39 Big Truck Won't Steer.

M

Mike/Franklin

Member
I have a 39 11/2 ton panel truck with a 40/41 big truck steering collum with the steering wheel inoperable. No key and probably locked and key taken out a long time ago. I know I have to remove the lock pin by drilling and tapping a hole and put in a 10/32 screw and pull it out.

Problem is the pin is up and down and I don't have room to center punch and drill. Looks like I'll have to remove steering column and steering gear, pull out and work on a bench. Any easier way or short cuts?

Thanks ML
 
Your removal methed will give you the best results. However, if the lock looks to be in working condision with it out you could take it to a competent locksmith to be keyed. Another idea would be if the door lock and ignition are original, leave the collum alone and pull the door lock and have a key made for it and that in turn would give you a ignition key as well since they used the same key. Just some old guy thoughts, Tim
 
Pulling the door lock is a alternative but may be as difficult as the ignition if it’s like a car one.
 
Jeez guys, all you have to do is just use the door key, take it to your locksmith, have him make a duplicate and wallah, you now have an ignition key! Easy Peasy, and you are welcome!
 
It didn't sound like the steering and switch were original to the truck. Maybe the owner changed the door lock to match?
 
Do you have any friends with old fords ? If so ask them to try their keys , sometimes you gat lucky .
 
Thanks for your help and input on this. I forgot the door and switch were keyed the same but as was walking up the hill to check it out I remembered that the column is from a later truck. I think the column was replaced when the truck was modified for sealed beam headlamps. No reason to leave all that extra wiring hanging. I've been applying Kroil all week and the lock cylinder is still frozen up. Been trying to slip in a thin blade screwdriver and no go. I've got a 39 dumptruck with a key and can't get it into the panel truck lock. I think I'll have to go with plan A and remove the lock and lock pin so I can steer the truck. Have to get it down to the garage to work on other issues. Each trip up the hill, even though it's only 125 feet is sapping energy my 77 year old body could use on better things. This truck is a real Beast with lots of modifications over the years. Initially was set up with a 90 degree transmission drive to run a winch and along with gin poles, used to set phone poles. Then it was converted to do oil field electrical work with a large drum, now gone, holding several hundred feet of wire. Also been fitted with a Latham Vacuum Brake System with a column mounted lever to operate the brake booster. Quite piece of work. Thanks for your help, you fellows. I'll keep you posted. Will have other questions when I get to the motor. ML
 
Mike/Franklin said:
Thanks for your help and input on this. I forgot the door and switch were keyed the same but as was walking up the hill to check it out I remembered that the column is from a later truck. I think the column was replaced when the truck was modified for sealed beam headlamps. No reason to leave all that extra wiring hanging. I've been applying Kroil all week and the lock cylinder is still frozen up. Been trying to slip in a thin blade screwdriver and no go. I've got a 39 dumptruck with a key and can't get it into the panel truck lock. I think I'll have to go with plan A and remove the lock and lock pin so I can steer the truck. Have to get it down to the garage to work on other issues. Each trip up the hill, even though it's only 125 feet is sapping energy my 77 year old body could use on better things. This truck is a real Beast with lots of modifications over the years. Initially was set up with a 90 degree transmission drive to run a winch and along with gin poles, used to set phone poles. Then it was converted to do oil field electrical work with a large drum, now gone, holding several hundred feet of wire. Also been fitted with a Latham Vacuum Brake System with a column mounted lever to operate the brake booster. Quite piece of work. Thanks for your help, you fellows. I'll keep you posted. Will have other questions when I get to the motor. ML
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I would really love to see some pictures of this thing! I'm sure I'm not the only one.
 
Here are some pictures.
 

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https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355668&highlight=1937+big+panel


This guy texted me that he would take 3500.00 then there's the shipping, but I love the big fords and have had them shipped to me from the Dakotas, Montana, Idaho and Arizona. Whatever shipping costs is cheap. Not saying your '39 isn't a cool truck, byt this thing is in amazing condition. If you like fixing rusty sheet metal, then I get that too. I just never got the hang of wellding the thin stuff. Just sayin :)
 
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