Project BLUEprint, 1965 Falcon

[Doodler]

Bryce, Where did you get those pedals? They are exactly what I've been trying to find.

[Badbird1963]

That turned out fantastic. Very simple setup but does what it needs to do. The column is about as cool as mashed potatoes. I would have never thought to make my own. Easy project, but I can't do aluminum, I would have to go with steel. I bet that box is identical to the one I have in my 63. Problem is I have all 6cyl crap for steering, but I plan on upgrading all to more adjustable suspension similar to what you are running. I don't think I need to increase the speed of my steering at this point, but I would really like to get the tilt wheel in there. That adapter for the grant wheel is simply genius, where did you get those little inserts that the steering wheel hub screws to? Keep it up, eventually we will all get up off this computer and start wrenching too.

[Bryce]

Bryce, Where did you get those pedals? They are exactly what I've been trying to find.

I did the pedals about 10 years ago. My buddy who was into imports at the time bought them for me. I will look at them tonight and see if there is a manufacture name on there.

[Bryce]

That turned out fantastic. Very simple setup but does what it needs to do. The column is about as cool as mashed potatoes. I would have never thought to make my own. Easy project, but I can't do aluminum, I would have to go with steel. I bet that box is identical to the one I have in my 63. Problem is I have all 6cyl crap for steering, but I plan on upgrading all to more adjustable suspension similar to what you are running. I don't think I need to increase the speed of my steering at this point, but I would really like to get the tilt wheel in there. That adapter for the grant wheel is simply genius, where did you get those little inserts that the steering wheel hub screws to? Keep it up, eventually we will all get up off this computer and start wrenching too.

Thank you, I like aluminum better and its easier to work with. I have a welder that loves my small jobs and gives me a really good price.

The box is the same as a 63, it actually has C3 cast into it.

Those insert are aircraft nutplates. I bought them from a hardware surplus store. Check these http://www.aircraftspruce.com/search/search.php

[Bjkadron]

I will let you know if I can turn the car with manual steering.

Mine would only be 12:1 so it should be a little easier...

[Bryce]

Some more pictures. Getting closer.

Here is the quickener installed to my bracket.


Here is the new steering column ready to installed into the car.

[rustomatic]

With 12:1 manual steering, I hope you've got really good shoulder muscles! I can almost see my funny bones popping out of the sockets with a need for quick steering inputs. That said, I love the column you've put together; my own looks like like some kind of messed-up giant flute...

I would have thought you'd be doing an integral power box with the quickener. The stock 16:1 manual box is nice enough for autocross, with the big stock wheel--I tried that setup a long time ago, with 6 cylinder linkage and a Flaming River box. It was very nice, but the off-center feel was still not as good as my seemingly higher (numerical) ratio Unisteer. The manual Unisteer makes an autocross a never-happen (too many wheel turns needed), but it's decent (given vintage motorsport steering requirements) on the twisty roads. I do wish for a lower ratio, but the installed simplicity (less crap than stock) is preferred...

Sorry about the rambling--keep up the awesome work!

[Bryce]

With 12:1 manual steering, I hope you've got really good shoulder muscles! I can almost see my funny bones popping out of the sockets with a need for quick steering inputs. That said, I love the column you've put together; my own looks like like some kind of messed-up giant flute...

I would have thought you'd be doing an integral power box with the quickener. The stock 16:1 manual box is nice enough for autocross, with the big stock wheel--I tried that setup a long time ago, with 6 cylinder linkage and a Flaming River box. It was very nice, but the off-center feel was still not as good as my seemingly higher (numerical) ratio Unisteer. The manual Unisteer makes an autocross a never-happen (too many wheel turns needed), but it's decent (given vintage motorsport steering requirements) on the twisty roads. I do wish for a lower ratio, but the installed simplicity (less crap than stock) is preferred...

Sorry about the rambling--keep up the awesome work!

Actually I am going with 8:1. I have been working out, HAHA. It might be like having a steering wheel club without locking one on.

Thanks I will have some assembled pictures of the column and quickener bracket tomorrow. Finalizing/painting everything today.

I was considering a borgeson integral box but did not want to spend the extra 1000 dollars for the pump and box. I have a 16:1 box now, no miles on it yet, but I want to make sure I never have to cross my hands during an autocross. I was at 5 turns lock to lock now I will be around 1.75 turns.

The unisteer still has less travel than stock and not as good of bumpsteer characteristics as stock centerlink.

I still have to build new tie rods and I might entertain the idea of building a new centerlink.

[fordsbyjay]

I like people with "out there" ideas. Keep up the updates.

[Bryce]

I like people with "out there" ideas. Keep up the updates.

You calling me crazy?

[fordsbyjay]

Hahahahahahaha good one Bryce. Hey I talked to John at Griggs today and he told me just to tweak the mounting flange at the pinion for my T/A seems how I only need 2*.

[Badbird1963]

I was going to ask about the steering. Your early pics don't show anything for steering links, (tie rod, or center link) Mine is well worn in 10 years worth of oil leaks and just plain beating on it, off roading and such. First thing I've got on my list is a steering box to get rid of the spear or death stock box. I want to upgrade my steering linkage and tie rods ends. What do you plan on using for end links?

[Bryce]

Hahahahahahaha good one Bryce. Hey I talked to John at Griggs today and he told me just to tweak the mounting flange at the pinion for my T/A seems how I only need 2*.

well, I am a little crazy. HAHAAHHAHAH. But paradigm breaking concepts is what I get to do for a living, so I bring it home.

That is good news about Griggs. Now get to work on your car.

[Bryce]

I was going to ask about the steering. Your early pics don't show anything for steering links, (tie rod, or center link) Mine is well worn in 10 years worth of oil leaks and just plain beating on it, off roading and such. First thing I've got on my list is a steering box to get rid of the spear or death stock box. I want to upgrade my steering linkage and tie rods ends. What do you plan on using for end links?

I still have stock center link and toe rods. Both will stay like that for a little while. I will be rebuilding the idler arm with roller bearings. The tie rods will be replaced with aluminum rod ends and swedged tube. I might build a new centerlink if I get ambitious.

[Tig]

Wow, everything looks great Bryce, youre doing a great job.

[Bryce]

Wow, everything looks great Bryce, youre doing a great job.

Thanks bud, I do what I do! HAHA.

[Bryce]

I am in thrash mode now! Trying to get the steering back together to make the GG del mar.

I am picking up my custom made splined shaft this afternoon. Then, hopefully, all I have to do is assemble everything.

My dad has helped out a bunch this last week, he used a counter bore in a drill press to machine down the quickener mounting pads to align everything, drilled and tapped the holes for my secondary bracket and painted the quickener and column mount. I will post some pictures later.

[Bryce]

updated pictures from the steering install:

[feeble]

Very nice! Any idea what it weighs compared to the stock column?

[LM7_67]

I am in thrash mode now! Trying to get the steering back together to make the GG del mar.

that's what I like to hear!