39 steering box

R

RonFX

Junior Member
My Father converted his 28 Model A to use a 39 steering box and drag link assm, the problem I am having is trying to figure out how the use an OEM horn rod assm by lengthening it so I can use an OEM wiring harness instead of some kind of universal switch and horn button like he used. He attached the lower 39 unit to the upper 28 column, I know the items work since it was in there before the restoration started. I tried to make an end plate with a tube to get above the oil level like the one Snyder's sells for the 28 Model A. The horn rod is 3/8" dia, the sleeve dia is too large to go into the bottom of the steering box.
1- How did Ford originally keep the oil from leaking into the switch?
2- Does anyone make a sleeved endplate unit that the rod will go thru and fit into the bottom of the steering box?
3- I can figure everything out once I get past the leaking issue.
I know this sounds confusing, if it would be easier, please call me.
Thanks, Ron 614 309 1513
 
The Model A tube is too big. You need one from a 37-39 box. The later box is longer so the light switch rod will be short. You can cut the mounting piece and the switch parts down a little bit and it will work. That's what I did.
 
Andy:
Thanks for the reply. Did you use the lower part of the 39 horn rod and graft onto the Model A rod? I made up a plate with extension that will fit into the 39 box, but the 28 horn rod will not fit thru it. Is the 39 horn rod a smaller dia than 3/8" like the Model A uses?
Thanks, Ron 614 309 1513
 
The rods are the same diameter I think. I have not worked with the Model A parts. The steering shaft has a smaller inside diameter on the 32 up steering boxes. The Model A tube will not go in the later shafts. I used the 32 switch rod and the later tube, The light switch parts were shortened as the later box is longer. The 39 switch rod would probably need shortening. There was a thread about fixing a rod by taking the wire out and soldering a sleeve inside.
 
Yes, I've done the shortening a few times. The most difficult part is making sure you measure correctly. Once done, I silver solder in a sleeve (short piece of brake line).
I really like having the light controls in the steering wheel
 
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