Hey guys, I started really diggin into the under dash while preparing my new dash harness for installation. I noticed a couple of items that just don't look right to me. The steering column shroud is bent- does this mean there was an accident and the column is collapsed/ damaged? Is this a normal result of installation? Any advice is appreciated!

http://www.BartonekDragRacing.com/webfilez/steeringcolumn.JPG

The other question I have is about the brake switch. Apparently the original bracket was damaged beyond use and someone rigged the switch onto the steering column. There is a thin metal "tab" attached to the brake pedal arm visible in this picture. Is this suppoesed to be there or was this part of the rigged job? I am going to fab a new bracket in the proper place, but should I remove this metal bit? Do I need to install a rubber bumper on the fabbed switch braket as indicated in the assembly manual?
http://www.BartonekDragRacing.com/webfilez/brakepedal.JPG

What's with the tape and cut-up column? Looks collapsed to me.
:(

Your column looks like it was collapsed and possibly pulled back, at least part-way. I'd look for another one in better condition.

Here is my 67 setup, you are missing the switch bracket. My car has the rubber bumper but it was coverted from manual brakes and the bumper doesn't hit the pedal, the booster pushrod should control the pedal return.
David
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/brake_light_switch.JPG

:( That is what I was afraid of...oh well, at least this is good time to accomplish a column swap since I've also got an AGR steering box waiting to be installed.

Thanks for the info guys! Anyone have a recommendation for a low budget column replacement?