Freshening up my 1970 Sport Custom

[popeyes71]

I had a 71' 2wd with factory power steering and a 390 in it and I don't remember the motor mount being notched. It's nice that when working on our projects; that something goes easier from what we thought it might be!

[hfdco4]

SMH I will take dumb luck everyday of the week!

[SMH1970]

I had a 71' 2wd with factory power steering and a 390 in it and I don't remember the motor mount being notched. It's nice that when working on our projects; that something goes easier from what we thought it might be!

SMH I will take dumb luck everyday of the week!

agreed - it was nice not to have to do that little job.

Brief update - Following the instructions in the Tech Articles section, I've been working on shortening the 3-on-the-tree steering column for much of the weekend, and think I have it figured out. Generally, things went according to the instructions, with a few minor modifications to the plan.

Adding the Saginaw box (in place of the old manual box) moves the whole steering column assembly about 2-1/2 inches into the cab. Here's what it looked like when I first installed the column. The shift arm was banging up against the firewall.

IMG_2493.jpg

With some adjustments to the retainer on the bottom of the steering shaft, I was able to slide the shift tube and column housing closer to the Saginaw steering box, and account for about half of the needed distance I need to adjust the column (about 1-1/4"). Therefore, it looks like I'll only have to cut about 1-1/4" off the shift tube and column housing. Since the steering shaft itself couldn't move anywhere, I'll have to cut the full 2-1/2" off it. Took lots of trial and error to confirm this.

The 2-3 shift arm was still very close to the firewall, so I also notched the ledge/seam on the edge of the firewall to make more space (just in case). Here's what the notch looked like. I've since sealed and painted it.

IMG_2500.jpg

I may have to slightly bend the 2-3 shift arm, but it's actually looking OK for now. Worst case scenario, I may have to take a BFH to the firewall near the hole for the clutch linkage, to 'persuade' it to stay out of the way. I won't do this until I'm sure it is necessary. I'm also thinking of replacing the rag joint with a U-joint, which (I'm hoping) might also give me a little more space. If not, I'd rather have the U-joint anyway - seems a little more robust.

Here's what it looks like at this point.

IMG_2501.jpg

Since the engine and tranny are still out of the truck, I can't do any final testing or adjustments for a while, but once I get the column parts cut down to size, everything will be ready for the engine/tranny.

[Manny]

All your progress looks beautiful. Keep it up soon the whole truck will be done!