I just received my boxed '32 frame from Kiwikonnection. How are you guys mounting your F100/F1 boxes in a boxed frame? I have a Vega box, but I want to use my '56 F100 box.
I figured the only way to do it was to cut a hole in the boxing plate. I thought maybe I was missing something. It seems a shame to cut a hole in that pretty boxing plate. But to me the Vega boxes dont look right in the traditional style non-fendered Model A's.
You don't have to cit a boring square hole, your hole could kinnda outline the steering box...make it look kinda factory in a way. I will agree 100% that a F-100 will always look better than a Vega.
Thats true, I can just cut enough to get the flange in there. I wont have to cut a big box. I didnt want to put it in my first post, but I did buy Tardels flange, I got it today and wasnt quite sure how it all goes together. This is my first build. I have a "mentor" helping me along the way. I'm trying to figure and collect everything I can out on my own and with help from people like you on the hamb. Thanks!
No problem. Beings the stock F-100 frame is strait, and a 32 frame tappers out, that shim just makes the steering box line up strait instead of kicking off to the driver side as it follows the frame rail....
Make sure you install the pitman arm and bolts, turn the wheel make sure there is no hitting of anything. I had to take some material off the mating face to get the shaft out far enough using my 53 box. Good luck, good option.
The best way to do it your first time is to follow Vern's book. The only thing I would suggest is make sure you bolt the pitman arm on first and have the column drop all bolted up, and everything in line before you tack weld the flange. Make sure that pitman arm has clearance. Take your time.... do lots of thinking before you weld it up. Mark the location of your sector shaft on the outside of the frame (refer to '32 frame blueprints if you are a traditional purist) and drill that hole first. Then take the flange and line it up with the hole you just drilled and position the holes/triangle how you want it to look, trace around that with a Sharpie. The add enough to get a MIG in there to take weld it, maybe another 3/4" on each side of the triangle..that will give you a nice cut out on the boxed plate. good luck
I bought the shim and didn't use it. I used washers. The shim made my pitman arm rub on the frame. Im using a original 32 column drop, maybe thats why it didnt work for me.
I used washers too. '32 Frame (narrowed for '29 body), SBC, F100 box and column, stock '29 A column drop.
I used Vern's shim on an AV8 with deuce frame. You will have to grind down the face of the shim and probably one or two of the ears on your steering box to get the pitman arm away from the frame far enough and get the correct alignment of your steering column. You will have to have your body on the frame and bolted down as well as your dash and you will need to know exactly where you want your steering wheel to sit as well. It will take a lot of trial and error. I also welded pinched locknuts on the back side of the steering box since I cut the ears down a little. Very hard to get get nuts in place when working through the hole in the boxing plate. Take your time, you can get a real clean job. You may also need to shorten your pitman arm to get steering that doesn't break your arms. Keith
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