67 Dart - Converting Steering Column to manual?

[BT67Dart]

Don't bother with the 67 column, been there.

Call Norm's Speed Shop and get a redone bolt in 68 column.

I did it and have no regrets.

I'll look into norms.... what experience did you have with the 67 column?

 

[matthon]

It fell apart.
The lower plastic bearing/retainer is a failing point, no availabile steel bearing replacement, parts are not easy to find or interchange with other years.

There is a bearing some say fits, but it doesn't.

67 is an intermediate year, shares some things from earlier years, some from later, some good (threaded speedo), some bad (steering column), some 67 specific.

67 Steering Column - Help

 

[BT67Dart]

It fell apart.
The lower plastic bearing/retainer is a failing point, no availabile steel bearing replacement, parts are not easy to find or interchange with other years.

There is a bearing some say fits, but it doesn't.

67 is an intermediate year, shares some things from earlier years, some from later, some good (threaded speedo), some bad (steering column), some 67 specific.

67 Steering Column - Help

Looks like you had some challenges with that column to say the least. The ER-16 steel bearing with the bronze sleeve looks feasible, would be able to withstand header heat as well vs. the plastic bearing insert. When I rebuilt a column for a 68 Barracuda, I had a bronze bearing made to fit. Worked like a champ.

I located a 67 floor console steering column, checking to part availability for it to make sure I don't get boxed into a corner.

 

[matthon]

The ER-16 steel bearing with the bronze sleeve looks feasible, would be able to withstand header heat as well vs. the plastic bearing insert.

I bought it, it doesn't fit at all, still sitting on the shelf.
68 column hasn't had any issues with headers, big block so they're as close as they get.

 

[matthon]

Bam!
[FOR SALE] - Console steering columns . A- body 67-69

 

[BT67Dart]

Bam!
[FOR SALE] - Console steering columns . A- body 67-69

Nice find! Sent a message to seller.

 

[BT67Dart]

Bought one! That will make things easier.

 

[Dana67Dart]

1967 console column

1968 column shift column
I'm missing the part that the turn signal attaches to

Left is the 68 column shift, shift tube

Right is the 67 console shift tube that supports the ring without the shifter lever.

 

[BT67Dart]

Thank you for the pictures. You can definitely see the differences between the 67 and 68 years. I am taking the path of swapping out the entire column instead of the piecemeal approach. The latter of which looks like too much of a headache.....

 

[Dana67Dart]

I am taking the path of swapping out the entire column instead of the piecemeal approach

Wise man.

One final thing.

The coupler for ps has a smaller spine than the coupler for manual steering, so if your new column doesn't come with it you will need to find one or buy new. The internals are the same.

 

[Dana67Dart]

BTW, if your new column is missing any parts screws bushings pm me I'll make you an incredible deal.

 

[BT67Dart]

Will do. Thanks!

 

[stillrunners]

The columns are different 67 to 68/69.

You can take an entire 68/69 column and use it in a 67 and visa versa. many of the parts are not interchangable internally.

Biggest difference is the OD of the column is larger in 67 so the bushings etc don't fit.

You will also have to relocate the backup light switch to the console. It's a different switch and should be part of the console harness


67 floor shift on the left
68 column shift on the right
View attachment 1716482070

Steering wheel end
67 floor shift on the left
68 column shift on the right

View attachment 1716482069

Bottom end
View attachment 1716482073

Top end
68 tube fits inside the 67 tube
View attachment 1716482071

Bottom end
68 tube fits inside the 67 tube
View attachment 1716482072

Dang....learn something new every day - thanks !

 

[stillrunners]

And wouldn't you know I have a bunch of 1967's....

 

[Dana67Dart]

And wouldn't you know I have a bunch of 1967's

That shows you have class and good taste.

67 is the best year

 

[stillrunners]

That shows you have class and good taste.

67 is the best year

Thanks....but wouldn't you know my best one is most likely the 67 - 3 on the tree I took out to put in an automatic....