Tilt column conundrum.

[Bobcat]

Not sure where the hell to put this thread so I figured suspension was the closest thing.

I've got a tilt wheel which I find completely useless and I'd like a tilt column (Like most cars have) I'm unaware of this being an option or not, but it's one of those things that really annoys me even when I sit in my hoopty and make engine sounds. I'd assume there's a possible swap if it's from a later model panther but I don't know shit about the subject. All help appreciated.

[IPreferDIY]

My 2000 MGM has a tilt wheel. I vaguely remember a car commercial that showed a motorized column, but other than that I've never become aware of a tilt column.

[gadget73]

where are you looking for it to tilt exactly? GM cars tilt slightly further back, but its like 2" behind the wheel. Also, their 80s tilt stuff got goofy and the wheel would flop around. Fords just tilt right at the wheel. The column changed significantly in 1990, so fitting a later one will probably involve some dashboard surgery at least. There is also the matter of the trans linkage. It was rod linkage through 89, and went to a cable in 1990. You can probably retrofit that easy enough but its something to be aware of.

[tjc78]

Funny I've always wished that newer cars tilted like the Box Panthers. Seemed more logical to have just the wheel itself tilt rather than the whole column.

I've had a car with the power tilt/telescopic wheel. That's a nifty little feature (goes all the way up when you shut the car off)

[Bobcat]

where are you looking for it to tilt exactly? GM cars tilt slightly further back, but its like 2" behind the wheel. Also, their 80s tilt stuff got goofy and the wheel would flop around. Fords just tilt right at the wheel. The column changed significantly in 1990, so fitting a later one will probably involve some dashboard surgery at least. There is also the matter of the trans linkage. It was rod linkage through 89, and went to a cable in 1990. You can probably retrofit that easy enough but its something to be aware of.

Trans linkage doesn't majorly bother me since by the time I got to this swap (if ever) it'd be a manual. It's something that's just sort of annoyed me with the car. Hmmm

[IPreferDIY]

If you're wanting to lower the column, I'd be thinking using spacers and longer bolts. Not sure what implications this would have though.

[pantera77]

It would be a lot of work, 90+ is so much different. You'd have to swap the whole column over, which won't fit the dash at all, so you'd need to either do a lot of cutting or swap a 90+ dash in, and that doesn't fit with out some mods.

[gadget73]

80s Cadillac had this odd manual telescoping column. It had a lever behind the wheel that you would move to release the column and then lock it back into position. Always thought that was odd, but it is roughly the same shape as the Ford column is. Probably would be a real bastard to swap tho.

[Mainemantom]

Another odd one was on my 66 Caprice. The center of the horn unscrewed a bit for the telescoping steering wheel. I had to read the owners manual to figure that out. Just an opinion, I would not knowingly have any General Motors parts on a Ford product.

[Toploader]

My fathers 1968 Caddy Eldorado had a tilt/telescopic wheel.

Another odd one was on my 66 Caprice. The center of the horn unscrewed a bit for the telescoping steering wheel. I had to read the owners manual to figure that out. Just an opinion, I would not knowingly have any General Motors parts on a Ford product.

[Bobcat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm69s0Dzicw

Just not telescoping.

I feel as if you could custom make your own? If you added another joint in by the firewall in the steering shaft and then made a bracket that had different settings with a set screw or something. Regardless it'd be a messy endeavor..