When you spend several years and sacks full of money constructing a vintage pickup, the last thing you want is something that's uncomfortable to drive. That's why many classic truck enthusiasts invest so much effort equipping their creations with every modern convenience available--stereos, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, and all sorts of other bells and whistles.
Hey, we're not ashamed to say we want it all--classic looks and modern conveniences!
Of all the available amenities, tilt columns seem to be one of the most popular upgrades. Finding one in a vintage hauler is almost commonplace these days, thanks in part to the proliferation of quality aftermarket units. Installing one has always been a fairly simple affair, but now it's just downright easy for '53-56 F-100 owners thanks to the folks at Walton Fabrication.
Company owners Todd and Debbie Walton adhere to a philosophy of making easy-to-install components, so the simplicity and completeness of the F-100 tilt column kit should come as no surprise. The genesis of the package came about when Todd created a trio of aluminum column drops that bolt up using original mounting holes. He then fabricated a floor plate that's also a direct replacement for the four-piece factory item. From there it was simply a matter of pairing the parts with an ididit column and Borgeson steering shaft and U-joints. With that, a complete, bolt-in, simple-to-install tilt column kit was born.
The kit that Mitch Howe is installing here is designed for use with Mustang II-style front suspensions or with one of Walton Fabrication's new chassis. It could also be used with many subframed applications, but in that case you'll want to order the steering shaft and U-joints separately, as shaft lengths and types will vary. For that matter, Walton Fabrication will sell most of the components individually so you can create a custom package to fit your F-100's particular parameters.
A tilt column can make a nice...
A tilt column can make a nice addition to any mid-'50s F-100. Walton Fabrication makes it easier to install than you might think.
The complete kit comes with...
The complete kit comes with an ididit tilt column; Borgeson U-joints, steering shaft, and swivel base; Walton Fabrication's column drop and floor plate; and all necessary hardware. Parts can also be purchased individually for those who don't want or need a complete kit.
The column drops are available...
The column drops are available in three styles: a ball-milled version, a "window" style, and one with a recessed Blue Oval (the emblem must be installed by the customer).
Mitch began the operation...
Mitch began the operation on Richard Dalquest's '56 F-100 panel by yanking out the original column.
The new floor plate installs...
The new floor plate installs just like an original item using six sheetmetal screws.
As mentioned in the text,...
As mentioned in the text, this particular kit is designed for use with Mustang II-style front suspensions (though a different steering shaft and U-joints would make it applicable to other suspension combinations, as well). Dalquest's truck had recently been fitted with such a setup using a combination of TCI and Walton Fabrication components.
The Borgeson swivel mount...
The Borgeson swivel mount comes next. The floor plate is pre-drilled to accept either a 2-inch or 2 1/4-inch-diameter (column shift) swivel mount--just thread the Allen bolts into the lock nuts.
The Walton column drop comes...
The Walton column drop comes drilled and threaded, making it simple to bolt up using the supplied hardware and the original column mount holes in the dash.
The column can then be maneuvered...
The column can then be maneuvered into place and slid through the swivel mount. Mitch initially leaves the mounting bolts a little loose so the column can be slid up and down as needed.
Moving to the engine compartment,...
Moving to the engine compartment, the U-joints are secured to the steering column shaft and the input shaft on the rack-and-pinion.
Then the steering shaft is...
Then the steering shaft is installed. At this point Mitch can still grab the column and, if necessary, slide it farther up or down to engage the steering shaft as needed.
When proper fit is achieved,...
When proper fit is achieved, all set screws and lock nuts on the U-joints can be cinched down securely
The column can then be secured...
The column can then be secured at the column drop and at the swivel mount.
And with that you're essentially...
And with that you're essentially finished--just add the steering wheel of your choice. You're now ready to pilot your rig with newfound comfort and style.