Fellas After this summer Im planning to change out of the current off topic front end in my 34 3W and putting in a Pete and Jakes front end with hairpins and 4 inch dropped I beam although will buy the drilled version. Car is currently fitted with a 70s GM tilt column which Im keen to keep as its painted and pinstripped to match similar work on the dash and door tops. As well as cutting out all the mounts etc with the corvair front end and having to fit a 34 front crossmember Im just trying to get my head around where on the chassis I would mount a vega style steering box so I can see if it will fit with current engine location etc. Im thinking I may not get to decide until I have the new front end in so I can make sure the tie rod and drag link are pararell or close as possible? In the interim does any one have some pics of their 33/34 chassis witth a SBC showing the location of their vega box so I can see if I can get one in with my current extractors etc? Extra points if you are running a GM column although I know I will be in a very slim minority here using one. Having never tackled a job like this before keen to get my ducks in a row before starting. Thanks
Nothing like having the parts on hand and mocking up. Measurements are one thing, but with mocking up and fudging around, 1/4" variations or less can make a world of difference. Also, don't let some exhaust tube dictate something as important as steering.
I'm going to say that the big issue can be how the motor mount brackets are set up to begin with. I don't know if you can get the drag link perfectly parallell with the tie rod or not. The truth is I don't know if it is anywhere near as critical as on a side steer where you want the drag link to parallell the wisbones or what ever takes their place. Even this doodle shows it to be a tad off.
The position of the engine is actually one of my concerns. A little worried it's too far forward. Will need to take some careful measurements.
Take a deep breath. If you really should cut stuff to do it right, do it right. It will be better and you'll feel better about it. As the old jazz tune is titled, now's the time.
Hi, many years ago I used a mustang box (early) on its side to give to cross steer on a 34 roadster. The box fit in the apron bulge. Sorry I don’t have pics to show you. The roadster had a Sbc as well. Hope this gives you another option. Hammeredabone
Google Chasssis Engineering Vega steering mount and you can download the installation instructions that shows where to mount it.
Your engine mounting, headers/manifolds, exhaust routing, where the column is mounted on the firewall, how much it sticks through the firewall, and many other factors are at play here. This is going to need to be a mockup and see approach, as no two hot rods are going to be the same in all those respects.
The download button for Vega box instructions is about half way down this page: https://chassisengineeringinc.com/product/ar-2130-vega-steering-adapter-for-1928-1934-ford/ Years ago I had a Model A with Corvair front. The Model A crossmember was still there, above the Corvair crossmember.
Cheers all. Thanks for that image @RockyMtnWay - That measurement is a great start. I shoul be able to get some idea how it will sit even with the OEM crossmember gone. Will pop over my garage later today and have a look where that 9 3/4 gets me. Cheers Phil. Sadly the OEM cross member is long gone by the looks of it. CE bracket looks interesting too. Thanks.
The position of the Vega box will depend on the length of the pitman arm, and the clearance to the tie rod. It will also depend on the passenger side arm on the backing plate, and whether the drag link mounts in a separate hole on the arm, or is sandwiched on the same hole as the tierod. Most will work better with a two hole arm, and separate mounting, so you'll need to specify you want that style arm on the passenger side for cross steer. So without having the axle, or knowing exactly what pitman arm, and steering arms you will have, there's not really a way to give a close approximate mounting point for the Vega box.
Just saw this: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1933-34-ford-car-front-crossmember-new-tci-p-j.1288051/
View attachment 6413945 View attachment 6413945 I built my 34 chassis to essentially the same specs as your stated build plan. I boxed my stock rails then ordered and installed a TCI front crossmember and Vega box mount. I'm running a Chassis Engineering I beam, split bones, SBC and an early 70's GM column. I prepped for my build by taking photos and measurements off a complete 34 TCI chassis that was on display in Pomona. The Vega box tucks neatly beneath the motor mount. I can get you some photos and measurements and post them after work tomorrow. Pic of TCI's 34 chassis: https://totalcostinvolved.com/produ...truck-dropped-axle-front-4-link-rear-chassis/
Don’t mount the box until you have the front suspension in place and sitting at ride height. It will probably require special placement that you can’t learn from the standard instruction sheet.
This ! One variant that you may not have considered could be length of pitman arm. A longer one will set steering box back further than a shorter arm. (Steering ratio may come into play here). Better to fit everything where it needs to be for correct steering geometry and alter the things that don’t matter, such as headers. I used similar components on my ‘32 and made it all work, although I do have the weirdest exhaust angle out of the stock exhaust manifold …………….. Edit; - photos shown above are very similar to what I did, except mine is right hand drive so I also had to fight a big ugly original starter motor…….and my column is more vertical.
I added photos to my original reply above. The c/l of the rearmost fender bracket hole to the c/l of the most forward(upper)steering box hole is 9". I agree with Alchemy; get your crossmember in place then roll in your complete front suspension and bolt in the spring. Square up and clamp your rear hairpin brackets in place, then let the weight of the car down on the suspension. Bolt your steering box to the mount, then C clamp the mount to the frame and attach the pitman arm. You can then check all your steering clearances. Once you're set, you can tack the steering box mount and hairpin brackets, then final weld. From there you can work on routing your steering and exhaust...
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