can a steering box and column from early 67 be fitted to a 66

[GT350]

can a steering box and column from early 67 be fitted to a 66

 

[tarafied1]

I think so but the TS switch and steering wheel mounting is different. You'll probably need to use the 66 TS switch and the 67 steering wheel

 

[Jonk67]

I think '67 was a change year, late model year may have fatter upper column, and/or coupler and/or collapseable like the '68 is. I think the '65-'67 was pretty much the same thinner column tube/top solid shaft. Last time I looked my original '67 column looked like the '65/'66 short of minor things like hazard switch on the column. Some of the bracket bolt ups under the dash are different I think, '67 had 4 bolts if I remember right and '65-'66 is only 2?
I'd bet you could make it work, I installed a '68 collapseable column in my '67 but had to use the '68 brackets and adapter between the wheel and colum top tube to fill the gap difference.
Jon

 

[tarafied1]

I've got an early 67, late 67 and a 68 column in my parts pile. (one of which will end up in the drag car) If anyone has a 65/66, we can make some measurements. The late 67 is nearly identical to the early one except it has a rag joint coupler. That means it's shorter and has the mount to the firewall like the 68. The 68 is larger diameter (plus collapsible) and has a very different mount to the dash. The 65/66 cars didn't have the hazard like Jon says. That's why the TS switch will be different. I know the steering wheel is different too. The steering gearboxes probably have some differences but I think they will bolt up. I do know the diameter of the pitman arm shaft changed too so it would be important to get the gearbox with the right pitman arm (i.e. PS or non-PS)

 

[Jonk67]

My '67 pitman was a 1" shaft and the later ('68/'69?) was 1 1/8" was the '65/'66 not 1"?
We need to start a part size/interchange spreadsheet for stuff like this with pics.
Jon

 

[crustycurmudgeon]

My '67 pitman was a 1" shaft and the later ('68/'69?) was 1 1/8" was the '65/'66 not 1"?
We need to start a part size/interchange spreadsheet for stuff like this with pics.
Jon

I believe they went to the 1 1/8" pitman in late '67, with the rag joint.

Frank

 

[tarafied1]

My '67 pitman was a 1" shaft and the later ('68/'69?) was 1 1/8" was the '65/'66 not 1"?
We need to start a part size/interchange spreadsheet for stuff like this with pics.
Jon

I think Frank is right, and I agree about the interchange spreadsheet. Great idea

 

[Kats66Pny]

I've got an early 67, late 67 and a 68 column in my parts pile. (one of which will end up in the drag car) If anyone has a 65/66, we can make some measurements.

I still have my steering column out. What measurements are needed?

 

[Jonk67]

How about column diameter for lower section and head collar below the steering wheel, pics would help.
Here's pics I took of parts to put MotoLita wheel on '67 column collar (smaller) and '68 column collar (larger).
'65-'67 should be 3.6" OD
'68-'70 should be 4.1" OD

Pics of the column mount on/off would be good also to compare the difference in the required mounting bolts/holes.

'68 mounting to dash

'68 Floor mount

Wish I would have thought to put my '67 column next to the '68 I installed for comparison pics.
Jon

 

[Kats66Pny]

I have nothing fancy for the floor mount. It just goes straight into the hole on the firewall surrounded by a rubber gasket. Unless I'm missing that piece. :shrug
And there's only 2 bolts that hold the bracket to hold the column under the dash.

 

[tarafied1]

I have nothing fancy for the floor mount. It just goes straight into the hole on the firewall surrounded by a rubber gasket. Unless I'm missing that piece. :shrug
And there's only 2 bolts that hold the bracket to hold the column under the dash.

the early 67 is the same way Kat. I'll try to get some more pics today. below is my 67 dash mount

 

[Kats66Pny]

Well if my '66 column didn't have that floor mount (assuming it didn't have one originally anyway), is that something the OP is going to have to consider if he installs a 67 column into a 66?

 

[tarafied1]

they don't have a floor mount because the shaft is solid from the gear box to the steering wheel. I think it will work in favor of the OP
here is a shot of my 67 column with steering wheel off and back of 67 steering wheel

 

[tarafied1]

here is from left to right, a 68 late 67 and early 67 column next to each other

 

[tarafied1]

here is the early 67 column and gearbox for a non-PS 67

 

[tarafied1]

here is an old picture of my 67 without the steering gearbox and column for reference