steering wheel questions

[abe]

I just bought a 70 F-350 flatbed dump. The PO put in power steering from a 71 truck. Because the power steering gear box is longer he had to use the 71 steering column because it is shorter. The problem is that the 71 steering wheel is in bad shape, especially the plastic crosspiece where the horn buttons are. I would like to put on the original steering wheel but it looks like it is a deeper dish wheel. am I correct in that?

My question is this: will putting the 70 wheel on the 71 power steering column give me very little room between the steering wheel and the seat? Or is there an easy fix for the plastic center piece on the 71 wheel?

Thanks, abe

[72BahamaBlue]

The earlier steering wheels are a little deeper, and a larger diameter than the 71-72 wheels.
The 71-72 wheel/horn bar was used on trucks until around '77, vans into the 80's, hopefully you can find a good used one.
NPD and LMC sell new repro's.
If you use the earlier wheel, you will need to trim the end off the steering shaft, Robroy had a great step by step tutoral on how it's done.

[abe]

Is it difficult hooking up the horn wires? I have no experience with this vintage. Hooking up the horn button on 53-56 trucks is easy. As of now the horn does not work on this steering wheel.

thanks

[72BahamaBlue]

If you have the 71-72 type horn pad, it should have 2-wires on the back.
On the wheel underneath where the pad sits is a female spade terminal, it's to the right and down from the nut holding the steering wheel. Connect the spade terminal from the horn pad to that.
The other wire should be a clip, it jams into one of the 2 bolt holes on either side of the nut.

[sargentrs]

The earlier steering wheels are a little deeper, and a larger diameter than the 71-72 wheels.
The 71-72 wheel/horn bar was used on trucks until around '77, vans into the 80's, hopefully you can find a good used one.
NPD and LMC sell new repro's.
If you use the earlier wheel, you will need to trim the end off the steering shaft, Robroy had a great step by step tutoral on how it's done.

Here's his thread http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... &sk=t&sd=a

[abe]

The earlier steering wheels are a little deeper, and a larger diameter than the 71-72 wheels.
The 71-72 wheel/horn bar was used on trucks until around '77, vans into the 80's, hopefully you can find a good used one.
NPD and LMC sell new repro's.
If you use the earlier wheel, you will need to trim the end off the steering shaft, Robroy had a great step by step tutoral on how it's done.

Here's his thread http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... &sk=t&sd=a

Thanks for the link!

[colnago]

Very motivational link. His interior looks fantastic!

Joseph

[abe]

If you have the 71-72 type horn pad, it should have 2-wires on the back.
On the wheel underneath where the pad sits is a female spade terminal, it's to the right and down from the nut holding the steering wheel. Connect the spade terminal from the horn pad to that.
The other wire should be a clip, it jams into one of the 2 bolt holes on either side of the nut.

took the pad off, and both the 2 wires were in their correct spaces. My horn works by connecting to the battery directly. so I will have to get a circuit tester to see if I have a good circuit. I found a mouse nest under the dash so maybe the mice chewed on some wires...

[basketcase0302]

I found a mouse nest under the dash so maybe the mice chewed on some wires...

Past expierence tells me this...
You probably want to set traps, (after sealing all the holes) before you reach your hand under your seat for anything!
They love...the mesh material used in our original seats for bedding, nice and warm. I think Henry loved all animals.

[abe]

There are no mice in it now. My seat is in great shape. It looks like they chewed the heck out of the glove box. After I clean it out I will buy a new glove box. The PO said the heater blower does not work. I think I know why. I will probably find a nest in side it! I know there is a nest on top of the radio, too.