Technical "Extra" Hole in a 1932 Ford Coulmn drop

I think the hole on the left was for a choke on a stock '32 Ford with a four cylinder B engine. I may cut off that area and smooth things out, the on /off hole and the tiny plate rivet holes will get welded up. Has anyone put that choke hole to good use? Bob

 

It is for the start knob on a B Model. It connects to the starter switch by cable. Pull to start.

The original V8 32 starter switch was mounted on the steering box and protrudes though the floor. Push to start


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Thanks! I knew it was a cable, this was an enpty hole on a V8 equiped car, correct? Maybe a good place for a togel switch for turn signal lights. Bob

 

B model


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V8 (same as my other one just without the starter knob and cable)


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And a shot of the cable mech




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this is the "B" ( 4 cyl) starter pull knob, the V8 had a rounded plug in that hole

 

Bob, i would leave the hole, or bondo it up so it could be used in the future.
electric fuel pump switch?
fog light, backup light ,or interior light switch?
choke cable?
high beam indicator?
exhaust cut out or wolf whistle cable?

 

a real neat way to go is to use a marine pull starter switch in that hole. {electric}

 

You all know I collect stuff, just looked around and saw this shape in a St Christopher medal.

 

better than a seat belt

 

As others have said Ford used a plug when the hole was not used. I couldn't find a plug so I used a carriage bolt (with the head sanded smooth) with a nut on the back to hold it in.

Charlie Stephens

 

Found this plug at home depot hardware bins

 

Can't argue with a St. Chris' medal......but someone here with provenance put some sort of gauge or clock in that hole. Wish I remembered who. I have no clue what so small would fit, nor if perhaps the opening was m***aged farther open or not. I'm of no help obviously....but devil's advocate.....may make you investigate further situations to ponder. I'm positive you'll do something s****y and neat.

 

just put a cork in it bob...uh...in the column hole

 

These are cool pics and educational as well. What is the on/off switch for? Did someone write that and I missed it?

 

The on/off switch is for the ignition. The key on the right unlocks the steering column. Of course the ignition switch won't turn unless the ignition is unlocked. The starter switch was a ****on on the floor for all of the V8 and late 4 cylinder cars. The early 4 cylinder cars used the hole we have been discussing.

Charlie Stephens

 

Are all 32 column drops the same drop length, pickup, coupe, three window, roadster, BB truck? I have one from a BB truck and was wondering if it would work in my 32 roadster.

 

All p***enger cars are the same. I am not sure abut the BB truck, this would be a good question for fordbarn.

Charlie Stephens

 

fish
caddy motor-offy drop
b

 

Sold a fire hydrant last night, I'm on a roll funding the project. Tonights project is drilling out the pinch bolt on the bottom, I think it had a fancy anti theft head that broke off. The starter hole will somehow attach the turn signal switch. Does anyone know if a 1962 Cobra has a starter ****on? Bob

 

Wow. Bob, you on the AACA forums too ? There is a 1937hd45 guy that speaks of a hot rod with Smith gauges and a Cobra starter ****on....and his name is Bob too. Yes, 1962 Cobras had the starter ****on.

 

The pinch bolt mas made with a hex head attached by a thin shank to the dome head you see now...it was tightened on the ***embly line until the hex snapped off, setting it at reasonably correct torque and leaving it with a theft-proof dome like a carriage bolt in appearance. Some Ford used the same bolt to hold drop to dash so it could not be freed to rotate by a thief.
My '48 Ford, bought new by my Father, has 3...one through pinch on the lock, two holding drop to dash. All three are entirely intact...whoever was swinging that wrench at Edgewater plant on 11-11-1947 was obviously goofing off!

 

Learned some new stuff from this thread, great info.

 

These break off bolts that Bruce describes (supplier part number R-86-90) are available from Roy Nacewicz Parts, (313) 383-3673, fordbolts.com in case you want to be sure the next person has as much fun as you did.

Charlie Stephens

 

I've read the description that Nacewicz has of his replacement bolts, and you can almost hear the devious-ness in his words. My luck, it would be ME who has to remove the tamper-proof bolt again.

Don't do it Bob!

 

Thanks for the history lesson Bruce! I got half of the bolt out, have to fuss with the rusty threaded half tonight. It almost looks as if a Model A steering column bracket screw would work there if it is long enough, if not Roy gets an addition to my door hinge screw order. Thanks for the Cobra starter ****on info, I don't post on AACA so much these days. Bob

 

Here they are.

 

Yes they are the same

 

Wow. I would have never guessed that such an innovation as torque once fasteners ever existed in automotive from that time frame. Great history lesson....indeed ! Makes the head spin a little....