1966 F100 Build-PROJECT DISRUPTIVE

The tank install was supposed to be an easy fix. Not wanting the smell of gas or the danger of having 20 gallons of explosives in my back seat I opted to install the popular 1970 Mustang 22 Gallon gas tank.  Well in the previous post I show where the x member that is supposed to be moved back now hits the rear bed brace. So the first order of business is to removed the rear crossmember. I then fabricated the frame to support the tank. Then I trimmed off some steel from the lower frame.  With the tank bolted to the 1x1 frame I set it in the frame rails to figure mounting locations. I added 2 tabs up front and welded them in. Then I drilled two holes and welded the nuts to the cross brace.

So I am getting the right tub welded in.  Cross braces were welded in on both sides and the tub was secured Now to get the mounts figured out Problem...The back brace that I moved back for the tank now hits.

The tubing was notched to allow for a flush fit The 14 Gauge sheet metal was spot welded from inside and outside I measured up 2 Inches and added tubing for the frame Once tack welded in I stitch welded them in solid The bottom tube was welded from the bottom .  The wheel tubs will be finished the tubing will support them as well

I used my new Chinese junk steering column to mock up the location of the column through the firewall. Looking at the Jag rack location i lined up the column. I then made a template from cardboard. I then used a piece of the old column to make a mount welding three nuts to the pipe. Now a  little more welding and some putty and we will have a clean firewall transition. Cuts are marked to make the cleanest cut possible. The patch is in with the tube. This is 2 1/4 and the new column is 2" with a floor shift. I will finish weld this and fill. From inside the cab showing the three nuts that I used from the firewall. Using small allen bolts/nuts will steady the column on the bottom.

I was thinking about buying a junk yard steering column.  I thought it would be great to just buy a new one. I found one on ebay for $169.00 shipped.  When it arrived I was excited to get ready to install it. I ran across an article about the dangers of Chinese Aftermarket Steeing Columns so I when down to the garage to investigate my purchase. I seen where these broke while driving and while sitting in driveways. Upon inspection I noticed that the "'Ball" that the tilt swiveled on was broken. I returned this for store credit. Here are a few pics of this: