Steering Box

[Dan1928]

Hello,

I have a 2 tooth steering box and column I had out of a '31 coup. I would like to replace my 7 tooth '28 steering box and column with it.

Question: Is this a simple swap out, or are the two so dissimilar that I should expect issues?

Thanks!

 

[Marshall V. Daut]

A simple swap, except the steering wheel will be wrong and obviously a '30-31 flat design instead of the dished '28-29 style. You could order a '28 red steering wheel made aftermarket for the two-tooth, which is keyed like your '30-31 wheel. Do not order the splined red steering wheel! Then the steering column swap wouldn't be so obvious. But you will have a problem with the light switch because there were four or five lengths in the '30-31 column, only one of which fits the '29 two-tooth, which is what you want to match. The length of the '29 two-tooth rod would be a perfect fit if it's the same length as your '31-31 rod. Any of the others will be either too long or too short. I don't have the lengths in front of me, but they are shown in most dealers' catalogs. Look at the light switch rod length for the '29 two-tooth in the catalog and measure yours to see if they match. If not, you'll have to do some modifying.
Also, the quadrant "ears" will never look right. The '29 two-tooth ears stick out and are more massive and antiquey-looking than the much more subtle '30-31 column. That's no biggie, but be prepared for lots of comments from Sidewalk Commandos who maybe once saw a Model A drive by.
Marshall.

 

[pgerhardt]

You might want to contact Randy Gross. He can take your 28 column cut it, and install a F-100 steering box along with the proper length horn rod. I have one in my 29; now I only have 1/2" or less of play in the steering wheel; and I can easily handle rail road crossings at speed without the steering stabilizer that was on my tudor when I got it. (Of course I also rebuilt the front end at the same time we installed the new box & column.)

Contact info:
Randy Gross
Son of Mel & Jackie Gross
904 North 3rd Street
Montebello, CA 90640
(714) 292-8660

 

[WHN]

You might want to contact Randy Gross. He can take your 28 column cut it, and install a F-100 steering box along with the proper length horn rod. I have one in my 29; now I only have 1/2" or less of play in the steering wheel; and I can easily handle rail road crossings at speed without the steering stabilizer that was on my tudor when I got it. (Of course I also rebuilt the front end at the same time we installed the new box & column.)

Contact info:
Randy Gross
Son of Mel & Jackie Gross
904 North 3rd Street
Montebello, CA 90640
(714) 292-8660

Nice looking car in your picture. Enjoy.

 

[daveymc29]

I have a Ford F100 Box that a friend cut and welded for me. I used a shorter pitman arm because driving the 7 tooth hurt. Now the roadster is truly a "palm steering" car if it is moving at all. I don't like to force it when not moving even in a modern car with power steering so that part is no problem. Steering will travel from lock to lock so no difference other than winding the wheel a bit more, but it will return to center on its own once the turn is completed. Randy Gross will do a great job of it for you. Also I have 600 X 16 tires.

 

[Dan1928]

Hello daveymc29,

Did you lower the car for the 16in tires as their would be a difference in height of 2.5 in on '28 - '29 or 1.5 inch on '30s and '31?

Thanks for all answers.