Steering Column Removed!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Steering Column Removed!
As part of my T5 transmission installation, I am having to remove the steering column and brake pedal assembly. Today I got the steering column out. It wasn't too difficult with several electrical connections that had to be unplugged, loosening the pinch bolt on the rag joint, two bolts on the steering column bracket and two nuts on the bracket where the column passes thru the firewall. There is also a big vacuum hose that runs to the brake bracket. I have no idea what that is for but will try to figure that out later. Hopefully, tomorrow I will get the brake pedal and bracket out and assemble my new bracket with brake and clutch pedals. I have cleaned, bead blasted and painted them,, and am installing new bushings, pedal pads and chrome trim. This will definately be the hardest part of the job but it will be the cleanest. I have to say that it is going to plan if not to schedule. I will take more pictures of the removal of the column and pedal assembly and try to document the procedure. It has been fun, frustrating at times and very rewarding. I know the enjoyment of driving the car when it is finished,will be worth the effort! 
Bernie
Bernie
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Bernie the hardest part is laying on your back half in the car, half out trying to reach up under the dash.
The steering column is really easy to remove, very easy. 10 minutes max. Leave the seat in for removing it so you have someplace to lay the column while unplugging the 3 electrical connections.
Remember 10 bolts hold the pedal assembly in, 4 are located in the windshield wiper well, 6 under the dash.
Good luck Bernie
The steering column is really easy to remove, very easy. 10 minutes max. Leave the seat in for removing it so you have someplace to lay the column while unplugging the 3 electrical connections.
Remember 10 bolts hold the pedal assembly in, 4 are located in the windshield wiper well, 6 under the dash.
Good luck Bernie
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
With all the help from everyone who has already done this swap I have had no surprises and everything fits like it should. The T5 transmission could not fit the tunnel better than one designed to go there. It is like buying a kit for a third the price. Don't get me wrong, I believe the kits that are out there are supurb, but I enjoy the challenge of doing and making things fit the way I want them; just my choice. Tomorrow will be a challenge pulling the auto brake assy. and getting ready for the new clutch and brake assy. and hydraulics.
Bernie
Bernie
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 470
Likes: 1
From: Amelia Ohio
Bernie,
This is how far I've gotten on my conversion. Everyone seems to think that this is the hardest part. I have to disagree, it was a cake walk for me. The hardest part I had was I couldn't find a brake pedal, so I modified my auto pedal. Can't tell the difference and I still enjoyed doing that. Like carguy said the vacuum hose disengages the autopilot when it is on. I got my motor to the machine shop the other day, the crank and one rod is shot. Everything else survived. With the motor out now should make the rest of my conversion a breeze. Keep having fun and look forward to hearing about your final results.
Chris
P.S. Pics
This is how far I've gotten on my conversion. Everyone seems to think that this is the hardest part. I have to disagree, it was a cake walk for me. The hardest part I had was I couldn't find a brake pedal, so I modified my auto pedal. Can't tell the difference and I still enjoyed doing that. Like carguy said the vacuum hose disengages the autopilot when it is on. I got my motor to the machine shop the other day, the crank and one rod is shot. Everything else survived. With the motor out now should make the rest of my conversion a breeze. Keep having fun and look forward to hearing about your final results.
Chris
P.S. Pics
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Thanks for explaining the cruise control guys. Today I start removing the pedal assembly. I will take pictures of where I am including the electrical connections. Chris, did you get the information I sent you via a private message? If not I will send it again. A friend who works at a custom mustang shop stopped by and was amazed at how well the T5 fits the Vette tunnel. He was also impressed at how good the adapter plate looks. He said it looked like it was a part of the original equipment and not an add on. To me, that was very high praise and I appreciated it. Chris, I'm sorry about your engine. Are you going to rebuild or go with another? Norval suggested to me to go with a 400 cubic inch engine and gain some easy horsepower. I will consider that because the cam and other parts I have collected for an engine rebuild will go in the 400. Thanks for everyone's help and I look forward to posting my progress and seeing your posts on yours!
Bernie
Bernie
