Here's some great news from the classic Mustang aftermarket: ididit, traditionally a street rod oriented company, is paying closer attention to '65-'73 Mustangs these days with products designed to weave modern convenience into your handsome old-timer. We're talking cool, bolt-in tilt steering columns with Ford turn signal switches and steering shafts, which means you can bolt on a stock steering wheel with a minimum of fuss and be back on the road the same day. ididit makes this possible with great instructions and just about everything you need to get the installation accomplished.
The ididit column is designed to work with any type of steering system--stock, aftermarket worm-and-sector, or rack-and-pinion. Here, we're installing a black ididit steering column in a '67 Mustang and dovetailing it to a Borgeson integral power steering gear. The ididit column is also available in paintable steel or chrome.
1 The Ididit tilt steering...
1 The Ididit tilt steering column arrives on your doorstep with everything necessary for a quick installation. You can use your Mustang’s turn signal lever or the lever provided by ididit. All you are going to need extra is the coupling.
2 The ididit column is ready...
2 The ididit column is ready to bolt in, complete with Ford turn signal switch and nylon multiplex male and female plugs identical to original equipment.
3 The splined steering shaft...
3 The splined steering shaft will work with just about any worm-and-sector or rack-and-pinion system. The key to success lies in a variety of available flexible joint systems designed to tie the ididit column and steering system together.
4 Stock steering columns...
4 Stock steering columns vary depending upon model year. Our ’67 Mustang has a ’68 steering column with a wire channel. The channel is removed first, followed by disconnecting the turn signal switch. Otherwise, all you have to do is disconnect the turn signal switch.
5a The steering column to...
5a The steering column to firewall brackets and grommet are removed next using a 3⁄8-inch socket...
5b ...There are two halves...
5b ...There are two halves to this bracket assembly.
6 Next, remove the steering...
6 Next, remove the steering column to dashboard retaining bracket using a deep well ½-inch socket. Don’t forget the column to dashboard spacer above the column.
7 With brackets removed and...
7 With brackets removed and the rag joint disconnected, the stock steering column is removed from the car.
8 If you’re running a stock...
8 If you’re running a stock or Borgeson worm-and-sector steering system, you’re going to need a flexible coupling. You can reuse the one you have (’67-up factory tilt or ’68-up solid column) or a new one can be sourced from any auto parts store. Our Borgeson steering box already has its steel flange. All we need is the stock or aftermarket rag joint. A universal joint coupling will not fit because there isn’t enough room.
9 Not included with ididit’s...
9 Not included with ididit’s steering column is the column to steering gear coupling. Look to Mustangs Etc. or your favorite auto parts store for this coupling. Shown here is a typical aftermarket coupling, this one provided by Borgeson.
10 Here’s an original Mustang...
10 Here’s an original Mustang rag joint, which is adjustable up and down the steering shaft. You’re going to want to have sufficient penetration to ensure safe steering. Ideally, your ididit steering shaft will fit deep into the rag joint for fail-safe operation. Steering couplings should always have a pair of bolts with locknuts along with two steering “dogs” (large and small pins) for backup.
11 You have two choices forsteering...
11 You have two choices forsteering column to firewall security. ididit provides a firewall to steering column bracket system (left) that works very well and looks attractive. You can also use the factory firewall to steering column brackets and gasket (right) for a more factory appearance.
12 The ididit firewall bracket...
12 The ididit firewall bracket is a simple one-piece system with a single-fastener clamp and gasket. It is easier to install than a stock bracket and caters more to the restomod crowd.
13 The ididit column slides...
13 The ididit column slides right in with exactly six inches between the collar at the steering wheel and dashboard. You may have to slot the column underneath to get it at exactly six inches. Blue masking tape protects the paint.
14 The steering coupling...
14 The steering coupling is secured at our Borgeson power steering gear first. Always use locknuts, never regular nuts and lock washers, along with thread locker. It is important to center your steering gear before the coupling is installed. Perform the full complement of turns lock-to-lock, then come back to center.
15 After the coupling is...
15 After the coupling is aligned and secured, tighten the setscrew, then the nut. The setscrew must sink into the shaft groove for solid security. This also confirms alignment.
16 Here, the steering coupling...
16 Here, the steering coupling is secured at our ididit steering shaft. Use a thread locker here too, then torque to 30 ft-lb. Rag bolts get 18 ft-lb or to the point where you feel crush.
17 ididit provides new male...
17 ididit provides new male and female multiplex plugs, which is great news because most original plugs have given up by now. Use your existing plug as a guide for transferring leads from old to new.
18 We decided to reuse the...
18 We decided to reuse the factory firewall bracket on this particular car for a more stealthy appearance.
19 Tilt action comes from...
19 Tilt action comes from this lever to the driver’s left. For the turn signal, you can use the lever provided by ididit or your Mustang’s original chrome-tipped lever.
20a Function is easy and...
20a Function is easy and quick...
20b ...In your lap or skyward,...
20b ...In your lap or skyward, offering plenty of room for larger drivers.