Steering Column Support Conversion

[Bob Bidonde]

After having searched this forum for an hour or two, I am unable to find a photo and chat about this particular steering column support conversion.
>The Model "A" is an early 1931 190A Victoria with a gas tank mounted steering column support. The existing support shows evidence working at the gas tank, so it needs to go before it causes a leak.

>Need to convert to the later 1931 column support that attaches to the dash rail.
>I have an original A-3520-E support that attaches to the dash rail. However, it is too short to span the distance between the dash rail and steering column.
>It appears that I will need to use the existing A-3514 Spacer with the A-3520-E Support?

I would much appreciate a picture of this conversion in an early Victoria.

 

[Bob C]

I think the longer support is A-3523-G, see page 8-4 of the Judging Standards.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

The long support that was used in the '31 Vickys and DeLux Phaeton.

 

[JayJay]

Bob - I have this conversion in my '31 Town Sedan. Puts the column about 1/4" lower at the gas tank support. Appears to be just a bolt-on, added after the restoration because the new support arm is black rather than Kewaunee green (the interior color). I'll get a picture of it when I get to the car later today. However, appears straightforward, you'll have to loosen the steering box at the frame to lower the column a tad.

Bert's has this support listed as A-3520. Snyder's has it listed as A-3520-E.

Looks to me like you have one of the extenders that brings the steering column down. If you remove that extender you may be able to use your existing A-3520-E. Or you could put spacers (washers or something) in the bolts that attach the A-3520-E to the dash rail. Or use your existing extender (my guess is that would be the most expeditions). Or attempt to find one of the long supports.

JayJay

 

[Synchro909]

Unless you are showing the car, I suggest you fabricate one. RHD supports like that were not available till I started making them. Now, they have been copied and I have taken to fabricating them. By doing so, I incorporate gauge mounting holes and provision for switches. It is the ideal place to put them.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Bert's has this support listed as A-3520. Snyder's has it listed as A-3520-E.

JayJay

The late '31 Vicky and Delux Phaeton used a longer column support than the A-3520-E so you didn't have to use the extender piece. See photo in post #3.

Or you can use the A-3520-E with the extender piece but IMO the longer support looks much better (more finished)..

 

[jw hash]

Why not just find the later longer bracket,

 

[Dino's A]

I wish I can help on your model, but coincidentally, today just finished doing this to my
1930 Tudor. I bought the bracket from Snyders, grinded & polished it
smooth and painted the color of the dash to blend in better. It's solid
as a rock, and no more pulling on the tank bracket rivets!

I had to changed out the bolt on the right side to capture
more thread on the nut, but could not remove the bolt on the left.
It's fine, I got enough thread when it was tightened after all.

 

[DkFordor]

I incorporate gauge mounting holes and provision for switches. It is the ideal place to put them.

Synchro, can you provide pictures as inspiration for others?


\Dk

 

[History]

I used a piece of oak board as a spacer for mine, I’ll get a photo of it when I get a chance. I know that sounds sketchy but it’s very solid, you can’t see the oak piece and I’m confident with it. Not sure why mine wouldn’t reach as it’s on a sports coupe.

 

[Phil Brown]

Bob, if I can get by my Dad's house today I'll get you some pics of his somewhat early Victoria. Nonindented firewall that uses the dash rail steering column support with the lowering block. Very original car when we disabled it with no signs of ever having a support on the bottom of the tank.
Another unique thing about his car is the matching frame and engine numbers, the engine was stamped with the old style #6 but the frame received the "new" style #6

 

[CarlG]

Unless you are showing the car, I suggest you fabricate one. RHD supports like that were not available till I started making them. Now, they have been copied and I have taken to fabricating them. By doing so, I incorporate gauge mounting holes and provision for switches. It is the ideal place to put them.

Do you make them for sale?

 

[Pete]

1 hour lunch time project December 1970.

 

[Phil Brown]

Damn, my mistake Dad's car has the early-style tank mount for the column.
Getting confused as to what car has what. Sorry about that

 

[Synchro909]

Do you make them for sale?

I did but there are too many others now who have copied what I did. It's not worth my while but I know the local vendor here has them. Details if you want.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

Yesterday (10/18/2022) I replaced the steering column attachment to the gas tank in my Victoria using an original A-3520-E Support plus the original spacer that is standard in a Victoria. The job was relatively easy to do in a couple of hours. No new holes were drilled, and the A-3520-E matched the existing 5/16" bolt holes in the dash rail. The result is a very stiff steering column support. I will post some photos later on today.

I am leaving the A-3520-E Support and the spacer black because I think that is what a dealer's service department would have done. The original A-3520-E service part is black.

 

[fredski53]

I converted my Victoria to the later column drop with no problem. You have to loosen the steering box from the frame and then push the column up..

 

[pjdeb]

Anyone put the support on a 1930 closed cab pickup? I would not want to use the longer bracket. Space is tight enough.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

Here are some pictures of my 190A before & after relocating the steering column support to the dash rail. I did not use the longer support because I already a NOS short one. When used with the original spacer, the short support is the equivalent of the long support.

 

[fredski53]

I did the same with my Victoria but I didn’t use the spacer.