Do I have to cut it?????????

[playfarmer]

I am getting ready to put the automatic column in my 66 F-100. I have the firewall pad in place with the metal plate and rubber column seal installed. Will the column go in without cutting the firewall pad? I did a search and found that cdherman installed pad and column as a unit but I have my pad installed already so that is not really an option. I did this on another project about 12 years ago but I can't remember how I did it. Thanks.

[cdherman]

Well, you are right, I could find no other way to get it in.

I *think* you might be able to do it, but you would need one, or perhaps 2 assistants. You would have to take it appart, so that the shift arms are out. Then you could slide it in from above.

And then, pray to god you can figure out how to reassemble inner tube and shiftarms, while its in the truck.

You would have to have the steering box out. Becuase you would have to put the steering shaft back in from the bottom, after putting the shift arms and tube back together.

Your assistants would have to be decent too, or I cannot see how it would work. The upper flange on the automatic column is a PITA to get on, even on a work bench....

I know its painful, but cutting the dash pad, might be the easiest. Patch it back up with some black gorilla tape and it prolly would look fine......

Where are you in Kansas? I have no time now, but in July, if you happened to be in KC area, its possible....

[William-in-St George]

Since you are dealing with an automatic and have already installed the column seal and the retainer plate on the column, I suggest you partially disassemble the column by removing the wheel, shift collar and steering shaft. Leave the shift tube, shift arm and outer column togeather. I'd tape the neutral start switch arm to the outer column or it will likley fly off. Feeding the steering column up the shift tube from under the truck will be the tricky part.

[playfarmer]

Thanks for the reponse. I will see what I can figure out. Cd I am east about 100 miles around Manhattan. Hope to see ya at Slickstock 2012!!!!!!!! Thanks again.

[cdherman]

Ya got me confused... Manhattan is west from Kansas City.....

Are you 100 miles east of Manhattan? Prolly you meant you were about 100 miles west of KC.....

In any case, not likely to get to drive to the Little Apple any time soon, but I was there once upon a time......

Got a huniting licence for KS issued in 83, Potowattomie County KS. I keep in my gun case for sentimental reasons......

[playfarmer]

Yeah I'm west. No wonder I get lost so often!!!!!!