32 again, steering drop
 

Hey guys, well, this is the first 32 Ive ever had and I know nothing about them, except I love them..
Well the 5 window I lucked in to has a old tilt column in it, I have a original column I am fixen to put in, and wanted to know about the drop..
It looks like its missing something on the back side,
Also is there any way to remove the drop from the column ?
What is the flip switch for and what does the key do ?
Anything else I should know about it,
Thanks very much guys ...

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

The key locks the steering and flip (ignition switch) in the off position. Your missing the actual switch body itself, it's kinda like a little box with the actual switch parts inside.
Martin.

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

The drop removal, undo or drill out the pinch bolt, and slide the drop off the column. Oftentimes I have hammered a screw driver blade into the slot (that the pinch boot closes) to open the drop just enough to allow the drop to slide off easily.
Martin.

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

I suggest you purchase Dave Rehor's book on the 32 Fords, it is an excellent source of reference. It is available at WWW.earlyfordv8.org on their store page. There are 4 parts on the rear for the electrical ignition switch plus two screws. As a suggestion: don't remove the drop from the column since you have it out of the car. But if you must, the clamp bolt on the bottom has to be removed(does not have a head). The flip switch is the ignition switch to put voltage to the ignition coil. The key switch (hard to find an original in working order) locks the flip switch in the off position and drives a spring loaded bolt into a collar around the center steering column locking the steering. The large threaded hole on the upper front is for the 4 cyl cars and is not used and is plugged on the V8. I do not believe it is supposed to be threaded (double check my thoughts here), just a through hole. Your missing a threaded cap that has a spring and a ball under the cap. The spring & ball act in on the flip switch and make it snap into it's two positions.

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

Elwood,

Here are a list of threads that may help as well:

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131885
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144772
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103694
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106803
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70177
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67226
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66031
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65197
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62108
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57747


Keep V-8ing and 4-banging!

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

The four constituent parts of the switch from the back appear in the lower left hand corner of the photo below. These are retained on the back with two #8-32 x 3/4" slotted flat head machine screws.

As Terry indicates, you are also missing the small, hollow threaded plug in the center of the left side along with the small steel ball and spring that fit in the hole. Those three items were used on all '32-'36s (at least) and replacements are available at fordbolts.com (Roy Nacewicz).

The plastic ignition switch plate with the wire terminals shown in the photo is unique to '32s, but the service replacement used at least through the '36 models is stronger and a lot easier to find (at least one is listed on eBay at the present time). The other three relevant parts in the photo are also common with those used on '33-'36s (at least).

It appears that the hole in the upper left corner that has been threaded has also been enlarged in the process. Compare it to that on the left in the second photo which is NOS.

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

I drill a line of holes across the head of the pinch bolt. A little sideways action with the drill bit produces a slot. A little heat on the drop should let the bolt be removed. This has always worked for me plus the bolt is now reusable.
The modified hole at the top left could be filled with a bolt with the head reduced and rounded off. The hole originally held a cable used with the 4 cyl engine. The V8 apps got a rounded plug. The hole in the side was for a ball and spring to snap the lever in position.
If the key will not turn the lock,the lock can be removed by carefully drilling the pin the locks it in the housing. I have soaked the locks in evaporust with no harm.
It looks like one of the mounting holes has been drilled out. It should be helicoiled to attach right. Both holes should be threaded.

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

Thanks guys for all the help, theres some good reading here ...
Cheers ........

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

Picture 2, Left hand drive column drop Right hand drive column drop

Re: 32 again, steering drop
 

That's why I wrote "Compare it to that on the left in the second photo.....".