Steering box questions

[bosscat28]

I have a 35 Ford coupe with a an unknown steering box in it. It has a steering shaft tube with a column shift bracket still mounted on it under the hood and the steering wheel resembles a 49 or 50 Ford wheel.


I would like to either change the box to a unit that would allow a banjo wheel or is there any way to retro fit the 35 shaft & tube to this box and use the banjo wheel on it.


I have tried to scrape the dirt and oil from it but can't find a casting number anywhere on the steering box in the car. I doesn't look like the original 35 box.


I do have a correct 48 prefix box but don't think I want to put it in since the current box probably has bearings instead of the bushings in the original steering box.

I also have a box with a 68 prefix which I think is a 36 box. It has a bent steering shaft. Would it be best to rebuild it? Are the steering shafts for a 36 hard to come by?

The steering column drops with the ignition switches and locks are rusted tight on both the 35 & 36 columns. The 35 is in the unlocked position with a key that won't come out. The 36 is in the locked position with no key.

What are my options?

I've included some photos but am not sure how helpful they are.

 

[alanwoodieman]

looks like a 40 to 48 box with column shifter. This style box started in 37 of course 37/38/39 had light switch mounted on the box This 78 box is the best one to have, as it will self center, you have more feel for the road, good/easy to adjust to remove play. the 68 prefix box is just about the worst--only year Ford put needle bearings instead of bushings in the box, needle bearings froze up very easily. A banjo wheel will fit this column, but you will have to work to get an original steering box mounted light switch to work

 

[bosscat28]

So are you saying a banjo wheel will fit my existing steering box?

What type of work will be involved in getting the light switch to work?

 

[drolston]

That steering box looks just like the one in my '41, which I think is common through '48.

I really wanted to put a banjo steering wheel in my '41, just because I loved the one I had in my '37 slant-back, back in the day. What I learned was stock Ford banjo wheels will not fit on the '41 - '48 column. But if you have $700 or so to spare, you can buy a new banjo wheel that will fit. But I doubt you could get it to work with the '35 steering wheel light switch.

Regarding the ignition switch problems; either one can be fixed with a drill and some new parts. I had the one where the key would not come out. I think your best solution is to fix up the '35 column and box.

 

[alanwoodieman]

whew, I must have dreamed I put a banjo wheel on 78 steering shaft in a 35 Ford and in a 37 Ford--oh wait, isn't that the first year for the 78 steering box?? Does a 37 have a banjo wheel??? Inquiring minds would like some explanation of my dreams

 

[Brian]

Boss, your easiest option is to find and fit a 37-39 steering box and column. Light switch will fit, banjo will fit, and s' box will bolt up to your mount.

 

[blucar]

If the object of the question is to keep the '35 steering etc., stock looking, then "Brian's" suggestion is spot on the mark.
I have a '40 column, w/gear shift and '40 steering gears in my '36, bolted in like factory. I used a '47 steering wheel.. The stock banjo wheels are mostly junk from to many years of beating across bad roads. The same can be said of the stock light switch assembly's.

 

[bosscat28]

Thanks for the replies.

My object was to keep it stock looking except for maybe the original locking drop. I have 2 of them both rusted & inoperable. One locked and one unlocked.

I have what I believe is an aftermarket banjo wheel. That I had hoped to use. I didn't care whether the lights were operated by the steering wheel switch but it is sort of unique and cool. I would like for the horn to work on the wheel.

If I understand what I am told the box I have is a GREAT improvement over stock and the wheel will even work with my 40-48 box. But I haven't taken the current steering wheel off to see if the steering shaft I have is hollow to accept the 35 horn/light button rod.

