The Ford Barn

32forddump · 02-24-2013, 12:05 PM

Has anyone tried to shorten the steering column of the model t? I was at a model T meeting the other day and someone mentioned the idea of shortening the column. Iam 6 feet tall and would like to be comfortable in the drivers seat. It does not look that difficult but would rather follow someones directions rather than blaise a trail.

dumb person · 02-24-2013, 12:39 PM

Might be hard because the tube is somewhat tapered.

32forddump · 02-24-2013, 02:41 PM

Yes, but the first 4 inches or so is not. Thinking removing rivets on top and cutting tube and putting top cover back on. Cutting the steering shaft and welding it back together, and doing the same for other two rods.

dumb person · 02-24-2013, 11:18 PM

Unless you are big width-ways the column may not be an issue. But if it is i read on the internet about shortening them. Link to offsite website i have the idea that machining the shaft with new threads & keyway is better than cutting and welding but seeing it is a reasonably easily weldable steel either way would work.

32forddump · 02-25-2013, 07:42 AM

So I believe what you are saying is that if Iam overweight the steering wheel is a problem, which Iam not. being tall is not a problem. I guess the problem will be is my long legs and the transmissoin. Maybe shortening would possibly be a problem with my knees and leaving it alone for now would be best. Besides I have plenty to do to get it running. Thanks for your help on this.

yachtsmanbill · 02-25-2013, 09:48 AM

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Pedal to seat numbers are gonna stick you. Pedal mods are easy but the pedal to floor travel is the issue with that. You dont ant to get the "gunboats" caught under the dash LOL. My dad was tall and used to swing his left leg out onto the running board on the 26 touring when practical.
Consider getting another seat tub to modify for you, but on a stoopid note, try turning the steering wheel upside down... stranger things have happened!
Unfotunately the stuff WAS non adjustable... look at pics of drivers in Ts with their knees in their chests. ;-((
On shortening the tube... the tube is not a problem. However the shaft is. ME? Id cut the shaft just under the gears, shorten it, then bore the planetary gear plate for re-welding. Thats the strongest way and better than a butt welded shaft. I think that the plate and shaft were spun welded (friction welded) as arc welding wasnt done in the day. I just had mine apart and it really looked like one piece. A forging maybe? ws

02-24-2013, 12:05 PM	#1
32forddump Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Ashby, Mass Posts: 452	shortening steering column Has anyone tried to shorten the steering column of the model t? I was at a model T meeting the other day and someone mentioned the idea of shortening the column. Iam 6 feet tall and would like to be comfortable in the drivers seat. It does not look that difficult but would rather follow someones directions rather than blaise a trail. __________________ I know I can, I know I can http://www.flickr.com/photos/waltsprojects/

02-24-2013, 12:39 PM	#2
dumb person Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South pacific island Posts: 1,724	Re: shortening steering column Might be hard because the tube is somewhat tapered. __________________ <Link> This is how we roll<Link> "I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob Outcasts rules of old cars #1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated #2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong #3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough. #4 No shame in recreating something you never had #5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable

02-24-2013, 02:41 PM	#3
32forddump Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Ashby, Mass Posts: 452	Re: shortening steering column Yes, but the first 4 inches or so is not. Thinking removing rivets on top and cutting tube and putting top cover back on. Cutting the steering shaft and welding it back together, and doing the same for other two rods. __________________ I know I can, I know I can http://www.flickr.com/photos/waltsprojects/

02-24-2013, 11:18 PM	#4
dumb person Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South pacific island Posts: 1,724	Re: shortening steering column Unless you are big width-ways the column may not be an issue. But if it is i read on the internet about shortening them. Link to offsite website i have the idea that machining the shaft with new threads & keyway is better than cutting and welding but seeing it is a reasonably easily weldable steel either way would work. __________________ <Link> This is how we roll<Link> "I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob Outcasts rules of old cars #1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated #2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong #3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough. #4 No shame in recreating something you never had #5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable

02-25-2013, 07:42 AM	#5
32forddump Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Ashby, Mass Posts: 452	Re: shortening steering column So I believe what you are saying is that if Iam overweight the steering wheel is a problem, which Iam not. being tall is not a problem. I guess the problem will be is my long legs and the transmissoin. Maybe shortening would possibly be a problem with my knees and leaving it alone for now would be best. Besides I have plenty to do to get it running. Thanks for your help on this. __________________ I know I can, I know I can http://www.flickr.com/photos/waltsprojects/

02-25-2013, 09:48 AM	#6
yachtsmanbill Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Two Rivers, Wi. Posts: 1,406	Re: shortening steering column Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Pedal to seat numbers are gonna stick you. Pedal mods are easy but the pedal to floor travel is the issue with that. You dont ant to get the "gunboats" caught under the dash LOL. My dad was tall and used to swing his left leg out onto the running board on the 26 touring when practical. Consider getting another seat tub to modify for you, but on a stoopid note, try turning the steering wheel upside down... stranger things have happened! Unfotunately the stuff WAS non adjustable... look at pics of drivers in Ts with their knees in their chests. ;-(( On shortening the tube... the tube is not a problem. However the shaft is. ME? Id cut the shaft just under the gears, shorten it, then bore the planetary gear plate for re-welding. Thats the strongest way and better than a butt welded shaft. I think that the plate and shaft were spun welded (friction welded) as arc welding wasnt done in the day. I just had mine apart and it really looked like one piece. A forging maybe? ws __________________ " Warning; the following contains content that the anal retentive may find offensive - please skip on to the next posting!"