No tilt column I know of is a direct fit.Water in the floor after a wash...the cowl vent is probably rusted.
Water was coming from a rusted out cowl ... not the heater core. Was the car stored outside? Every time it rained it would have done the same thing ... pull up your carpet and check the floors ... and before you ask .. no ... a rusty cowl is not an easy fix.
Question? Will a steering column from a 70 Maverick work in my 71 Comet. The Mav has the ignition key on the glove tray, just wondering because it's the only parts car I can find.