locking steering column

[Alaska Jim]

Can anyone tell me what years Ford used the locking steering column? I am thinking early to mid 30's into the 40's, but I am not sure. how can you determine year? and lastly, does any one make a reproduction of these? any information anyone can provide will be appreciated. Thank you. --Jim

[deuce lover]

1932-1947.The different years appear very often on that auction site.Maybe some one has pics to post which would help.

[Alaska Jim]

I was told by someone ( can't remember who) that these columns are being reproduced, but they did not know who was doing it. that is why I ask about the reproduction. are any of the columns better than another? still looking to find how to I.D. the year/ differences. Thanks----Jim

[deuce lover]

None being reproduced as far as I know.You need to figure out the application that suits what you are looking for.'32 -'39 are floor shift .1940 - 47 are column shift.Commercial applications are another thing.'41-'47 pass car are the same.Look up one of those car years and there might be a pic of the dash so you can see what those look like. From the bottom of the dash to center of column varies.The angle from the dash to column tube varies also.Just go on that auction site and type in 1932 etc, Ford ignition column drops in the search window for a start.I just looked and there are 4 styles you can see now.

[Alaska Jim]

Thanks deuce lover, I will ck it out.---Jim

[flatheadfan]

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Jim-

They are not that hard to make up. Over the years I have made up several '35-'36 tubes using tail pipe stock.

Tom

[Scott H in Wheaton]

The tube is one part, the cast drop bracket is another part, the steering shaft is a component as well. The only parts I know of that are reproduced are some of the bits and pieces to make the drop bracket functional as an ignition switch and key cylinder assembly.

[Alaska Jim]

Ok thanks everyone. I am pretty much uneducated on these things. is the lock just an ignition switch lock, or does it actually lock and un-lock the steering column. thanks for being patient and helping me to understand how these things work. never had a vehicle that had one in it. my 29 did not have one, ( to early) and my 46 had a chevy column in it (was in it when I bought it). all my other cars were 50's or 60's. Thanks ----Jim

[Scott H in Wheaton]

The steering column shaft has a collar on it with a groove.
When you turn the key, there is a post or button that moves into the groove to lock the column, or out of the groove to unlock the column.
There is also a toggle lever on the drop bracket that when flipped ON will power the ignition and of course when flipped OFF will kill the engine.

The toggle will only work when the key is turned to unlock the column (so you don't accidentally start the car with the steering locked), however you can switch the toggle off without locking the wheels.

column drop stripped.jpg

[Alaska Jim]

Thank you Scott. I appreciate it very much.

[Scott H in Wheaton]

I'll have to do this one-at-a-time as my iPad won't let me post multiple pics in one post.

This is what the groove/slot looks like on the steering column shaft:
image.jpg

[Scott H in Wheaton]

This is an assembled drop with the key and the toggle in the OFF position. You can clearly see the pin protruding into the column.
image.jpg

[Scott H in Wheaton]

Key on, toggle off:
image.jpg

[Scott H in Wheaton]

Key on, toggle/ignition on
image.jpg

[Alaska Jim]

Thank you Scott, one more question if I may. can you remove the key in the on and the off position, or just the off position? Thank you. I am learning valuable information. I am sure this is pretty basic stuff, if you have been around it much. your information is much appreciated.----Jim

[Scott H in Wheaton]

to remove the key the ignition toggle must be off and then the key must be turned to lock the column.

[jerry shook]

I had a 1925-T with a locking tilting steering wheel. They were made for Henry Ford by a company in Tennessee.

[blucar]

Alaska Jim.. It might help if you were a little more specific as to what year vehicle you are working on, i.e. looking for a column.
Generally speaking if you want a column shift for a '30-40 model of a car/pickup you will need a '40 Ford column. As it has been stated '41-48 are the same, with slight differences in the column drop and key/lock arrangement.
None of the pre '50 pickups had column gear shifts. I have done a couple of '36-37 Ford pickup conversions to column shift, using '57 F100 columns which I modified to fit the '37 shaft. My object was to incorporate turn signals into the column. Of course I had to use a later model steering wheel.. and I had to eliminate the locking collar off of the steering shaft.
I have a '40 column in my '36 Ford coupe with a '47 wheel. The steering gears are also '40. With just a little tweaking everything bolted together like it came from the factory. I did remove the locking collar from the steering shaft because of a minor alignment issue with the lock, I also don't care for the steering wheel locking feature on the Early Ford V8's..

[SofaKing]

Originally Posted by Scott H in Wheaton

to remove the key the ignition toggle must be off and then the key must be turned to lock the column.

Wish this thread was two days older. I was trying to remove a broken key from my 39 column Monday and only managed to shear off the end flush with the rotating slot. Just checked and found the switch was in the on position. Paying the price of ignorance yet again...

[Alaska Jim]

Blucar, I am considering the purchase of a 1930 ford hotrod ( I know this may offend some ) it has one of the locking column's in it. I have not seen the car in person yet. I have been told that the key will not turn to release the key, and the column is not locked. that is one of the reasons I ask about I.D.ing the column as to what year it maybe. If I make the purchase, I will need to know how to make repairs. that is why I ask about the proper operation. I am a retired Mechanic, so I will be able to figure it out, just need a little information. I want to thank everyone for their comments. If the purchase is made I will try to post pictures. ----Thank you.---Jim