Last week, I tore the steering column apart to replace a $10 part that broke, and while there, replaced the bearing. The part that broke was the ignition actuator, which pushes down the ignition rod, which starts the engine. It's a somewhat common occurrence with these trucks. The steering wheel lock actuator, which is pushed forward with the ignition tumbler and pushes the ignition actuator forward, is a mess, and needs replaced, however. I'm planning on raping the part out of a junk truck or other Ford product that they were used in...since a new one will run me about $100 at the dealer, or $70 online. Luckily, it's a rather simple job, and only requires the removal of the steering wheel and turn signal switch, then the collar. I should be able to have that job done in about 2 hours or so.

The new bearings have made driving the truck more enjoyable, since they corrected the loose and rattling steering wheel. Most folks on the Ford truck site told me to just replace the column, but I didn't find tearing the old one down to be too much of a chore.

I'm still deciding what to do with the bed...either weld patches, or remove it and find a flat bed with rail pockets. I'm thinking the patches would be best in the long run, to be honest.

I need to upgrade the CB that's in it. It's one I picked up at a Pilot a few years back and transferred it from the Lincoln to the van, and now into the truck. It's weak, and the antenna sucks. I've been looking at some powered up older units and thinking about twin whips for antennas. We went out a few weeks back to a friend's camp, and ended up running around on some trails, and found the current unit to be way too weak, even after tuning the antenna. So much for buying cheap crap from a truck stop.

I'm still working on sanding down the loose paint, and spraying it with a thick coat of primer to help hide defects. It's looking decent, and will be ready for some sanding again and a coat of sealer soon...then on to the bed liner job.

While this old truck will never win a beauty contest, she's been enjoyable to tinker on.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles