1967 Ford Fairlane Flaming River Steering Box Kit

Next, we gave the Flaming River Mustang box a trial fit into the Fairlane. Once on the side of the framerail, we installed the bottom front fastener. It became apparent that the nose of the box wouldn't go down far enough to line up with the remaining front mounting hole. The Fairlane framerail is larger than the Mustang's.

Comparing the two boxes side by side, it's clear that the factory added clearance to the snout of the Fairlane box to allow it to clear the heavier framerail. We took our angle grinder and made a similar clearance on the snout of our Flaming River box. The bevel we added to our new box allowed the two front mounting holes to align perfectly, imparting the correct mounting angle to the new box. We then discovered that with the two front bolts installed, the rear mounting hole in the Fairlane framerail was in the wrong location to accommodate the Mustang box. Simply creating a new hole would allow us to complete the installation.

To secure the box, we drilled a new hole directly below the original and 1/8-inch forward. Once the new hole was created, the steering box was installed permanently onto the framerail. The addition of a small amount of clearance to the steering box snout and the creation of the one new hole were the only modifications needed to get the Mustang steering box to fit perfectly onto our Fairlane. With the wheels pointed straight ahead, we installed the pitman arm back onto the sector shaft and connected the drag link as well, completing the work underneath the car.

Here, the plate is shown in position over the factory plate, which has been reinstalled. Together the two plates give us a clean and precise opening for the column.

Because the opening in the Fairlane firewall was different than the pattern found on the Mustang, we used this included round baseplate in conjunction with our factory plate to completely cover the opening. Bend the ears on the Flaming River baseplate back so that they can be attached to the steering column tube.

The steering shaft connection is accomplished using the included universal joint. The joint is installed onto the steering box so that the set screw is directly over the groove in the input shaft. This end was temporarily secured using the supplied set screws. On the steering column end of the U-joint, insert the steering shaft all the way through the joint collar, but no farther than about 1/8-inch past. If the shaft extends too far into the U-joint it will cause binding. Mark the position of the U-joint through the set screw holes with a marking pen, as shown.

With the baseplate flush against the firewall, mark the location for retaining screws as shown. Once these things are accomplished, remove the steering column from the car.

Back on the bench, we use a 1/8-inch drill bit and drill the required holes on either side of the column tube according to our markings. The screws for these will locate the column tube in the car.

Create a shallow dimple on both sides of the steering shaft, as shown. Making these little depressions to receive the set screws from the U-joint assures a more positive retention on the steering shaft.

Using the rubber spacer provided and the factory hardware, we complete the column installation by securing it to the underside of the dash. On final assembly use red Loctite on all U-joint set screws. Using the supplied electrical plug kit, it was a cinch to make our electrical connections for both the horn and turn signals.

Up on the wheel end of the column, we begin assembly by installing the tilt control and turn signal levers as shown. On the opposite side of the column the emergency flasher switch knob is also installed.

Shown is Flaming River's tapered steering wheel adapter hub, which is made of polished aluminum and provides a seamless fit to the steering column. It has a list price of $99.50. Run the hot lead for the horn button through the hole in the steering hub and install the hub over the turn signal canceling post onto the steering shaft. Be sure to position the pilot mark on the hub face at high noon. Once satisfied the hub is oriented correctly, install it permanently using the new nut.

Position the horn button and beauty ring on the face of the steering wheel and connect the hot lead and ground to the horn button. Next, carefully place the steering wheel up against the hub being careful to preserve the correct alignment of the mounting holes. Using an Allen wrench, install the round-headed steering wheel retaining screws to complete the job.

This photo shows the completed column and wheel installation. The Woody's III steering wheel is definitely a beautiful piece with a great finish and comfortable grip. It features a solid mahogany rim in a diameter of 13.8 inches. The awesome quality wheel comes with a chrome beauty ring and horn button assembly. The wheel lists for $195. With the car on the ground we detect zero slop in the steering conditions now and we can't wait to get our Fairlane out on the road where we're certain to enjoy the concise and accurate performance we've experienced in the past using Flaming River products.