1940 Steering lock Disassembly

[Ken/Alabama]

I have seen some previous post about how to get the steering wheel locking mechanism apart. I took one apart the other day and took photos so I thought I would share them here. Im assuming that the column is out of the car and on the workbench.
1. Remove the two screws that hold the switch to the housing.
2. I then used a staple puller,looks like a screwdriver with a forked blade, and worked it under the switch lever to pry it off. Its on a splined shaft.
3. I didnt do it on mine but go ahead now and remove the two drive rivets and remove the ON/OFF switch plate, It will make things a litte easier later.
4. Drill a hole in the bolt that clamps it to the column and back the bolt out with an easy out.
5. If you have the key ,turn it to unlock position and slide the lock assembly off the column tube. If you dont have a key and I didnt, I drilled a hole in the locking pin for the cylinder and tapped a 10/32 hole then pulled it out with my dent puller. Then the cylinder can be slid out and the unit unlocked using a screwdriver.
6. Once the unit is off the tube remove the detent ball and spring,its uner the large screwhead below the on/off lever.Reach inside the column hole and push the locking bolt all way over to the unlock position it should go far enough to get a couple of screwdrivers and fulcrum the cap off the end of the bolt. Them push the bolt back to the inside and it will come out.

Im sure there are other methods but this worked for me.

 

[Fred A]

It has been a month but no flood of mindless comments agreeing that steering locks are cool and the mob is subscribed in no way mean that active builders won't need your pictures to solve the mystery of those Ford column drops. I sure saved it. Printed it out to insure that it will not be lost. nearly all my pre-'48 cars needed lock work that would have been easier this help. Thanks: Fred A

 

[Kube]

Hi Ken, Wise folks will copy your photos and instructions for possible future use.
As you are now well aware, these locks come apart fairly easy ONCE the "tricks" are learned. I just did another last week. To this day, after countless assemblies, i still have to scratch my head in an attempt to jog the old memory bank.
Thanks for posting!

 

[Enbloc]

Great tech.

 

[Fred A]

I would love to see the breakdown for the really early drops. Thanks Again: Fred A

 

[19Fordy]

Wow, Those steering locks are an engineering marvel. Thanks for taking the time to take photos and posting the info. Just imagine how many of those locks have been "butchered"
by not knowing the little secrets.

 

[OLDTGUY]

Thanks for the post.
JJ

 

[rlittleco]

Under the switch lever there is supposed to be a poppet ball and spring. can any one tell me where to get such an item?

Robt

 

[moefuzz]

Ken,
Thanks for the great tech article.
I have 2 cars coming thru the system right now and both of them need keys/ignition so this article is a God send.
Thanks again,

moe


.

 

[FlatHeadCoupe]

Roy Nacewicz Enterprises
po box 544
Carleton, Michigan 48117

He has the column drop parts that you have asked about.

FlatHeadCoupe

 

[malpais]

Really helpful post! I'm trying to get a very rusty drop apart. I've done it before, but in this case the key cylinder (with key in it) wont budge. Got pin out clean, but no way to pull on or push on cylinder. Soaked the whole thing in Evaporust, as it's not supposed to act on anything but rust. Took some of the rust out.

Any ideas besides drilling out the whole cylinder assy?

The column lock is really stuck too, but key cylinder is first problem.....

Gordon

 

[danm]

Great instructions - thanks.

 

[Ckrivin]

Super helpful!! Thank you so much for the detailed response

 

[Planojc]

Just did my 35 steering lock and wish I had these instructions before. Thanks for the info.