Ok, I'm doing the A to F1 steering box conversion ala' Bishop/Tardel. I took out my 32 style dash because the steering column tube hit it (can modify later) I would like to use the stock model drop because there's nothing THAT solid to put another one on (I'm going to try and use the stock A gas tank to hold gas). How would you shim this? I'm at a design loss on this one..... I ***ume you cut the tube length down too, it seems too long! I was planning on using a 40 wheel, but the diameter may make it hit my legs.....so I really need to watch this closely...
If you can, find a piece of aluminum tubing(gasp!) that has the same I.D. as the O.D. of your steering column, if you can find one that also has the same O.D. as the I.D of your drop, great! If not, get one that's a little too big on the outside, you are going to have to have someone wittle it down on a lathe so that it will fit just inside of your drop. Once you are happy with the fit, drill and tap a hole in you new sleeve and drop and install a small allen bolt or threaded rod through the both of them to hold everything together. If it was mine I would probably hit the open end of the new hole with a chisle once the bolt rod or bolt is in just to keep it from backing out.
I debated the same thing on mine. I drilled out the rivets and ditched the stock mount. I bolted the F1 mount back in it's place. I ended up "stretching" the stock F1 drop by about 1.5 inches, and shortening the column by about 2 inches, from what I recall. Good luck.
If you are talking about the diameter of the column being too small for the drop, get a 2 piece shaft collar, and attach the top half to the top half of the column drop . you could probably have the collar machined to fit the stock drop if you wanted. I would just put it behind the drop
If you have any machinist friends with a lathe, turn one like this out of aluminum. If you have to, split it in half to fit around the column. I see from the picture you posted that the steering column runs at a different angle than the old Model A mount is set up for---thats O.K. Turn the peice on a lathe, then drill the center out on a boring mill---the center hole does not have to be at the same angle as the outside diameter of the spacer. Show this model to a machinist.
good advice from all of you, thanks! when you drill them out, doesn't that poke holes in the tank......i wouldn't think so because they would leak right there....
i was thinking of some of the old ford bearing that had the flange like you pic.....could cut them but would only have the flange on one side (be ok i reckon) but i'm not sure they'd take up the required space.. a buddy of mine just bought a lathe, that may be an option....
I would consider not mounting from the tank...ford updated this because of the tank cracking from the mount. If you notice later model a's mount to the dash rail. These longer drops are on ebay all the time. This is just what I have read.......and what I am doing.
you know, i forgot about the splined/key thing....i'l have to accomodate or change plans.. the 40 wheel looks great but man is it ever big for me.....the new seat cushions and springs that came with my body are thick and set you up pretty high.....i may have to take them out and go with something else....
The "perfect" size steering wheel for a model A is 14" outside diameter. The Perfect location of that steering wheel is 6" from the face of the dash-rail to the top side/foreward facing side of the steering wheel. I already danced this dance when setting up the steering in my model A roadster pickup (which has the body extended 6" longer than Henrrys original in the ****pit area)
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