another '32 question

[Doodlrodz]

I'm putting together a '32 and installed the steering box and column that I bought with some other '32 parts and things just don't line up right the column is too high to get my dash in, this stuff came out of a '32 pu truck. The box looks too big to me and has GEMMER on it. Is this an upgrade that someone adapted to the truck ? I'm using a roadster cowl and the dash won't even go in much less have room to put in the column drop. The column fits into the cut out in the firewall where it should but the angle is too steep. Anyone run into this before ? Thanks

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Early '32 frames have round bolt holes for steering box to bolt to frame, and 2 different sectr castings to angle steering differently for pickup and passenger bodies...the commercials had a shorter cowl and more vertical steering column.
Later '32's had slotted holes for bolts and only one casting, as steering could be tilted to suit the body going on.
Commercial steering is same basic box as passenger, truck steering looks the same but everything is bigger and passenger commercial pitman cannot be used. I would assume it came only in one angle.

 

[Floyd]

The 32 pickup steering box fits at a steeper angle than in a car. In early 32 there was a commercial (pickup) sector housing B-3503B and a car housing B3503A. However in mid-summer 32, the mounting holes in the frame were elongated so the B3503A housing could be used for both vehicles. If your frame has round holes and you have the B3503B commercial sector housing, you can elongate the frame holes in a backwards direction to lower the steering box angle. However, one part you do need is the correct pitman arm. The car arm is B3590A and the pickup is B3590B. The pitman arm will have a large A or B stamped on it. For a car, you need the A version as it is clocked correctly for the car angle of the steering column. This is all assuming that you do have the correct box and sector housing.
Floyd

 

[Doodlrodz]

Thanks guys I'll check for #s tomorrow, I was worried that if I rotate the box back that the column is going to be well below the cut out in the firewall that's why I thought maybe the box wasn't right for a car.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

Thanks guys I'll check for #s tomorrow, I was worried that if I rotate the box back that the column is going to be well below the cut out in the firewall that's why I thought maybe the box wasn't right for a car.

If the box is out of a big truck, BB, it is too big for a car.

Charlie Stephens

 

[BoxCar Tom]

Look at the pictures I sent to you yesterday. Picture DSCN4694 shows the elongated steering box mounting holes.

 

[Doodlrodz]

I think mine is also the elongated mounting holes but it still doesn't bring the column down far enough, I guess I'll have to fill in the holes and re drill the frame to where the column fits the dash. Unless someone near by has a '32 car column and box I could test fit and see if the box is my problem ??

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Can you post a picture of the box?? I'm wonder if it is something noy '32, maybe F-1 or BB.

 

[Doodlrodz]

Bruce, Here's some pics. of the box.

 

[Flathead Fever]

Here is a November, 1932 steering box service bulletin.

 

[deuce lover]

Its not a 32 Ford steering.That's why you are having trouble.Might be F100 but F100 did not have a splined end for the pitman arm.F-1 steerings had the worm come out the bottom of the box ,not the top like this one.32-34's had a nut that screwed on the end of the sector to secure the pitman arm.Looks like someone adapted the light switch to it also.

 

[Doodlrodz]

That's what I've been thinking the angle that the column comes out of the box is different and probably was ok for the pickup. Guess I have to look for a '32 passenger setup at Hershey, if anyone on here is bringing one let me know. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Andy]

That is an F-100 box. You need to cut the flange off where it mounts to the frame. People(Vern Tardel?) sell weld on flanges. That will move the box towards the frame and give clearance. The case is cast STEEL. The steering wheel shaft should be splined. You can cut it off to shorten it and weld on a keyed end.

 

[Andy]

That box is way superior to a 32 box. A 32 box is 13-1. That box is 18-1 and has bearings on the sector shaft.

 

[roundvalley]

Not sure but maybe this may help you.

 

[Kerk]

That's what I've been thinking the angle that the column comes out of the box is different and probably was ok for the pickup. Guess I have to look for a '32 passenger setup at Hershey, if anyone on here is bringing one let me know. Thanks again everyone.

Check with m at gdg23. I have several but they are apart. Will bring a couple and one is from a Tudor I am quite sure. Kerk

 

[PeteVS]

'32 box has filler plug sitting vertical.

Here's a link talking about the '32 and later sector housings:

http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/bsteeringsectorhousings.htm

(Edited 5 Dec 10- rev link)

 

[Doodlrodz]

Thank you once again, man it is amazing the knowledge pool on here. Kerk I'll be sure to stop by.

 

[Richard (EV8G)]

That is an F-100 box. You need to cut the flange off where it mounts to the frame. People(Vern Tardel?) sell weld on flanges. That will move the box towards the frame and give clearance. The case is cast STEEL. The steering wheel shaft should be splined. You can cut it off to shorten it and weld on a keyed end.

The F-100 worm gear can be installed onto a 32 shaft.

 

[Richard (EV8G)]

That box is way superior to a 32 box. A 32 box is 13-1. That box is 18-1 and has bearings on the sector shaft.

Seems like the F-100 steering came originally with sector shaft bushings. The F-100 does have a roller sector gear with needle bearings. Ford used sector bearings only in 1936, then went back to bushings for the new-design steering in 1937.