7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

No, I'm not commenting on Gabby Hayes' dentures, but I am curious to know opinions about the two different steering systems from restorers who have tried both. I daresay a number of us have wondered this. Does the 7 Tooth require more spinning after a turn, does it wear more unevenly, etc.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

The 7 tooth wasn't used for very long before the 2 tooth became standard. The 2 tooth is more readily adjustable and I think most of those that respond will prefer the 2 toother.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

The two tooth steering has more adjustments and is in some ways easier to rebuild. I like the feel of the 7 tooth steering and use it in my 28-29 model A's. The 2 tooth steering just doesn't look right, to me, in a 28-29 car or truck. I know that ford did use the two tooth in some of the 29 model A's. In over fifty years with model A's, I've never seen a two tooth steering column with the longer gas and spark levers like the ones used with the seven tooth column. I really can't see any improvement in operation of the two tooth setup over the seven tooth steering. When I drive my september 29, it sorta becomes an extension of myself.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

The 2 tooth was introduced in limitted numbers in early 1929. The 1929 version had the 28-29 quadrant like the 7 tooth had. The 7 tooth was completely fazed out by mid 1930. A 2 tooth for the 29 can easliy be made by using the 1930 2 tooth steering box and then cutting a 7 tooth column off and just using the tube section. Bert's and afew other suppliers sell them this way. I have built afew for local A owners. Rod

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

My 2-23-29 Tudor has one of the early 2 tooth boxes. Since the car also has the drum taillamp I was thinking I should install the 7 tooth steering to make it more like a 1928, but have since decided I don't want to change the original car's history. Also, it seems the early 2 tooth box is hard to find, so it should stay with the car, as it was built by Ford.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

Hey Rowdy, I just sent you a PM.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

I agree, if it came with the car it should remain if possible. The 28-29 cars that have the two tooth steering with the 30-31 steering wheel and light switch and button are obviously out of place. With the 28-29 style keyed steering wheel it is easier to hide. The originals are rair, I've never seen one but know that they do exist. Does yours have the longer levers?

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

I took a few years but I was finally able to find a 2-tooth with the 29 quadrant & steering wheel for my April 29 CC PU.
Vic

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

Yes, mine is all correct with the long levers and open 28-9 quadrant. It has the raised letters on the sector also.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

I got lucky and found one is a large pile of parts I bought several years ago. I noticed early on Gemmer/ Ford was heavy handed in machining the early boxes often completely removing the PAT PEND, PAT PDG or PATENTED or altleast damaging the raised letters. Seems when they went to stamping them this was much less of a problem. Thanks to 700rpm I will soon have an undamaged box with readable PAT PDG on it to go with my origina 29l tube. Rod

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

The last post here was entered some 7 years ago but old posts don’t become redundant do they. I am in a dilemma on whether to rebuild my 7-tooth steering box or modify with a 2 tooth. There is no clear answer is there? Opinions exist for both.

The man who rebuilt this car, my tourer, is Henry (not to be confused with Ford) who was born the same year as this car was built. He told me years ago that the A was a beaut motor car except for the steering box. That has been clearly demonstrated. The addition of a shortened pitman arm made it easier to steer but the free play has worsened.

My next step is to find if there are any 2 toothers for sale. Before anyone rushes me with offers of help, except for opinions, be advised in good ol Aus we drive on the left side of the road.

There was a bloke in Nelson, New Zealand, who once contacted me and offered me a 2 toother. If he reads this and still has them for sale he might contact me again please.

Thanks to all of you who have entered a post on this thread.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

The car I just purchased came with an F-100 steering box that was modified to use the light switch at the bottom and the horn button. From inside the car you cannot tell that it is not stock. This is number 6 Model A for me, although all the rest were sold. The previous 5 had the stock steering. The F-100 steering box is like having power steering. It is a joy to drive. I am all for keeping original cars original but this car came with lots of non stock modifications so I will drive it as it is.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

The guy in NZ was probably Derek who uses the name "Quickchange" here.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

I have known for a long time the F100 b0xes were a good substitute but I have tried and been unable to locate one for sale. they were all gone some years ago to put in the Model A and roadsters. We are right hand drive and thus can't import from your country. if I did substitute the vehicle turn the opposite direction to which the steering wheel is turned. Maybe one could become accustomed it and in time learn to compensate???

thanks for what would otherwise be good and useful information. Gary

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

Thanks Synchro.
That dog of your seems to be taking it's time eating that leg bone. Tibia?

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

My June 1929 ccpu came with a 7 tooth box I'm presently running a 2 tooth box switching back to the original box machined for needle bearings,trying to keep as original as possible.

Re: 7 Tooth vs. 2 Tooth
 

I have a 7 tooth in my 28. I think it needs rebuilding. I hadn't thought about changing it. I want it to stay original. Winter project (one of many) I guess.