Steering column confusion

[falcain]

I'm looking for advice on what steering column to look for to match my application.

Here's what I currently have, and what I'm looking for:

Currently have a 64 F100 with a 3-speed manual column shift with the stock steering wheel

I'm looking for a column that will mate up with a CV rack, with automatic column shift, and retain the stock 64 steering wheel.

If anyone knows of a combination that will work for me, please let me know.

Thank you

[William-in-St George]

Aftermarket Tilt. Available from Ididit or Flaming River and several others. IMHO!

[falcain]

I don't believe an aftermarket column will allow me to use my stock steering wheel. I want to keep the original 64 wheel.

If i'm wrong on this, please let me know

[66camperspecial]

A 67 to 72 automatic column with a little tinkering.

[William-in-St George]

Like Camperspecial says and even better would be a 78 tilt with the ignition switch on the dash. IdidIt has a Ford specific column that would allow use of the original wheel. Not cheap. But very nice. You could chop the 64 column add a support bearing at the bottom and use the 2nd-high shift rod to actuate the automatic. Course this eliminates the gear indicator and neutral safety switch. It's a pita but I like to chop up Ford tilt columns and use the old in cab neutral safety switch from the 65/66 with an homemade oak bearing at the bottom. To do this you will need two columns one 65/66 and one 78 without the switch on the column. Then again 65/66 auto column would work and you could just shorten it about 2 inches, grind the bottom to take a 3/4 DD Boregeson and run that over to the CV box. There must be at least a dozen ways to do this and keep the original steering wheel.

[Toyz]

I don't believe IDidIt lists an automatic column which accepts the Ford wheel. They do indeed have a very nice '65 up column with Ford harness which does accept the original wheel, but no column shift option TMK. Most companies do not support the '64/back application since the original had the integral steering shaft and a different setup at the firewall passage. I'm not sure of the adaptability of even the later factory columns. It will depend largely on the method of mounting and the level of comfort with the resultant angles.
Paul