'67-'72 gear selector housing on '73+ steering column

[mac3687]

Hey guys, I'm trying to find out if what I want to do is possible before completely dismantling my steering column. I've got a '69 F100 that was originally a 4 on the floor, and the previous owner put a C6 auto in it and a later model (I believe a '73) gear selector and steering wheel. I have a donor '69 F100 with the stock column/steering wheel/gear selector and manual steering, and I recently tried to put that wheel (the actual '69) in my truck (a '69 with the '73 wheel and column) Unfortunately the steering wheel rubbed on the gear selector, so I had to go back to the '73 wheel which looks out of place. Is it possible to take the entire gear selector housing from the donor truck and put it in the 'good' truck with the C6? The good truck also has power steering, whereas the donor is manual. I've been a bike guy all my life, so I'm new to trucks and apologize if anything is vague or if I need more details. I've attached one photo that shows part of the '73 wheel if that helps, but let me know if there is something specific you need to see.

-Mike

[elgemcdlf]

Since you are not running the stock instrument cluster why not go with an aftermarket wheel you like? I have a '78/'79 column in mine with a grant wheel on top. Shifter know looks out of place to me as well I doubt the piece you are asking about will work although I can not say that for sure. Another option would be trim the current collar down a bit. Also can you just adjust the column like the older ones? Loosening the column mounts and sliding the tube down a bit? This is how I read the guys fix excessive gap in their columns just sliding it up instead of down.

[mac3687]

I'm actually swapping the instrument cluster with an original unit, as I really like the original look for this truck. I'll look into trimming the collar, though I was hoping to just swap them since there is quite a bit of play in the one that is currently installed.

[elgemcdlf]

I'm actually swapping the instrument cluster with an original unit, as I really like the original look for this truck. I'll look into trimming the collar, though I was hoping to just swap them since there is quite a bit of play in the one that is currently installed.

If you are attempting to take it back to stock searching out an auto column might prove wiser. They aren't that hard to find. You should be able to get fair money out of that cluster to use towards your truck.

[mac3687]

Can I use the auto column in the donor truck? Same year/model, only difference is non power steering on donor truck and power steering on the good truck.

[elgemcdlf]

Again not positive but if I am not mistaken the only issue would be length. Slight mods to the end of the column should resolve that matter. Pull both columns and put them side by side.