Sorry for all the questions but I don't know much at all about this car. I am more familiar with Mustangs. Just getting into working on the 35 & flatheads. I'm fascinated by them

 

[FlatheadTed]

another option is You should be able to remove the box and press your 35 shaft into the 78 box worm ,Just check the length ,you can then fit the 37to 48 light switch fitting on . the roller bearing idea is not a good one .Ted

 

[NealinCA]

The steering box in your car will work fine. All 32-48 Ford steering shafts were hollow, so it should take a 35 horn/light switch rod. If it is a 41-48 steering box, the steering shaft will be too long, so it will either need to be shortened or replaced with a 35-40 shaft. You will need a 35 column tube to match up to a banjo wheel though, as the 40 and later column tube with large bell will not work.

You will need a 37-39 lower cover plate and light switch bracket to be able to use the original light switch. These parts will bolt on to the steering box that you have.

I have lots of early Ford steering box parts, so PM me if you need anything specific.

Neal

 

[blucar]

Thanks for the replies.

My object was to keep it stock looking except for maybe the original locking drop. I have 2 of them both rusted & inoperable. One locked and one unlocked.

I have what I believe is an aftermarket banjo wheel. That I had hoped to use. I didn't care whether the lights were operated by the steering wheel switch but it is sort of unique and cool. I would like for the horn to work on the wheel./QUOTE]

Based on what you have stated in the "quote". I would suggest you don't get all hug up with original light switch's and a banjo wheel. The '40 steering shaft is hollow therefore the horn wire will work just fine. A '40 steering wheel will fit right onto the column you have which would give the look of being older, however, the wheel you have would look great. As I said in my earlier reply, banjo wheels are not all that they are cracked up to be.

 

[bosscat28]

After removing my steering box I have found it says 31A. What is this steering box out of, so I can order the correct kit.

 

[rotorwrench]

21A would indicate 1942 parts but the war started and production was halted in early 1942 so there are no 31A numbers that would indicate 1943. A lot of 1942 parts, including the steering & gear shift, were carried over to post war in 1946.

The 21A-3504 steering gear was used up in to 1947 till they changed the ignition switch set up.

 

[bosscat28]

Thank you for that info, I thought the 21a was 31A

Where can I find a 4 bolt light switch bracket for bottom of my 42 style steering box like the 2 bolt style in my 35 steering gear.

I've done searches for 37-39 brackets but can't find one.

 

[CSArno]

Boss, I'll take some pics of my father's 35 steering box light switch when I get to the shop in the morning. We converted his over from the original '35 box to a newer one but still retained the horn and light switch on the bottom of the steering box. I swapped the steering boxes but didn't do the wiring so I'll look in the morning. I believe he used the 2 bolts switch bracket though. In your last pics, is there a brass tube in that end plate that runs up in to the steering shaft just above the steering box? If not, this will have to be addressed as that brass tube that's made into that bottom end plate it what keeps the gear box lube from​ running out if your wires run down through the steering shaft to the switch on the steering box.

 

[bosscat28]

Boss, I'll take some pics of my father's 35 steering box light switch when I get to the shop in the morning. We converted his over from the original '35 box to a newer one but still retained the horn and light switch on the bottom of the steering box. I swapped the steering boxes but didn't do the wiring so I'll look in the morning. I believe he used the 2 bolts switch bracket though. In your last pics, is there a brass tube in that end plate that runs up in to the steering shaft just above the steering box? If not, this will have to be addressed as that brass tube that's made into that bottom end plate it what keeps the gear box lube from​ running out if your wires run down through the steering shaft to the switch on the steering box.

Thanks, I'll be interested in seeing how you & others did this.

Didn't the 38's & 39's have a bracket with 4 bolts similar to the earlier brackets with 2 bolts to attach the switch body housing to?

Daryl

 

[barnfind08]

It is a small bracket thet holds the switch and is held on with 2 of the 4 bolts.

 

[37 Cab]

My 37 has 4 bolts on the light switch bracket

 

[bosscat28]

My 37 has 4 bolts on the light switch bracket

That is what I am looking for but can't seem to find one!

The vendors I have looked at only have the 2 bolt style like mine, they won't work.

Daryl

 

[JSeery]

37 and 37-39 diagrams. The early ford store has at least some of the parts. I have had the best luck with these type of parts of looking for a used original assembly.