Marketplace => T-Bird/Cougar Parts & Cars WANTED => Topic started by: urbanracing on September 04, 2009, 06:56:54 PM
Title: WTB steering column
Post by: urbanracing on September 04, 2009, 06:56:54 PM
im in need of a steering column for a 85 cougar 5.0 if i cant locate one does anybody know what other models are interchangable i can use?
Title: WTB steering column
Post by: Watchdevil on September 05, 2009, 02:11:49 AM
Virtually every pre-airbag Fox and Panther bodied car up uses the same steering columns. That includes 1980-88 Thunderbird and Cougar, 1979-83 Fairmonts and Zephyrs, 81-82 Granada and Cougar sedans, 1983-86 Midsize LTD and Marquis, RWD Lincoln Continental, Town Cars, Mark VI and Mark VII, 1979+ pre-airbag Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis, 1979-86 Mustang and Capri. Ford Rangers used them as well. Only thing you have to consider is whether it has a column shift or not, which most 1985 Tbird and Cougars did so that will eliminate all Mustangs and Capris as donors.
Title: WTB steering column
Post by: Haystack on September 05, 2009, 04:36:44 AM
Only the 85-88 cars will have the proper plugs, and you will need one with either the same options, like delay wipers ect. I had an 84 colum in my 86, and it fit fine, but the wires and connectors were not the same. The ignition switch plugged in, but the hazards and wipers didn't. I later changed it out for one out of an 87 turbo coupe with non delay wipers and it worked fine, minus the colum shift. The colum shft can be added, but you need to clearance the area around the shaft and move yours over from the old colum.
Ideally, you would want one that has all of the same options, and if you get one from a junkyard, get one with a key if possible. If not, take it to a lock smith and have them pop the ignition switch out. I got them to do it for 1 dollar. They wanted to charge me 65 to get the key made for it.
Title: WTB steering column
Post by: Watchdevil on September 05, 2009, 10:35:10 AM
Quote from: Haystack;289967
Only the 85-88 cars will have the proper plugs, and you will need one with either the same options, like delay wipers ect. I had an 84 colum in my 86, and it fit fine, but the wires and connectors were not the same. The ignition switch plugged in, but the hazards and wipers didn't. I later changed it out for one out of an 87 turbo coupe with non delay wipers and it worked fine, minus the colum shift. The colum shft can be added, but you need to clearance the area around the shaft and move yours over from the old colum.
Ideally, you would want one that has all of the same options, and if you get one from a junkyard, get one with a key if possible. If not, take it to a lock smith and have them pop the ignition switch out. I got them to do it for 1 dollar. They wanted to charge me 65 to get the key made for it.
Oh yeah the various wire connections are different between some models. However, the wiper and turn signal switches are modular and physically interchangable using the same screw hole mounting locations. So if you have existing switches or need to use a certain switch with a specific connector, you are not limited to using a specific steering column itself.
Title: WTB steering column
Post by: urbanracing on September 06, 2009, 09:49:12 AM
ok thanks alot guyf i will have to look at some of the bone yards. i was at a junkyard afew months back and they had alot they said was interchangable same options and with keys, i have a guy that wants to buy the car but he says he cant find a steering column (for a cougar) my car is still for sale i HAVE to sell i will take $500
Title: WTB steering column
Post by: FLSTCI71 on September 06, 2009, 10:10:36 AM
Quote from: urbanracing;290109
my car is still for sale i HAVE to sell i will take $500
I would think your car would sell pretty quick for $500. If you have any pics, could you send them to flstci71@yahoo.com? Thanks.
Title: WTB steering column
Post by: onenasty86tbird on September 11, 2009, 10:27:01 PM
I have a 86 tbird column would that work? its a 5speed car and I think has delay wipers and tilt. Let me know