NAF Cobra Tilt Steering Column

rmb_cobra · #1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2003, 05:28 PM

I have an NAF Cobra that was built in '91 or so. I purchased it completely assembled last year, and have already spoken to the builder to get the specs. My problem is that the tilt steering wheel assembly has a broken part inside the column. The column rattles around, and when you look inside it, there is a pot metal part that has cracked. I have taken it somewhat apart and can't find a part number anywhere. The builder purchased the tilt steering wheel 12 or 13 years ago and has no records on the specific model or year Ford. He thinks it is a "late 70's Mustang" but that level of detail does me no good.
Does anyone out there have experience with NAF's? Did they spec a particular car to harvest the steering column from? The rack is a Mustang II rack, of unknown origin (year and model) as well, so that is no help. Any ideas would be much appreciated! I would prefer not to start from scratch, as the current assembly has custom wiring, as well as matching vinyl wrapped on it that matches the dash. I can post a photo if it helps.
Thanks.

my427cobra · #2 (**permalink**) 04-29-2003, 01:33 PM

Hi rmb_cobra. I also purchased my NAF completed and got all the NAF documentation and manuals( very poor) with the car. The only reference is to alignmnet specs for '74-'76 Mustang II front ends , but no specific reference to the steering column. A 1976 kit car article features an NAF car and it talks about a '75 Mustang II rack and pinion , but again no mention of a steering column yr.
My car does not have the tilt, and I haven't bother to figure out what year it is because I'm redoing the car and I'm using the VW column and turn signal assy to resemble the original '66 Cobra configuration. I will also probably replace my rack with an up to date Flaming River set-up.
If you really need to know your column yr, find an old Ford parts guy , or ask around , I understand you can tell from the electrical connector at the base of the column.
If you'd like a copy of my manual and other NAF stuff , let me know.
Greg

rmb_cobra · #3 (**permalink**) 04-29-2003, 06:15 PM

Thanks. Is the manual or build instructions have a lot of pages? I wouldn't mind getting a copy of it if you don't mind. I will email you directly with my address if that's ok. I can send a self addressed stamped catalog envelope if necessary to expedite. I can hardly even find the tag that says NAF on the frame. Mine is down near the right front wheel.
What sort of gas cap setup do you have? I have a tank in the trunk, with the cap inside the trunk. The lemans style cap is mounted in the middle of the rear deck but is not hooked up to the gas tank. God help me if some gas station attendant tries to fill it up there.

Neal Jackson · #4 (**permalink**) 04-29-2003, 07:00 PM

I have a friend with an NAF and I believe his steering column (not tilt) is out of a 74 Mustang. That would be the year I'd check first.

You might also try to reach Jack Kube in Superior, Arizona 520 (area code may now be 928) - 689-0100 is the last number I have for him. He was one of the original NAF owner/partners and is still active with Cobras and GT-40s, etc. He'd probably know for sure what is in your car. (unless, of course, the builder changed the column from what was originally there)

SCARRY · #5 (**permalink**) 04-29-2003, 08:19 PM

I might be able to help if it is a Ford Column. We build steering columns modules for some of the Ford products. I have some freinds that are with Visteon Steering that were with Ford before the were spun off. One has been in steering columns for about 30 years. If you can send a Dig. Pic I may be able to have it identified and see if my freinds have souce information. Or some old parts around.

rmb_cobra · #6 (**permalink**) 04-30-2003, 07:39 PM

I appreciate all the help. Between the posts on the web and direct emails, I think I have what I need to at least begin to look around the local auto salvage yards. Apparently the key is that there is a turn signal/horn combination on it that is very rare (only offered one or two years on the Mustang II's, like 77 or 78). This should narrow it down considerably. It also has the hazard light switch on the left rear base, the tilt on the right rear, the key built into the right side, plus the little button you push to extract the key.
Thanks again. I will post again with an update.

my427cobra · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 04:42 PM

My NAF had the same gas cap/ fuel tank set-up - not connected.
Not bad enough , but the gas cap location is about a foot too far forward as compared to an original cobra. But since I'm redoing my car as a street version , I have cut out and glassed over the comp cap recess and relocated the street cap to the proper location and I'm fabbing a new aluminum gas tank with a filler pipe to the cap. I need to spend some time posting some pics as I go.
If you want a copy of my NAF documentation, e-mail me your address and I'll send you a copy.
Greg