58 Ford steering box install

[chero69gt]

Ive recently come across a 1958 steering box and column that I want to put into my 57 Custom.
I have read several posts about this, but havent found a complete review of the process to install
this gear. first, can the 58 turn signal switch be used to in my 57 car and therefore be used to hook up
the horn?
Also, will the 57 steering wheel fit the 58 column?

               Thanks for the help and advice.
                                                 Roger

[Ford Blue blood]

Roger the horn wire is the biggest issue.  57 the wire went down the center of the shaft, 58 it is outside the housing.  I believe that prevents the switches from being changed, not sure, maybe some else can chime in with that.  Outside of that it is a "bolt-in" deal.

[lalessi1]

I have not seen a '58 turn signal switch but I used a '59 in my car. Here is a link to a past post

https://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=5456.msg42360#msg42360

The links to eBay are no longer available. The 59 switch is below, It fits the 57 column by drilling an extra hole. it is being re-popped, I got that pic off of eBay

I used a '59 wheel there is an internal contact "button" see the pic also below (fourth picture)

The second picture as poor as it is shows a '57 cancelling cam, a '59 cancelling cam, and the contact button bushing. Then there is a '57 wheel.

The Edsel wheel differs from '57 the in that it has an extra hole in the upper right hand corner for the contact button bushing (same as the '59 wheel). The contact button slips in the bushing and connects the horn ring with the turn signal contact ring. If that is as clear as mud ask  and I will try to clarify...

The '59 wheel is out of the car now I have an aftermarket one n it now so I can maybe take better pictures

I bought what I thought was a '58 turn signal contact plate but I don't see how it would work with a '57 switch???

[chero69gt]

Thank you, I appreciate your help,
                                    Roger

[chero69gt]

  I was able to locate a 1958 steering box and bolted it into place in my 57 custom.
While it looks like good in most ways, I am concerned about the fitment of my FPA mid length
headers. The engine is currently out of the car. Does anyone hear have a 57 with an FE engine,
and a 58 steering box with shorty or mid legth headers? Just wonder what the group thinks.
Also, Merry Christmas to all!
                              Thanks,  Roger

[59meteor]

I have a 59 2 door sedan, with a FE 428 Cobra Jet, and the FPA mid length headers that are designed for 55 thru 59 Ford cars. I believe that the 58 and 59 steering boxes are identical (my car has manual steering), and the FPA headers clear the steering box nicely. My car is a 4 speed, and uses factory 58/59 clutch linkage, and that fit with the FPA headers with some minor modifications. So, I don`t imagine that you should have any issues with your headers while uses a 58 steering box in a 57. I am assuming that you are motor mounts for a 58 with a 332/352 FE? My 59 mounts are identical to a 58 with a 332/352, except that 57/8 mounts use 2 studs per side, where they fit into the chassis, while in 59, Ford switched to a single lower stud, situated in the middle of where the 57/8 studs are. (So the 59 engine mount brackets on the engine/lower control arm crossmember  have a single slotted hole per side, compared to 2 on 57 & 58s.

[chero69gt]

Thank you so very much for your reply. I feel a bit better about it now. I'm not sure why, but, as I have gotten older I find that I am second guessing myself. After hearing your explanation and doing some measurements myself, I'm very confident that it will work fine.
       Thanks again,  Roger

[59meteor]

You are very welcome, a couple of bonuses with those FPA headers, you can install the engine with both headers fully installed, which is nice, and also, if you are using the 65 and later short shaft starter, it is easily replaceable, with no need to loosen the header. When I installed my 428, I had the headers, bellhousing and clutch assembly all attached, but if you are using a manual transmission with factory clutch linkage, remember to install the engine side bracket for the Z bar BEFORE bolting up the drivers side header . It is a real PITA to put that bracket on afterwards, as I found out !

[lalessi1]

I had a 58 box in my '57, FE and FPA shorty headers, no problem. You will actually have a little more clearance with the '58 box... 3 bolts versus 4.