Yeah I'm only about 50 miles from Oceanside and I go there a lot. I'm actually pretty glad right now that I didn't have another steering box because now I get the opportunity to learn how to rebuild the box that I have.
54 Hotrod................sorry to take so long to get back to you, but check in here only 2 or 3 times/week. As far as the br*** bar, I use that between the hammer and the shaft/nut. If you hit the end of the shaft/nut with a hammer, you will probably mess up the threads. You can get a lot of leverage under the wheel with your legs, Just give it a good solid hit. Never had to use penetrating fluid. The best penetrating fluid is also the cheapest. Use 50% ATF & 50% acetone. If its been sitting, you have to shake it as the ATF will settle to the bottom. Try this stuff once, and you'll never use anything else again. I put it in a spray bottle.
Parklane, thanks for the information. I did get the steering wheel off and the gear box out of the car. I did try your method of putting my legs under the steering wheel but being short got the better of me again. My legs are about two inches too short to reach the steering wheel. I'm glad that the catalyst worked so well. Today the gear box is getting rebuilt and I should have it back tomorrow. Unfortunately the hobby shop on base won't be open again until Saturday so I have to play the waiting game. Today I was able to get the A-arms taken apart and pulled the springs out too. With any luck this weekend, I will have the suspension put back together with all new rubber, upper and lower ball joints, and get the steering box back in the car. So far it looks as if the car will be on the road and make it to Ink N Iron to be shown with the rest of my car club.
The unimaginable happened today, my steering box was rebuilt in less than 24hrs. I can't believe the guy actually got is back to me before he went on a three week vacation. All I need now is for the second miracle to happen and my ball joints come in on time. For now I'll just cross my fingers and wait.
Awesome news man! Congrats! Hope you can make it to Ink n Iron! Still dont know if we will be there or not, but if we go, I'll be lookin for ya.
How hard was it to get the A-Arms and springs out? I will be trying the same thing tomorrow to change the bushings and put the aroestar springs in mine
It was actually pretty easy. Well, the first one was a bit difficult because a cotter pin gave me trouble but the second one only took a bout 35 minutes. Just remember to leave the bolts in that hold the upper ball joint. Having the pickle fork and a good hammer was really what made it easy. I was a little worried that the spring was going to shoot out at me but jacking the A-arm up before taking the spindle off really helped that out since I was able to control the tension as I lowered the jack. I really think this working on cars is getting easier for me since I'm learning more everyday. Oh yeah Rocky, even if the Ford doesn't make it to the show I will be there.
The Jalopy Journal
