another question... 62 cab on a 63 frame does not directly bolt up, you have to drill 2 new holes. I want to put my mint condition 63 steering column in the 62 cab. how do i take it out/replace? i have the wheel off, and i see the 4 bolts under the dash, now what....?
You REALLY need to invest in the Factory Service Manual since you are so deep into your rebuild !!! It's a life saver !! To answer the question: WITH THE FRONT WHEELS CENTERED Disconnect the column harness Loosen the hand brake bracket Disconnect the rag joint from the steering gear box At the firewall, remove the retaining strap and unbolt the straps support from the firewall. ( just let it fall ) Unbolt the cover plate inside the cab on the floor board Finally, remove the e-brake bracket and the column is ready to come out. Because the column and steering shaft are the length of a javalin, it may take some creative movement to get it out from inside the pickup cab, but it will eventually come out. When you install the column, and again with the front wheels ( and hopefully the steering box) centered, MAKE SURE YOU LOCATE THE INDEXING NOTCH AT THE TOP OF THE STEERING SHAFT AT 12 O'CLOCK BEFORE YOU CONNECT THE SHAFT TO THE STEERING BOX !!! Failure to do this small thing will result in the directionals not self -canceling ever again !!! I can't remember if there is a difference between the 62 column harness and the 63 dash wiring harness. If there is, just replace both sides with an aftermarket connector from Flaming River... Val
amen brother i took your advice and bought the service manual from Classicparts. it saved my bacon on putting together my turn signal mechanism