F1 Steering Conversion

Mike34

Mike34

Senior Member
I’ve read here and there about conversions to a 48-52 F1 steering box. I’m wondering what the design is that makes it a desirable choice. Is the F1 steering a worm and roller design and what is the ratio?

I’ve put this question on the early V8 site but thought I’d add it here too because somewhat common on Model A’s.

Thanks,
-Mike
 
I run a 1950 F-100 box. It does indeed have a roller and worm so that there is no sliding friction like a standard Model A box. I bought a new roller, they run on needle bearings, and installed it. There is one adjustment which brings the roller in contact with the worm. I was able to adjust mine to zero play at the steering wheel.

I am not sure what the ratio is but it is about 4 turns lock to lock whereas I think the stock box is about 3 turns lock to lock. It is quite easy to turn the wheels even when stationary.

A new box will not cure hard steering that is caused by worn front end parts, like the king pins, or if the front end is out of adjustment. Ford designed the geometry to provide easy and controllable steering but after 90 years things can be worn and out of adjustment.
 
I'm not a big fan of Randy Gross' F100 steering Box. I bought one shortly after Randy took over the business in 2012 from his father Mel and the box he provided is not a roller and worm gear box. I paid $627.00 and it doesn't lessen the steering effort any more than a properly restored Model A 2 tooth box.
 
AL in NY said:
I'm not a big fan of Randy Gross' F100 steering Box. I bought one shortly after Randy took over the business in 2012 from his father Mel and the box he provided is not a roller and worm gear box. I paid $627.00 and it doesn't lessen the steering effort any more than a properly restored Model A 2 tooth box.
Click to expand...

Did you talk to Randy. He is very receptive to providing assistance.
 
I don't know where my F-100 box came from as it was on the car when I bought it. But it did require a new roller. The roller was inexpensive, about $100, and came with the needle bearings, hardened shaft, and thrust washers. The original shaft is peened over at both ends using a friction heating process and has to be ground out to be removed. The new one can be welded in with very little welding to minimize the heating. Some clearance has to be ground for the new pin to clear the box. The thrust washers have to be thinned slightly to provide the proper fit. It took about a day for me to rebuild my steering box including cleaning and paint.
 
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If your not going for fine point the F100 box is a very good upgrade. Also if your having problems with not having power steering you will love it as it's just like modern rack and pinion steering found in most modern cars
 
If anybody is unhappy with a steering box or any other products or services that we provide, then let us know as we will ALWAYS make things right. If we don't know, then we can't take care of it.

All F100 boxes are a sector roller / worm gear set-up.

As for a F1 box in a Model A, they are not really the right one to use. The steering shaft on a F1 box comes out on the lower portion of the the top of the box where as a F100 steering shaft comes out at the upper part of the top of the box. If you plan to use the same mounting holes in the frame, then a F1 box will have the wrong pitch and will put the steering wheel into the windshield.

Call or email if you have any questions.

Randy Gross
714-292-8660
melmodela@aol.com
 
Mel Gross said:
If anybody is unhappy with a steering box or any other products or services that we provide, then let us know as we will ALWAYS make things right. If we don't know, then we can't take care of it.

All F100 boxes are a sector roller / worm gear set-up.

As for a F1 box in a Model A, they are not really the right one to use. The steering shaft on a F1 box comes out on the lower portion of the the top of the box where as a F100 steering shaft comes out at the upper part of the top of the box. If you plan to use the same mounting holes in the frame, then a F1 box will have the wrong pitch and will put the steering wheel into the windshield.

Call or email if you have any questions.

Randy Gross
714-292-8660
melmodela@aol.com
Click to expand...


To anyone considering one of Randy's F100 box I cannot say enough good things about him and his products. We are very lucky to him in the Model A community and he does stand behind his work.
 
I have a 1949 F1. the original steering box is long gone. Does Mel Gross make a steering box for my truck or only for model As? Thanks for any info. ........... CJ
 
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I`m running two of Randy`s F100 boxes and I have installed four others. I`m very happy with them and dealing with Randy. if you are having a problem with one of his boxes. you should talking to him.
 
I lke the F100 conversion because of the integral self cancelling turn signal feature.
I do not like it for rough road, especially dirt or gravel, driving.
As is typical of any worm and roller steering it gets a large amount of slack the farther you turn from center.
I have a KSE power steering in one of my model A's but that does not look "era".
 
I haven't been looking for a while but they generally show up on flea-pay quite a bit. I'd expect to have to rebuild a used one anyway. The F1 box works well enough on the F1 but has to have extensive modification to work properly on a Model A. These boxes should come with at least the steering shaft. If the OP needs a column jacket then look for a complete assembly. This all makes for a long package. Some folks cut the steering shaft off but that doesn't do the purchaser any favors.
 
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