I am interested in hearing from anyone first-hand hat has used a 48-52 F-1 box in a 32. I have a sedan that’s getting an early Hemi, and am considering this setup. I know a Vega cross steer is better, but what would the F1 box be like to drive? Thanks in advance
Mine drives great! It’s rebuilt, fits nicely with a flathead, and steers easily when the car is moving. Since it’s not power steering it requires a little umph to turn when sitting still.
F1 box has the steering column come out the 'bottom' of the box. You get a little more header/exhaust room with the lower exit point of the column, but the trade off is a steeper column angle and corresponding steering wheel angle. F100 box has the steering column come out the 'top' of the box. Better angle, but possible header/exhaust fitment issues.
My F-1 box fits in the original hole in the frame, and actually has the flange of the 32 box welded to it. The angle of the steering wheel could not be any better if I had designed it from scratch. I have stock seats, and it allows me to just lay my forearms on the wheel as I grab the top of the wheel. Super comfy.
Our previous '32 roadster (The tan one below) had an F1 box, and was a great driver (We put approximately 6,500 miles on it before selling it). I'm currently finishing up another '32 roadster with an F1 box, and although it's not yet finished, the little I've been able to drive it has been successful. Using an F1 box instead of an F100 seems to help the angle of the column/wheel.
Years ago,enterprising hot rodders used a Mustang steering box(67 and later had a “rag”joint for your steering shaft shaft to hook to) and 66 and earlier had a long 3-4 ft solid shaft. Turn the steering box on its side and make a mount and the Pittman arm will be in line to hook to the left front wheel similar to the f1 box with a lot better choice of bearings to make the steering work easier than the F1 box in question. Yes, I have one Mustang box left in good shape(no Pittman arm) $100 shipping included in continental U. S. John in Texas 979-595-7324 cell.
I built my 32 sedan with an F1 box. I used a 32 pitman arm and stock 32 spindles. The steering is a little "slow" so is better with a steering wheel that is on the smaller side. I featured it in the build series on my YouTube channel. Mart. This is a link to the sedan build playlist. I start looking at the steering in part 5. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtwyFkFxie5jBo5tw37tv75lSAjWveT0o
Thanks for the input; I have a 1968 Mustang box that I put in my 1932 Ford pickup. A good system but not so good with split wishbones
Fine and dandy if you want the pitman to point up. Not so good if you need the pitman to point down like God and Henry designed it.
The Jalopy Journal
