Gordie: If you only have the 58 box, you are in the same predicament as myself. I just received brief word today from the moderator of the 1957ford.com site. Apparently, my inquiry about the 57 to 58 conversion (quite some time ago) was not understood correctly, even though I thought I had explained clearly about the fact that I was still using a "57 column" for the 58 box installation. So, unless I've really missed something, due to insufficient room in the 57 column, the later Horn parts "cannot" be made to fit!!

Paul

Marv

I passed on the parts you sent me to my friend on Saturday night.

He was blown away with what you sent.

He will solder a pigtail in the brush that requires it and then pass them on to any in our group who needs a replacement/spare.

Fosters is old hat here now. Everyone seems to drink something referred to as TED - which is an acronym for Tooheys Extra Dry. Not a bad drop.

He had a couple on Saturday night.

Thanks once again.

Rick - West Australia
Do Y Blocks Downunder run upside down? Gravity Sucks!!

Sorry Paul, I meant to say that I have the 58 box and shaft only.  I plan on attaching my steering wheel to it.  I have not taken it apart yet but hope to soon.  My engine I was told tonight, is really tired and my rocker shafts are very worn, as is the cam, the pistons, the.......

Cheers

Gt

Gordie T           Long Point, Ontario

Gordie: A follow up.. (& this is how I should spell "guaranty") If you have the 58 column there, can you do me a small favor? Can you measure the outside depth of the turn signal/horn "pod" (my description) at the top of the column. I want to compare it to the 57 column which is approximately 1-1/2"deep. Thanks.

Paul

Gordie: the horn wire runs down the side of the column with the turn signal wires. Make sure the 58 column has the complete turn signal/contact ring parts. Further you need to either switch the 58 horn ring pieces that screw onto the back of it to the 57 steering wheel horn ring, (3 screws) or use the complete horn ring from the 58, (or a 59 might do). note I'm referring to fairlane parts in this case. When you look at the back of the two horn rings the change will be obvious. Also, it might be easier to use the compete 58 steering wheel, because as I understand it, if using the 57 wheel you will have to drill an appropriate size and properly located hole in the 57 steering wheel base, at about the 1-oclock position to install the Horn Contact Brush. One other thing.. I don't remember exactly but at one or the other ends of the steering shaft. I think the spline has a locating ridge. It may be necessary to file that ridge off to fit everything together.Depends on what combo of parts you are using. And as I recall, I believe manual and power steering pitman arms are different. Make sure you have the correct one for your car... I hope I've explained this correctly. Since I don't have the correct 58 column, this info does not come with a guarente.

Paul

Paul

I am replacing my 57 steering column and box in my 58 fairlane with a tight 58 column. I have not started yet as I am waiting for my engine. What parts should I be looking for the 58 column. Where does the wire go on the 58 as on my column it runs through the middle. A button under the dash is not quiet what I had in mind.



Gt

Gordie T           Long Point, Ontario

Rick:

One of the brushes I sent has a broken solder joint. I sent it anyway just in case someone wants to repair it. The other brushes are good, just need the contact spots polished for good contact.



Don't worry about the shipping... just glad to help.



Tell your friend to buy me one of your national beers... Foster should be OK. That will get a rise out of him for sure.

marv

Mark: Yes, Marvh sent me a used one.

Paul

Paul!That item on Ebay that Gordie found is the original part you were after?

  

A further note on the 58 horn parts. If anyone knows of persons parting out 58 or 59 Fords. The "horn brush pieces" are often just thrown away or lost when steering wheels are removed. Those pieces & the entire steering column are apparently essential if converting a 57 Ford to the later 58 recirculating ball steering box. This conversion is now somewhat popular due to the tendency for the 57 & prior steering boxes, particularly at this point in time, to wear & develop flat spots. While the box & shaft assembly are nearly a bolt in, the horn is a totally different setup.. Now, after months of trying to get the right parts to convert my 57 column to the later horn setup & despite the much appreciated help from Marvh with the horn brush part, & an original contact ring setup for the top of the column, I'm left scratching my head? I pulled the steering wheel the other day & as far as I can tell, it appears there is insufficient room in the top of the 57 column to install even the "small" Horn Wire Terminal Support & Wire P# B8A-14308-A (the horn contact ring setup) that I was previously advised to buy, over on the 57Ford.com site.. And there is no way the bigger original 58 contact ring setup will fit in the column either. ( the existing turn signal setup takes up most of the available room) The pod at the top of the 58 columns must be deeper for a start. It looks at this point like the only solution is to install an entire 58 column setup.. Back to the drawing board....

Paul