Much of the aftermarket industry has been born in garages, barns, and car trunks by enthusiasts searching for solutions. Count the steering column folks at ididit among them. They introduced tilt steering column conversions for popular vintage muscle cars and collectible classics more than 30 years ago.
The ididit Retrofit steering column is designed for 1967 Mustangs with a floor shifter. It features eight tilt positions, a self-canceling turn signal switch, four-way flashers, and tilt and turn signal levers. Our column has a black painted finish, but it’s also available in bare steel if you want to paint one to match your Mustang’s interior. (Image/Summit Racing)The column has a Ford turn signal switch nestled neatly in the steering collar, ready to be plugged into the main wiring loom without modifications. It comes with a 1968-style switch, which we will swap for one for a 1967 Mustang as they are different from each other. (Image/Jim Smart)The 3/4-inch, 36-spline steering shaft fits ‘short shaft’ Ford steering boxes and our Borgeson box. The steering box attaches to the column with a rag joint. (Image/Jim Smart)The column swap starts with steering wheel removal. You may need a wheel puller for this step, especially if you have a stock steering wheel. We’re working with a GT Performance steering wheel with a black foam grip. Make sure you’ve disconnected the battery (negative terminal). (Image/Jim Smart)The factory steering wheel retaining nut is removed, which frees up the wheel. (Image/Jim Smart)Remove the steering column to firewall flange using a 3/8-inch socket. (Image/Jim Smart)ididit gives you two choices for a firewall flange. You can use the factory two-piece firewall or use the one-piece flange that comes with the column. Some Mustang owners will desire the factory two-piece collar/flange for a more factory-correct look. (Image/Jim Smart)The turn signal switch harness is pulled out of the stock column to disconnect the turn signal switch from the main wiring loom. (Image/Jim Smart)A 1/2-inch deep well socket is used to remove the steering column-to-dashboard retaining locknuts. (Image/Jim Smart)With the old steering column removed, you can see the new Borgeson power steering gear through the firewall. We’re going to need to install a steering coupler between the ididit column and the Borgeson steering box. We used a kit for a manual steering car with a 1 1/8-inch Pitman arm, which was introduced during the 1967 model year. Early 1967 Mustangs have the one-inch Pitman, so make sure you check before you order your kit. (Image/Jim Smart)The Borgeson kit comes with a rag joint coupler, but we used this cast coupler we had on the shelf. It’s called a rag joint due to the tire carcass construction. (Image/Jim Smart)This coupler which comes with the Borgeson power steering conversion connects the box to the rag joint. This is a fail-safe coupling where bolts do the fastening and the factory bungs are there as a backup. Use locknuts. Don’t forget to secure the Allen set screw and nut to the worm shaft. (Image/Jim Smart)As we explained earlier, the ididit column is fitted with a 1968 Ford turn signal switch. We swapped it for a 1967 switch, removing screws as shown to remove the switch. The ’68 switch did have with the chrome emergency flasher switch knob used for 1967, which was part of Ford’s production cost reduction in the wake of a lengthy and costly UAW strike. (Image/Jim Smart)This stamping supports the steering column where it attaches to the dashboard. (Image/Jim Smart)The U-shaped collar ties the column to the stamped steel support with 1/2-inch locknuts. (Image/Jim Smart)The turn signal switch harness does not come with a plug—you attach the appropriate multiplex harness plug for your car. The wires are color-coded and must be plugged into the factory plug exactly the way they line up in the old plug. When emergency flasher switching went to the steering column in 1967, there were two plugs, a 10-pin (shown) and a 2-pin. Ford changed it to a single 12-pin plug for 1968. The number of color-coded wires is the same. Reproduction plugs (male and female) are available if the factory plugs are damaged. (Image/Jim Smart)The Mustang’s owner opted to go with the factory two-piece firewall flange for a more OEM appearance. (Image/Jim Smart)The short lever releases the collar for column adjustment. The longer lever is the turn signal. You may use the factory turn signal lever in chrome or the ididit lever with a black tip as shown. (Image/Jim Smart)The ididit column is fully adjustable for your comfort. You can maintain the factory tilt or put the wheel all the way into your lap. You may also swing the wheel up and out of your way for entry and exit. (Image/Jim Smart)
Jim Smart is a veteran automotive journalist, technical editor, and historian with hundreds of how-to and feature articles to his credit. Jim's also an enthusiast, and has owned and restored many classic vehicles, including an impressive mix of vintage Ford Mustangs.
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