Driven Racing Oil’s GP-1 8OW-90 Gear Oil
June 14, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
HOT HAULERS
Trucks are hot, and this interest in trucks has been getting hotter over the years. This is not something that started recently, and now with so many companies like Chevs of the ’40s, Early Classic Enterprises, Street & Performance and SSBC offering specific performance parts, you are now able to find such truck-specific parts as replacement sheetmetal, LS1 engine swaps, tubular suspension components and enormous brake systems.
Horseless Carriages Roar Through Monkey-Town
Over its history, the HCCA has been pivotal in orchestrating events, rallies, and exhibitions spotlighting antique automobiles, offering a platform for enthusiasts to exhibit their cherished vehicles, exchange expertise, and cultivate enduring connections. This year, the 2024 HCCA National Convention and Tour made its way through Chattanooga, Tennessee, and surrounding areas.
DASHING F100
In past stories we have shown you how to shave door handles, install custom outside door handles, round door corners, build suicide doors, add bear claw latches and so on. Now we’re going to offer you a personal favorite custom touch—installing a dash from a ’59-’60 Chevrolet Impala into a ’56 Ford F-100.
Spotlighter
ECONOMY STEERING
Installing a J&I Detroit Iron Steering Column in a ’56 Ford Pickup
Author
Jeff Tann
Story & Photography
The owner of this ’56 Ford pickup purchased it for a daily driver, and after driving it for a short time decided to make it more comfortable. Still running the original suspension, it rode rough and typically handled like an old truck, which it happens to be. He wanted a softer ride, and for the truck to handle like a modern sports truck, so several chassis improvements were in order.
Similar to how most rodders address these issues, he wanted improvements but needed to make them on a budget. To do so, he contacted the folks at Dream Cars in Simi Valley, California, to find out what they would recommend he do on his budget, and what those parts would cost.
Dream Cars is well aware of how rodders must work within budget constraints, and how component prices can make a significant difference when a proposed upgrade gets done. The shop worked at figuring out the best and most economical parts they could use to meet this customer’s demands and budget. Recommended improvements included a new independent front suspension, a Chevy 350 crate engine and a new steering system that would hook the steering wheel/shaft to the new rack-and-pinion unit. In this story, we will cover the steering installation and how it can be done for a reasonable price, as this will be a necessary step for such a suspension upgrade.
Aftermarket billet and chrome-plated steering columns weren’t an option for this truck, so a new steering column was ordered from a local supplier, J&I Detroit Iron in Norwalk, California. This column featured a column shifter, which was delivered with a black painted finish and is quite reasonably priced. The other parts required to finish the steering installation included a Flaming River column drop, Borgeson U-joints and steering shaft, and a Grant steering wheel.
With all of the parts in hand, the installation was quick and easy. The parts required to perform this installation consisted of nothing more than normal hand tools, Allen wrenches and a MIG welder. From start to finish this installation took half a day to perform, so just about anyone can duplicate the process even if it takes a little longer. Here’s how it went.
The base of the column drop was bolted to the dash first, and then the drop was installed with two Allen screws. At this point the screws should be tightened to the point where the drop can move back and forth for minor alignment.
The column was installed in the car and was placed in the column drop. Column drops are available in several hole diameters, so the correct one should be ordered for the column diameter. Here the column is being secured to the drop.
The original floorboard hole is covered with sheetmetal panels. They were removed to access the stock steering column when it was removed and can be reused for this installation. Here the right-side panel is being reinstalled.
The left-side panel was placed in the truck and required some minor trimming. Here a small section is being removed with hand shears.
After the trimming was complete the panels were connected to the floorboard with sheetmetal screws.
Here is the floorboard after the panels have been installed. The new brake pedal works fine with this installation, and the steering column exits in a comfortable position.
The original steering wheel is being replaced by a Grant Classic steering wheel. They are available in several diameters and dish applications. This one came with the steering column adapter.
The horn mechanism was installed and the nut was tightened. This is a simple steering wheel installation so anyone should be able to do it.
After the horn button adapter was installed, the chrome-plated horn button was connected.
Here is the Classic Grant wheel after it was installed. This steering wheel has three spokes so the open area should be on the topside for gauge visibility.
This is a simple installation that uses two U-joints and a single shaft. The steering column was installed first, and then measurements were taken and the parts were ordered from Borgeson.
The U-joint and shaft assembly was placed inside of the engine compartment, and then the U-joint was connected to the rack-and-pinion unit.
The other side of the U-joint and shaft assembly was connected to the steering column. The column had to be loosened and pulled back slightly for the U-joint to fit onto the end of the column.
After the U-joints were connected to the column and steering unit, the Allen head set screws could be tightened.
In an effort to keep this installation cost effective, a simple floor mount was used in this application. A muffler clamp will secure the column to the floorboard. Here the clamp is being installed on the column.
The clamp body was welded to the floorboard. The U-bolt remains loose and will tighten against the column.
The two bolts were tightened. Now the bottom of the column is secure. The clamp is simple and effective, and when the carpet is installed you won’t be able to see it.
In a matter of a few hours the column was completely installed. The steering system looks fantastic and will work perfectly for this ’56 Ford pickup truck application—and it was well within budget.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Borgeson Universal Company
9 KRIEGER DR
TRAVELERS REST, SC 29690-8331
860-482-8283
tech@borgeson.com
Grant
615 Elca Lane, Suite E
Brownsville, TX 78521
1-800-952-6947
J&I Detroit Iron
12718 Longworth Ave.
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 863-0556
