1968 Tilt Away - Same as 1967?

[Rcbach302]

My original column is rough and needs a total rebuild, plus it's missing some unobtanium parts. Found a 1967 that's completely restored for a fair price. Are there any differences besides the color of the vacuum motor?

[WT6066-2600]

Copied this from:
https://www.fordfe.com/o-t-are-1967-and-1968-tilt-steering-columns-for-mu-t66435.html

1967

The 1967 model year was the first year for the tilt-away option, and columns for this year differ signifantly from those in the 68 and later years. The 67 columns incorporate a rigid, non-collapsible tube between the firewall and steering head. Attached to this shaft is the vacuum release servo which activates the tilt-away function, as well as a kill switch that prevents engine starting until the wheel is returned to normal driving position. An electric relay is remotely located under the dashboard and is connected to the accessory power terminal and a door position sensing switch located in the driver's door jamb. Retrofitting is a complicated and time consuming task. A potential swapper must first be sure that they have all the bits and pieces of a tilt-away mechanism, a task more difficult on the 67 by the fact that the parts are spread out under the dash. One of the most important pieces to secure is the unique, flexible bushing or "rag-joint" that connects the steering shaft to the steering gear ( just like 68 and up ) box. Unlike the rigid 67 steering column, tilt columns terminate in an unsplined semi-circular shaft that mates to the steering gear box via this unique tilt flexible bushing. The major problem with swapping 67 tilt-columns is the fact that non-tilt-columns connect directly to the steering gear box ( as with the 65 and 66 models ) whereas tilt-wheel equipped Mustangs employ the 68 and up style separate steering gear box. To retrofit a 67 tilt-wheel column into a non-tilt-wheel Mustang, a complete swapping of the steering gear box is also required. As you might expect, this is no small undertaking and requires the partial disassembly of both the exhaust and brake systems.

1968-1969

With the exception of the size of the emergency flasher knob, the 68 and 69 tilt-columns are identical in appearance. Steering columns for these 2 years are built around a collapsible safety shaft. As a result, the vacuum and electrical apparatus required for the automatic tilt-away are no longer mounted on the steering column as they were in 67. Instead, in both years, this equipment is mounted on a bracket that bolts to the dashboard below and behind the ignition switch. The 68-69 tilt columns also incorporate an access door in the steering head at the base of the dual function turn signal-adjustment lever. The tilt-wheel wiring harness is different from the harness in the standard column. There is also a different system of cancelling the turn signals as well. The 68-69 tilt-column utilizes a circular piece of plastic that snaps to the back of the steering wheel to cancel the turn signal switch. If this is missing, the turn signal will not cancel automatically.
Make sure you have the rag joint too.

Production figures - Mustangs
1967 2.7% = 10,651
1968 2.7% = 9,320
1969 3.2% = 8,812

copied from Mustang Monthly article May 1985

[Coralsnake]

Yes totally different

[Rcbach302]

Thank you fellas for the quick reply!

[68stangcjfb]

I believe the Cougar steering columns are identical also.

[shelbymann1970]

You can use a 69 column as the brackets to mount it inside the car are the only difference that I'm aware of other than possibly the wiring? At one point when restoring my 68 Shelby back around 2007 I had 3 complete columns to compare to each other-2 68s(one out of my car) and a 69 I pulled out of a Mach1 in 1980 and had it in 2 cars-last being my 70 Shelby before I restored it. I still have the 69 column. I sold the spare 68 back around 2008.

[Royce Peterson]

My original column is rough and needs a total rebuild, plus it's missing some unobtanium parts. Found a 1967 that's completely restored for a fair price. Are there any differences besides the color of the vacuum motor?

Tony Augustine can restore yours. He has parts for his restorations.

[Rcbach302]

Contact for Tony?