Comet column disassembly

A question from a Ford Rookie-
What is the method of choice for removing the steering box off the framerail for a '64 Comet? Will it leave the column itself in position, or does the whole deal have to be removed as a whole?? Once unbolted, will the box fall away from the column?

Thanks for any replies.

Dale

I know for sure that a 63 has a solid column box combo, but the 64 MAY have a rag joint. If it does then it's simple. Unbolt it...

If not, you're in for a ride...

Directions:

1. Disconnect Horn wire and turn signal wires under instrument panel. With Auto trans, also disconnect neutral switch wires.

2. Remove steering wheel.

3. Remove steering column clamp.

4. Pull rubber seal up on steering column and move dash panel insulation out of the way.

5. Remove steering column cover plates.

6. Slide steering column from steering gear through opening in dash panel.

7. Remove exhaust pipe from manifold if necessary to obtain clearance.

8. Remove pitman arm with a suitable tool like a pitman arm puller.

9. Remove steering gear retaining bolts.

10. Lower car and disconnect wires from left bank spark plugs to prevent accidental damage to them.

11. disconnect shift rods from transmission levers.

12. Remove brake booster if necessary.

13. Lift steering gear assembly from engine compartment.

14. Reverse procedure to install.


That's about it...

Good luck!


FE

Thanks! Figured it'd be a bumpy ride!!

Dale

Oh it's really nothin, you can handle it

I'll tell you, I removed it today, and it was quite the ride!! What a Pain!! Someone had previously engaged to remove it, then proceded to thrash it. I just put the whole thing to rest!! I found out why the turn signals did not work, and there was a wobble down at the base. Wires cut and stuffed in, and where somebody beat on the box with a sledgehammer to attempt a removal. I just plasma cut the entire unit out!! Uugh!!

Glad it's done... What's going back in?

Just ordered a Speedway column, to mate up with the GM Saginaw box, thats to be mounted waaaay out in front of the new axle, below the radiator. I've got a rep from Griffin radiator, that is going to assist me with trying to develop a unit for our Comets that is a bit bigger and wider to give some extra cooling for those long lines in the staging lanes at the track (and the long traffic jams on our SoCal freeways!!)

Well you gotta take pics and show us some progress!
We like car pics and progress reports!

Originally Posted by FEandGoingBroke

Well you gotta take pics and show us some progress!
We like car pics and progress reports!

I'll bring the camera in tomorrow, but most will be appalled at what a plasma cutter can do in unskilled hands!!!!!