Steering Column Repair: 69 Mustang tilt column rocks (loose) at the lower flange, hex head nuts, column rocks

Question
A dumb mechanic tried to diagnose a no-start problem on my 69 Mustang by rocking the tilt steering wheel since when the wheel tilts it also cuts out the ignition. He strong armed it and now the column is loose at the lower tilt flange. I cannot find a good diagram for this assembly. I assume I will have to go thru the usual disassembly steps and pull pivot pins to access some loose screws? I don't think the tilt index is damaged. Any and all advice much appreciated. Thank you.  Tony

Answer

flange bolts Hi Tony:
Sorry for the delay...my system crashed & I've spent far too long reinstalling all my software; but enough about me, let's talk about you.

Going back to 1969 is a stretch for me, but let me see.  I believe the column has come loose where the flange mounts to the tube.  You may be able to see the nuts and bolts if you look from the bottom (around the dash) upwards towards the steering wheel.  I think there are 4 hex head nuts (7/16") nuts that hold the flange to the tube with a hook style clamp.  I have attached a picture for you to see the pieces you are looking at.  When they come loose (or off), the upper portion will rock and feel like it's really bad.

Make sure the hook is in place on the tube and then the nuts can be tightened, but tighten them evenly and snugly, don't crank on them.
If it's still loose after the nuts are tight, then the tube is torn and needs to be either flattened out or replaced (after a full dis-assembly)

I hope this helps.
Good luck