1954 Mercury Steering Column
 

Hey guys. I picked up a '54 Merc a couple years back and have been slowly fixing things as I have time to get to them. The latest project is to get the horns working. Based on advice I've read in a number of other horn threads on the barn, I started at the horns and worked my way back to the steering wheel and horn ring. Everything has checked out good all the way back to the top of the steering column. With the steering wheel off I can make the horns sing by grounding the horn-wire termination ring to the steering rod. So the wiring, relay, and horns are all good. But I've noticed that, when mounted, the steering wheel sits a good half inch above the top of the steering column (see photo). So the horn ring can not reach the horn-wire termination ring when it is pushed to blow the horn. The shop manual says the steering column should be adjusted to within 1/8" of the back of the steering wheel. The column must have been removed sometime in the car's past, and was not adjusted properly when reinstalled. So, finally, my questions. Has anyone done this adjustment? Other than loosening the column clamps, is there anything else I need to disconnect? Any other tips you would care to share? Thanks

Re: 1954 Mercury Steering Column
 

I think you need to remove steering wheel and take a picture, Does the gear shift seem to work ok.

Re: 1954 Mercury Steering Column
 

loosen the clamps as thought it may be a little hard to move.I would remove wheel then move as you can easily move back down for proper clearance

Re: 1954 Mercury Steering Column
 

It turned out to be easier than I thought it would. I had to loosen the nut at the bottom of the steering column (in the engine compartment), and the two large screws on the steering column collar (under the dash). Then I used a pry bar at the bottom of the column to move it up about 3/4" to just below the steering wheel. Easy peasy.

Re: 1954 Mercury Steering Column
 

I have the same clearance problem at the top end and will follow your solution. Thanks for sharing. If you need any interior or exterior trim parts I hav many boxes of spares.

Re: 1954 Mercury Steering Column
 

On cars with an automatic transmission be mindful of the resulting position of the shift linkage switch (neutral safety switch) near the bottom of the steering column in the engine compartment. After sliding the steering column up a bit to adjust the steering wheel clearance you may need to reposition the safety switch so that it still functions properly. The switch bracket has several holes to choose from to mount the switch, probably for this very reason. I had to move my bracket from the bottom mounting hole to the middle hole (see photo).

Re: 1954 Mercury Steering Column
 

John, I tried to reply to your PM to me but had no success, definitely will keep in touch.

Re: 1954 Mercury Steering Column
 

lannysv, I'll send you my email address via PM.