Well I think it is cool that you picked up a Cougar. It's a bummer that it's not in as good of shape and you hoped. Yes all the 68's Standard or XR7 should have the same (non-67) steering wheel. Most likely it was swapped out. Very un-likely but technically possible that the whole column was changed to a 67 version. 68 columns are just fine but do have a two-piece rod design that allows it to collapse during an accident. This is another source of steering wheel slop (lost motion). However, all the other components like the box, pitman arm etc... need to be inspected first.

+1 for WCCC. They have great YT videos that explain a lot about these cars.

I'd just like to thank everyone for sharing accurate details and being thorough. Over the years this site in particular has helped me tremendously to search out real deal good parts without any of the "drama".

Cheers!

Full of fluff alright. Geese...

Cool that it's FE and Cougar content! Thanks!

Interesting pointers. Not trying to alter the subject but where are some good places to pick up the materials? I am looking to redo a fuel line as well as some brake lines.

Very cool project and I'm glad you are back to health. I'd keep it as stock as possible externally. You just don't see many split windows that are mostly complete any more. Looking forward to following this one. 👍

I had a really nice one that had been bored .080 I had it sonic tested the thinnest cylinder was .167 .I sold it to a racer and he ran it several years in a low six second mustang with no issues .Sonic test is your friend.Doug

Some shops around my area got away from doing sonic checks. "No money in it." Had to really search out an old school machinist from Aurora, IL. My .030” over D3TE is around .195” on the thrust sides. Thinnest was .145 low down on the non thrust area. Block is going 0.040" over so will thin accordingly. Using a girdle fitted by Jay Brown himself. Should be plenty strong for a stout street car.

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!