1969 Ranger - Project Glory Days!

[tylerb43]

Hey guys- Quick question. Putting the steering column back together, and I can't for the life of me remember what these two bolts actually do. The two square head bolts that come in from the back with hex nuts on the front, at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock in this picture below. What do they actually fasten? Sure looks like nothing to me. So get this over with, someone tell me the quick bonehead answer that I'm just not seeing.

[Heirloom]

Those square head bolts (back side) clamp that ring on to the column. Leave the nuts (front) very loose until you assemble it. Then draw those tight. You should be able to get them to catch easily.

[e6ug]

http://www.fordification.com/tech/images/colshort06.jpg this is from the tech page how to shorten the column http://www.fordification.com/tech/steering-column.htm i am waiting on my new turn signal swith to arrive before i take my column apart. hopefully i will be able to answer you question later today.

[Heirloom]

http://www.fordification.com/tech/images/colshort06.jpg this is from the tech page how to shorten the column http://www.fordification.com/tech/steering-column.htm i am waiting on my new turn signal swith to arrive before i take my column apart. hopefully i will be able to answer you question later today.

Perfect picture!

[tylerb43]

You guys are awesome, thank you very much! I know I've read that page before, but I forgot about it. Thanks!

[tylerb43]

I installed the upper end of the column last night, and it went well. Just wanted to point out a couple issues on the tech page linked above in case someone is going to follow it. Those square head bolts secure the upper ring to the column tube itself, not the shift tube as noted. And they go on the outside of the tube, not the inside as shown in the picture on the tech page.

I used a dab of silicone to hold the upper bolt in place, and left the bottom one "very loose" per Josh's direction and it grabbed and tightened up perfectly.

Thanks again guys for answered a simple question without making me feel like a moron.

[sargentrs]

Way to go Tyler! Keep up the momentum.

[67nukeford]

Tyler, truck is looking awesome, I LOVE that instrument bezel you came up with! Amazing work, man!

[Craigerf100]

hey tyler ive got a quick install question. i noticed in this pic

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh78 ... 9c8c42.jpg

with your core support bushings sitting there on your frame. that you have some washers on top of the bushings, in between the core support and bushing.
the bushings i bought didnt come like this. nor did the bushing i removed on dis-assembly. am i supposed to have a washer in between my bushings and core support?

thanks

[sargentrs]

Not trying to steal your thunder, Tyler! The rad support bushing mounts are similar to the cab mount hardware, a 2 pc tube welded/extruded to a washer set. The aftermarket kits you can get only have a loose tube, some washers, nuts and bolts. Here's a pic of the mount hardware. Forgive the small size but I cropped it from a larger picture.

[tylerb43]

Tyler, truck is looking awesome, I LOVE that instrument bezel you came up with! Amazing work, man!

Thanks, Pat!

Not trying to steal your thunder, Tyler! The rad support bushing mounts are similar to the cab mount hardware, a 2 pc tube welded/extruded to a washer set. The aftermarket kits you can get only have a loose tube, some washers, nuts and bolts. Here's a pic of the mount hardware. Forgive the small size but I cropped it from a larger picture.

Ha! No worries, buddy, thanks for the input, great pic!

Craigerf100, Randy is correct, the aftermarket kits are not like the original. I guess the cost vs. benefit just wasn't worth it? I bought a DC kit. The large washer on top of the top bushing, and another washer on bottom of the bottom bushing, create a solid "sandwich" when the bolt is tightened. The loose tube inside is about 1/4" shorter than the static assembly to allow for compression of the bushings. Hope that helps!

[Craigerf100]

ok cool thanks guys. mine wasnt after market i dont think. and my bushings are metal lined tube. just no washers. thanks

[tylerb43]

Hey guys, great news - Project Glory Days has completed first start!




It sounds incredible, and everything went well except for the cooling system. It was getting hot and we had to shut it down after only 17 minutes into the break-in period. Erson cams wanted a full 20 minutes, so I'm not sure how big of a deal that 3 minutes is. ...I hope it's not an issue.

So my "save a few dollars" radiator was showing a small leak at the crimped edge at the top tank. So that was stupid on my part to use that freaking radiator, and I'm not cutting anymore corners, so I ordered a new aluminum one and I'll get a new thermostat. I have a 180 in there now, but I didn't test it before I installed it. I did a search and it seems most guys are using 195's, so I guess I'll get a 195, test it, and install it with the new radiator, and hopefully that will solve the cooling issue.

FYI - I did hook up a Mark 8 fan on the forward side of the radiator to pull out as much heat as possible during the run.

Anyway, here are some pics to update the progress!

[KnockKnock]

That truck is beautiful. Good luck with the project!

[sargentrs]

Congrats, Tyler! You've given me hope for mine.