Update for those that are interested.
I probably did not need to replace the steering column but I did. The steering wheel splines on my original column were somewhat mangled, I'm guessing from the non-original Ford steering wheel. The turn signals did not auto-reset when turning, the horn button did not work, the hazard lights were intermittent and there was some type of green light that wasn't connected to anything. That said there was a beautiful 1977 fire engine in the Adelmans junk yard screaming to have it's steering column repurposed.
I still had to get a new lower knuckle to attach the column to the steering gear but that and a u-joint later I now have a steering column with pristine splines, perfect turn signals, a working hazard light switch and a horn button that works. I've gotten everything rewired except for the horns since only the air horns have worked since I purchased the coach. I rewired the electric horns but I need a new relay so hopefully I'll get that done in the next week or two. In addition, I just purchased another cruise control and will be installing that in the near future as well. I'll send some pictures of the finished product once I get it cleaned up.
In the mean time I cannot believe how tight the steering is! It's like a whole new coach!!! There is NO play in the steering at all. Before there was at least a quarter turn of play in the wheel and the steering pump would squeal if I turned the wheel too fast. Now quiet as ever and tight as a drum. I packed the front bearings and adjusted the brakes while I had it in the shop and she's driving like a new coach.
First trip will be in March so I've got to get working on the rest of that wiring.
I probably did not need to replace the steering column but I did. The steering wheel splines on my original column were somewhat mangled, I'm guessing from the non-original Ford steering wheel. The turn signals did not auto-reset when turning, the horn button did not work, the hazard lights were intermittent and there was some type of green light that wasn't connected to anything. That said there was a beautiful 1977 fire engine in the Adelmans junk yard screaming to have it's steering column repurposed.
I still had to get a new lower knuckle to attach the column to the steering gear but that and a u-joint later I now have a steering column with pristine splines, perfect turn signals, a working hazard light switch and a horn button that works. I've gotten everything rewired except for the horns since only the air horns have worked since I purchased the coach. I rewired the electric horns but I need a new relay so hopefully I'll get that done in the next week or two. In addition, I just purchased another cruise control and will be installing that in the near future as well. I'll send some pictures of the finished product once I get it cleaned up.
In the mean time I cannot believe how tight the steering is! It's like a whole new coach!!! There is NO play in the steering at all. Before there was at least a quarter turn of play in the wheel and the steering pump would squeal if I turned the wheel too fast. Now quiet as ever and tight as a drum. I packed the front bearings and adjusted the brakes while I had it in the shop and she's driving like a new coach.
First trip will be in March so I've got to get working on the rest of that wiring.
Bob Kopicki
1972 Newell Chauffeur
1964 Land Rover 88 Series IIa TOAD