1967 firewall steering column support

[Bill C.]

I have noticed in many 1967's I have serviced or restored that the steering column support bracket/clamp on outer firewall have been cut/modified obviously by hand as shown in photos. Wondering if this was a factory assembly line modification, possibly done to clear the column shaft found on second design columns? First design did not use the clamp on shat and column would have slid through it without modification. I am assuming this support was mounted to firewall at some point loosely prior to Column install.
anyone shed any light on this? ( one bracket in pics obviously broken as clamp spot welds let go, but shows modification)

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[Thomas S.]

Re: 1967 firewall steering column support

That's an interesting theory. I have an early high point 67 that was restored many years ago and last judged in 2023. I was aware of the change in the column and mine appeared to have the correct plastic bushing as opposed to the clamp on the later version. I had the unfortunate experience of having the steering shaft pull out of column (while driving) and luckily, the rag-joint kept it from coming out completely.

The end bushing came out and there was no retaining ring hold the plastic spacer in place, nor was there a groove for one on the shaft. Long story short, I had a late style column in the car that someone "Frankinsteined" to make it look like the early version with the plastic spacer. The firewall support was correct and not cut like the one you posted, probably because it would have been noticed during judging. If they had left the bearing retaining clamp on the shaft, that also would have indicated the wrong shaft.

The AIM only show one part number for the firewall bracket so you are probably correct.

[Mark F.]

Re: 1967 firewall steering column support

...I am assuming this support was mounted to firewall at some point loosely prior to Column install...anyone shed any light on this?...

Steering column, loose-install (subassembly includes column, cancelling cam, upper hub covers, steering wheel, horn contact and horn button); also loose-install seal and bracket on firewall side.

[Thomas S.]

Re: 1967 firewall steering column support

I believe the question was about the apparent modification to the bracket to allow the clamp to pass through.

Steering column, loose-install (subassembly includes column, cancelling cam, upper hub covers, steering wheel, horn contact and horn button); also loose-install seal and bracket on firewall side.