column and wasn't sure the acutal dimensions on it. I will call Flaming River and ask them if they know the proper length to buy. It sounds like it is a 30" column.

James Stern · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 07:24 PM

Jcmrant, You're welcome for the loan of the manual. I would double check everything with DV. The man really knows about building Cobras. Especially CRII type Cobras

Double Venom · #6 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 03:51 AM

Jim,
you ready to do a little winter mods and spend less than a hundred bucks for a great mod? How about getting rid of the GM key and the big knob on the side of the column and replacing it with an OEM Ford ignition AND key on the dash?

DV

James Stern · #7 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 07:15 AM

Dv, I am ALL ears. Tell me more. Jim

Double Venom · #8 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 04:34 AM

Jim,
be with you a little later today!
DV

Double Venom · #9 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 03:21 PM

Jim,
Do you have the tool to remove the locking ring behind the steering wheel? Don't need it but you will cuss me until next week if you start and can't get that ring off!

Pull the wheel of along with the horn wiring-little tube with a single wire and a spring- take it out and put them some where safe. Unhook the main 9 wire (+/-) flat plug from the column. Then there is a 3 or 4 heavy wired plug with connectors on both ends, take this out and this will be the one you modify for the key switch.

OK, pull off the slotted ring from the column, it's circular with about 10 slots in it. (This is what locks your column when you pull the GM key out.

UNHOOK YOUR POSITIVE SIDE OF THE BATTERY-FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING!

Even before doing anything you need to order an ignition and key set-tumbler- and key bezel, all for a 65-66 etc. mustang. Almost every older Ford used this key and ignition set up. Make sure the spring comes with your ignition kit! (I buy the entire key set up from "California Mustang" They can be found on the net.)

Allright now you have the wires disconnected and the parts ordered-time for the body work. The housing that has the GM tumbler in it.... When you get the locking plate off look down inside where the key ignition comes through the column, you will see one screw that hold the entire tumbler in place. Remove the screw and now the GM ignition will come out in your hand.

Grind or cut off the part that sticks out for the GM key I use a small air saw to cut them off. Cut/sand/grind it all off flush with the main body of the column. Auto parts store: Purchase a 3M hard rubber repair kit- parts A & B---on the inside of the collar where the key was- you now should have a 1" +/- hole- using 2'" masking tape/duct tape cover the hole-following the contour of the cover/cap. Now mix up A&B and very carefully apply it to the outside of the column/sleeve carefully not to push in your taping.

Once that is dried and sanded with 80grit and put another light coat of body filler on top spreading it out past the A&B. Finish it off like a normal repair, prime with "plastic primer", wet sand when. When your satisfied with you work paint any color you desire- Usually flat black..

When that's all done let me know and I will tell you how to wire up your new switch. Normally there is enough wiring to put the new Ford key switch in the normal posistion-right side bottom of the column.

Clear as the Mississippi?

OR, pull the column, take off the wheel, remove the horn wire and send me the column with the short harness, parts and I'll build it for you.

DV

James Stern · #10 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 04:01 PM

Ed, Jan and I are down in Va with friends for St Pat's party. I will get back to you on Sunday afternoon with more questions. Like how to put the switch in the dash with the vinyl already glued down.

Jim

Double Venom · #11 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 08:56 PM

Jim,
If I haven't lost you or raised more questions than I have answered-fire away!
Putting the switch in with the cover in place is really easy-just need to take a little care and time-wil explain in full when you get back and sober!

DV

James Stern · #12 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009, 04:56 AM

Ed,

Your instructions were absolutely clear

. I don't have the tool for the locking ring, nor an air saw or actually don't have a compressor to run the air saw

. I probably could change my spark plugs in a pinch with the tools in the garage.

I still want to do this but believe that it will take me some time to gather all the bits necessary to do the job. With the weather getting better here in the mid-atlantic area I think I should have started this last January. If you don't mind I will get back in touch with you late next fall and begin the journey. One of the things that people with your level of competency sometimes forget is how incompetent some of the rest of us are. You are still my hero and next fall I hope you will hold my hand and show me how this is done.

Jim

Double Venom · #13 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009, 07:33 AM

Jim,
No problem, it shouldn't take you three days to complete and re-assemble when you are ready. If you want, I'll (loan) send you the tool to take off and reassemble the parts. The knob on th side can be cut off with a hacksaw too. Hate to se a guy buy a bunch of tools for a one time small job.
DV

James Stern · #14 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009, 08:35 AM

DV,

If you could do it in a day and the average guy could do it in 3 days, I'll need a week

. That's why I'm thinking with the weather getting better I would rather wait. Late fall I will be giving you a message about getting the tool. I do have a Dremel rotary tool so that might take the place of a hacksaw. This is really a project that could help make this car more "my car" without a lot of chance of me destroying the car. In the meantime I will order the key and tumbler from California Mustang for the incentive. By the way having lived near the Mississippi River for 38 years (St. Louis) I understood the comment "Clear as the Mississippi".

Thanks again,

Jim

James Stern · #15 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009, 08:53 AM

DV,
They have something posted as "ignition switch" is that it?
Jim

Double Venom · #16 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009, 09:58 AM

Jin,
Thats' the switch. You will also need the tumbler and key set and the bezel.
They started packing things you wont need but are going to get, just set them aside.
DV
PS. I do it in a day....I was giving you two extra days already!

James Stern · #17 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009, 10:16 AM

DV,

They have a toll free number so I'll call them and make sure I get the right stuff. You still figured I was average

. Don't you just hate it when your brain surgeon says "OOPS".

Jim

James Stern · #18 (**permalink**) 03-18-2009, 06:47 AM

DV,

I called California Mustang Monday Night (my time). They said they did not have the ignition setup in stock but did have the ignition setup/door handle setup in stock. He said they should get the ignition in a couple of weeks. I'm going to call him back on 4/1.

James Stern · #19 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 08:45 AM

DV, I have ordered (and recieved) the parts from California Mustang. They include the keys&lockset, bezel, and the switch assembly. Late this fall I will get back to you to borrow the tools that you feel are necessary. Thanks for all your help both now and in the past. You remain the spiritual CRII guide.

Jim

misfit41 · #20 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 04:01 PM

Not sure if you have already purchased a column,but speedway {street rod parts} has a neat clean column much like the oldies for around a hundred bucks.
good luck,Tk