Steering Column Adjustment

B

BakesJr

Member
I'm trying to set the spark timing and when I move the steering column lever, the upper point plate control arm contacts one side of the opening of the distributor but not the other.
How do I rorate the steering column? The bolts that hold the steering box to the frame hold everything rigid. Or do I need to shim the steering box to rotate the column?
I am very new to this stuff, ok maybe no experience, but I'm still having fun.

Thanks in advance!
 
It depends on which steering box you have. Early boxes, seven tooth, cannot be adjusted in that respect. With two tooth, loosen the clamp bolt just above the gear box and rotate the outer sleeve portion accordingly. Tighten the clamp when finished.
 
Its my understanding that if the car is a 28-29, there is not adjustment to the steering column. On the 30-31 there is a clamp just above the steering box that you can loosen and then turn the steering column and move the control arm. Anyway that's how my 30 is.
 
Year 1929 with a 7 tooth gearbox. So with that going against me whats my other options? I could make a little coupler with set screws and cut the linkage arm in 2 and adjust it that way but I like to keep things original.
 
If it were my car, I would slightly "tweak" the end of the control arm. A small amount of bending of the ball end will not be noticeable when the hood is up but will make a change in how it indexes the upper plate. Another option, change out the long control rod as it may be short or long.
Good Day!
 
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Parts houses have small collars with set screws you can use to modify the length of the control rods.
 
Thanks JBill, thats a big help!
I joined the Ford Barn forum sometime back but forgot about it. It's turning out to be a big help and its fun having individuals out there willing to share their knowledge for the sake of having a passion for the Ford Model A!!
 
I did what Dave suggests in post #8
Take the control rod off of the arm on the steering column and using a pliers tweek the ball and arm in the direction necessary to get full travel. It will move rather easily. Move it a little at a time until you get it to where it needs to be. That way you won't be moving it back and forth weakening the metal.
 
After market arms are made of pot metal which doesn't bend well. The Ford arms are made of steel, be careful that the ball hasn't been partially cut away by the action of the rod movement over the years.
 
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