I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

I drove the 32 about 3 blocks and on a state road to see how it handled. I got a bad shimmy or a death wobble as some call it I had to come to a stop to stop it. I drove slow back to the garage. It scared me a bit never had that happen before for a long time ago in a Model A. I jack up the front end and it seams tight but I know there a problem some where in the front end. King pins are tight no play there. Almost need two people to find the problem One watching the tie rod to see if there play and someone moving the wheel. Any of you had this problem? What was the cure.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

Could be too much play between your steering sector and worm gears or worn drag link/spindle ball studs, springs, and plug ends.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

Can you post some pictures of the front axle and spindles, tie rod and drag link where it meets the Pitman arm? Some build details about the front suspension and the chassis in general surely couldn't hurt, either. Assuming this is the cool little coupe you speak of. DD

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...0&d=1501169752

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

Loose wish bone ball, loose pitman arm, loose/worn tie rods, drag link, loose wheel bearings.
Yes, probably two people needed. Start at the pitman arm and work forward.
Paul in CT

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

Redneck, if you adopt me I will drive out to your place and make the repairs.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

Had the same problem. New vega box, tried every thing, found the vega box needed to be adjusted. Cured it in just a few min.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

I have had 3 cars over the years with death wobble. front tires all 3 times. joe

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

No caster

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

So far I repack the wheel bear
ing in the front wheels and tighten the wheels. The front end seams tight. Now to check the wishbone. Time for a break. anyway I am hungry.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

it doesn't like the camber on the state road. It needs to be driven on the left side of the road.

Ship it to me and I'll tell you if it still does it.

Nice looking coupe, by the way.

My roadster does it occasionally. I just either slow until it stops or (takes nerve) accelerate until it stops. There is normally a critical speed band that it may occur at. A slight bump when at that speed can set it off.

If there is nothing obviously wrong, give it another go, but try and go straight to a speed above that at which the problem occurred.

Mart.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

My 33 ford never did this. I have had several Model A's and when I got my first Model A it did this. I fix the wishbone ball and that took care of it. That next on the 32 to check out.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

Redneck check your rims for a bent one. Had that on a 56 ford truck changed the wheel & problem solved. Bias ply tires are not the greatest either. You already know that tho.
B-O-B

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

My original 32 with the original 18" wheels runs great even at 60 mph. I have the original steering box with 1934, 15 -1 internals, check castor.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

surely on a stock car the castor angle cannot be changed from whatever it is?

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

It can be changed by accident or deliberately. Originally alignment shops had the equipment to bend the axles, now days only truck shops would have the correct setup to bend the axles around. In the Hot Rod world you can change the castor by making pie cuts in the wishbones.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

yes I agree that the castor angle can be changed by cutting the wishbones but that wouldn't be a stock set up then...

I wouldn't have thought about checking the axle for straightness, given the age of them I guess it would be worth checking.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

This is not an early axle, but same process.

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

How far can you turn the steering wheel ( slop ) before it turns the front wheels left or right ?

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

Mr Redneck check to see air pressure in the tires and if you can Jack up the front end and spin the tires. Also check your toe in at that time and see how tight it is up in the air with no load. You have a beautiful car and I am sure it is something simple

Re: I test drove the 32 today Not good
 

How old are your tires?