MTFCA Forum

The steering column on my 27 project is toast and I want to use an earlier column. The one I have is off a TT but the column, post, levers etc look the same except for the frame bracket, the round base and the 4 to 1 gearing. I have the right frame bracket and don't mind the 4 to 1 gearing. I want to cut the round base to the same square shape of the 27 and use it, but I am concerned it might not fit in some way I haven't considered. It looks like the angle of the column is the same, the length of column itself and post are the same and the bolt pattern on the base is the same. Can I do this? I don't want to wreck a perfectly good steering column if it won't fit.

Hey there Richard,
I don't see why it shouldn't work okay. There may be some slight angle difference in the firewall base, but it shouldn't be much. I did the reverse some years back. I was putting a chassis together for a throw-together project, and put a '26/'27 column in a '24/'25 chassis. I had earlier column parts, and a couple rough columns that I didn't want to restore or use for it, so I compared the '26 column with the earlier parts I had and found everything well within needed fit. It bolted straight onto the the earlier firewall just fine with no need for alterations to the base. You just need to be sure you use a compatible chassis/frame mounting bracket.
If you carefully cut the round base to a square, using a later column as a guide, I don't think very many people could be able to tell it wasn't a '26/'27 piece. You may need to cut the base to a square depending on your firewall.

I put a 1915 steering column in my 27 touring. I left the round plate alone. The holes lined up fine. I also used the 27 steering shaft and gears so that I still had 5:1. Works just fine.

Thanks for the replies fellas. Couple observations I saw after my post. The TT column doesnt come back into the passenger compartment perpendicular to the firewall. It angles toward the middle of the cab. I am thinking its a TT thing. Id have to shim it for the column to enter the opening in the dash. Then it might not mate up with the frame bracket correctly. Also noticed the mounting pieces on the firewall will only accept a square base. Cant figure how you got a 15 column to fit Guy.
My plan now is to hunt down a decent 26-27 column. If I cant find one, I'll try the TT column.

It should come straight into the cab, no angle to the middle. Doing so would put a bind on the lower bracket. If it is angled over something like the cab or frame is bent or out of alignment. I have the early style one that a friend used in his 27 RP for years, till he got the proper one. I am pretty sure the 26 TT's C cab and closed cab used the same early dash as the 25 cars anyway so ether style should fit just fine.

I got to thinking after I posted the above, could it appear to be angled because the cab is wider then a stock car. (Tall too! )