Riveted Steering Column Bracket Prone To Leaking?

L

louder50

Member
I have heard that the steering column bracket riveted to the bottom of the fuel tank in my 28 sedan can be prone to leaking fuel. Im doing a frame off bare metal resto. Are there any prevenrative meassures I can take to prevent this? Maybe welding a bead around the brackets and rivets? How much should i be worried about this? The cars going to outlive me by a long shot and I dont want fuel dripping on my grandkids legs someday.
 
Sometimes they will seep and then you just braze it to stop the leak. But if it isn't leaking why bother?

Mike
 
Im just trying to think ahead. If leakage at the riveted bracket is a common problem and there is a known fix I should do it while everything us torn apart and in bare metal. If its not a common problem than I wont worry about it.
 
its a common problem
as far as fixing it properly talk to brent here on the barn
he is very experienced on how to go about it
or do some searches as its been discussed in length prior
 
I would definitely take the time to do some preventative measures while it is down to bare metal. I never had a problem until about 6 months after I had the interior painted. :(
 
Goldhardt said:
I would definitely take the time to do some preventative measures while it is down to bare metal. I never had a problem until about 6 months after I had the interior painted.
:(
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The bracket was riveted on and if i remember correctly, then sealed with lead.

I would do a search for the installation of the '31 bracket for long term use. the original bracket can stay attacked.

I found it,

http://fordbarn.com/forum/showpost.php?p=68103&postcount=8
 
I would take it to your radiator shop and have them boil it out to remove rust, varnish etc. then have them resolder around the steering column support and the choke rod support. After the solder job have them pressure test the tank for leaks, repair any leaks and the tank should be good for another 80 years. After your restoration is complete, get into the habit of NOT pulling on the steering wheel when you pull yourself into the drivers seat. Just my thoughts and experience.
 
My 29 Tudor has solder all around the outer edge of the bracket, so it looks like they used a large soldering copper and did it while the tank was installed. They removed the rubber and added the dash rail bracket.

Never grab the steering wheel while climbing in and out of the car, and don't turn the steering wheel when the car isn't rolling. These two things will go far in preventing leaks at the bracket
 
I agree with the other guys. If you're talking long term safety, I would go with the '31 bracket mounted under the dash rail. Riveting the steering column to the bottom of the fuel tank never was a good idea. Since you are going down to bare metal, you could completely remove the old bracket if you wanted to as well.
 
I have had 2 Model A's over several years and never had a problem with this, but as others have mentioned, the biggest problem is guys grabbing the wheel when they get in or out and using it for leverage. I seriously doubt you will have an issue if you refrain from doing that.
 
I think adding the '31 and leaving the original bracket is the best of both worlds. One could easily convert back to the original for shows and then install the 31 for driving.
 
Goldhardt said:
I agree with the other guys. If you're talking long term safety, I would go with the '31 bracket mounted under the dash rail. Riveting the steering column to the bottom of the fuel tank never was a good idea. Since you are going down to bare metal, you could completely remove the old bracket if you wanted to as well.
Click to expand...


This is probably your best solution. If it is not going to be a show car, have the riveted bracket removed and the holes filled in. A 31 bracket can be fitted to the dash rail of a 28 very easily. Do a search here on fordbarn about the subject. There are photos and a description on how it is done. Bratton's has the 31 hardware you will need. You will have to fabricate the adaptor bracket, not a difficult task.

The steering wheel is too handy of a handle to help yourself into the car. Sooner or later the existing bracket will leak.

Tom Endy
 
Be sure and get an original 31 bracket, easily available. The repros are crudely made and probably would work...
 
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