36' steering column removal

ford nut

Well-known member
i'm going to remove and cut down my steering column tomorrow and install a posie column bushing so it will mate with a alternative ford, steering set-up (don't make me say it) is there anything I need to know about getting the box and column apart?
 
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You need to know about the twist off bolt holding on the switch. You will have to drill out or better yet weld a nut onto it.
 
is that bushing going in the bottom? lots of folks use a wheel bearing for a wheel barrow, available at most hardware stores, for the top. fits the tube and the shaft perfectly, about 1.99, wonderful improvement over the rubber bushing
 
If you can't figure out how to remove the column, how are you going to put the rack and pinion in?
 
i'm going to remove and cut down my steering column tomorrow and install a posie column bushing so it will mate with a alternative ford, steering set-up (don't make me say it) is there anything I need to know about getting the box and column apart? here's what the bushing looks like. . . .

ford nut;

Is the column assembly and related parts in working shape?

Box tight? Lite switch still attached? Lite switch rod and switch plate

and horn button intact? Steering wheel in good shape- 3 spoke or Banjo?

Does the column lock bolt engage easily when the key lock is

turned? Is the ign toggle thumb switch intact and operates the

ign electric switch ok--is electric switch complete---with pivet contact ?

All parts are precious to original type Ford guys.

Do a Forum search for "1936 steering column removal" and

other related searches --and read --study -- then come back with

more questions. Just a suggestion to do it right when you're ready.

Maybe someone close who's done this will come help.

Might have all the parts you need already disassembled.

Respectfully. Not to offend--trying to save old Fords/parts.

Love these Old FORDS!

Thanks Gene Tulsa
 
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Much easier to use an aftermarket column, they make them that look like the originals if that is the look you are after.
 
well columns out, not cut down yet because I was kind of surprised to find out it's a tube and not solid. still thinking about it. I do want a stock look to it to a degree, but I am changing things quite a bit too. steering wheel is a 46-48 that was on the car when I got it. car was hot rodded in the 50's and parked till I got it last year, and i'm doing more hot rod stuff to it too. sorry, but it wasn't a pristine example to begin with.
 
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Are there any steering columns that are solid?



I'm guessing your are installing a vega box?


Look up ididit steering column on google. Good stuff for streetrod steering.
 
Are there any steering columns that are solid?



I'm guessing your are installing a vega box?


Look up ididit steering column on google. Good stuff for streetrod steering.
my 64' econoline is, rack & pinion for the 36', I've got to sit the engine in to check clearances so I can come up with the length of column. my seat just got done and I may want to play with how close the wheel is to me, and how far the column pokes through into engine bay. I've never sat in this car yet! the seat was so beat up.
 
my 64' econoline is, rack & pinion for the 36', I've got to sit the engine in to check clearances so I can come up with the length of column. my seat just got done and I may want to play with how close the wheel is to me, and how far the column pokes through into engine bay. I've never sat in this car yet! the seat was so beat up.


okay... I guess.



Not sure exactly why you post here but... enjoy!!!
 
come on guys, be nice! i'm always interested in what he's up to, not my thing, but i'll watch and learn. personally, the old ford chassis is fine with me, and an improvement to the steering would only take a later box with rolling sector and easier ratio...but, i dont drive on the LA freeways, actually more like avoid them like the plague! much prefer to scrape the grasshoppers off after a drive thru kansas or nebraska, but thats me. looks like a nice motor you got ready to go, keep us posted, skip
 
what the hell does that mean??


What that means is... you got booted out of the hamb and now you share your m2 streetrod here.


I'll just do what I've done on most your post. Offer solutions!!! ididit makes great columns. They are not solid columns like the original ford units? like you thought.


I'm odd man out, so it's okay. ignore me and post away. I added a solution to your question on street rod steering. I thought I was helping.
 
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my original question was in separating steering shaft from box. the only reason I posted any pics of the project was that someone thought I wasn't up to the task of installing my front end. if I can take down the pics I will. i'm trying to use as much original pieces as I can on this project, but still have it safe for the area I live. we don't have clear open roads. I shouldn't have posted this group of pics knowing it might upset some. that ones is on me. as far as being banned from the hamb, I never said anything to get banned. they assumed where I was going with my wording. I never typed it in. I was just gone. whatever. i'll keep my car-crafting to myself.
 
my original question was in separating steering shaft from box. the only reason I posted any pics of the project was that someone thought I wasn't up to the task of installing my front end. if I can take down the pics I will. i'm trying to use as much original pieces as I can on this project, but still have it safe for the area I live. we don't have clear open roads. I shouldn't have posted this group of pics knowing it might upset some. that ones is on me. as far as being banned from the hamb, I never said anything to get banned. they assumed where I was going with my wording. I never typed it in. I was just gone. whatever. i'll keep my car-crafting to myself.

I'm not sure if I follow what you posted other then its a lot of bs here, carcraft never did m2 conversions. Just keep posting if you like. Its interesting.... I'm glad you retained the flathead. It looks like a great motor!!! Just some constructive criticism. No big deal. Is what it is. Not sure why you deleted all your pictures...


ididit makes some good columns if you want that.
 
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ford nut....Muffler tail pipe is inexpensive and looks just like an OEM 36 column tube. Cut to any linear size. Flare one end and turn down inside ends. Can be tapped or not for starter key and any support mount would work.
 
One advantage with using an aftermarket stock lookalike column is that everything is already set up and items such as turn signals can be included. A typical column style would be like an 56 F100 which would be a very common late 50s / 60s Hot Rod swap.

The issue with rack and pinion steering (which I have in some of my modified cars) is it moves out of the Stock, Stock Modified & Early Hot Rod era into the Street Rod era. The HAMB and the Barn are geared toward the former and not the later.
 
my original question was in separating steering shaft from the box. i'm trying to use as much original pieces as I can on this project.

ford nut;

The steering worm gear is pressed on the shaft.

Given your plan , the only thing left to appear original is the

column drop with the key lock and the ign toggle switch & on/off

plate and the ignition box / contact & plate. With your mask and

shaft replacement/change the lock feature should be disabled

my opinion (safety). Add a modern hidden ign switch use the

toggle for a security Interlock or small current device

Add a later dash starter button with remote old Ford solenoid.

Luck wih neat project---my opinion --try to disassemble

to learn learn Ford stuff and preserve good parts for trade or sale.

How about pictures of column drop , steer wheel and box.

Thanks old Ford fun!!

Gene Tulsa
 
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