The Ford Barn

GB SISSON · 12-19-2015, 05:13 PM

I'd rather not ruin anything permanently, but I never use the column lock on any other old fords. Just need to get this project off the trailer and into a shed so I can use the trailer. Is there something I can do this afternoon? If I were to cut something, I have several similar parts trucks that all have coulmn drops. Thanks.

tinman080 · 12-19-2015, 05:23 PM

My old man said they used to bang the front wheel into a curb, it'd break um every time.

funrunr · 12-19-2015, 05:40 PM

Big crap shoot, I have multiple old keys I save. I've only had luck one time going through each of them trying to find a key that works. You mentioned you have extra column drops so I'm guessing you have keys too.
Good luck and let us know what worked

GB SISSON · 12-19-2015, 05:55 PM

After I posted I went down to a '46 and pulled the key, only one I have... No dice. It has worked for me on a toyota once. Lost key to a .97 fore runner and the key to a '81 pickup fit perfectly.... Now I can't try anything til Monday.... Christmas shopping on the mainland. Keep ideas rolling. We don't have a locksmith on the island afaik...... Spose I could cut the drop with a cuttoff wheel held horizontal. Would that let the shaft drop away from the pin? ... Gasp from purists heard in the background.

Bob C · 12-19-2015, 06:13 PM

Can you back the trailer up to the shed and just roll the truck off, maybe
disconnect the drag link and turn the wheels by hand.

Bob

skidmarks · 12-19-2015, 06:17 PM

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If it were mine. Take the drag link off and then pull the entire steering box out . Dont ruin anything. Stuff is getting harder to find

49fordv8f4 · 12-19-2015, 06:23 PM

Gb, You can drill out the pin that holds the lock cylinder in place then screw a sheet metal screw into the lock and pull it out with a claw hammer. You can then pry the steering lock pin back to unlock the wheel. All you damage is the lock cylinder. A screw will also pull the pin that holds the lock cylinder in place, after you drill it.
Mark

39topless · 12-19-2015, 06:37 PM

SKIDMARKS IS RIGHT ON. Can you place a wheel dolly under each of the front wheels? If you don't have any dollies, go buy a pair, they should be in every gear head's tool box. (I think Christmas is coming up!). If you're outside, place a piece of OSB, etc. under each dolly so that they will roll.

oldford2 · 12-19-2015, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 49fordv8f4

Gb, You can drill out the pin that holds the lock cylinder in place then screw a sheet metal screw into the lock and pull it out with a claw hammer. You can then pry the steering lock pin back to unlock the wheel. All you damage is the lock cylinder. A screw will also pull the pin that holds the lock cylinder in place, after you drill it.
Mark

Be patient and not in a hurry. DON'T drill out the cylinder and ruin it. Do as 49 ford says: Drill and tap the plug holding the cylinder in then pull it out like he said. Then you can reach in with a screwdriver and slide the locking lever. Then tap the plug hole and screw in a set screw to hold the cylinder. Too much bad (dumb) advice above. This will not damage the cylinder and you can reuse it. When you get it out send the # on it to 32phil and he will cut you new keys. Happy shopping on the mainland.
John

deuce_roadster · 12-19-2015, 06:57 PM

Un hook the drag link from the spindle and that will free up the front wheels to turn.

willowbilly3 · 12-19-2015, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

Un hook the drag link from the spindle and that will free up the front wheels to turn.

I can't count how many old Fords I find, and buy, that way. I have 2 drops with the keys in them and no go on unlocking. The one in the panel is welded to the tube on both sides and a froze up column, not worth saving. The one in my parts cab is also not unlocking with key but the column was torched off from the gear box when I pulled the cab..

32phil · 12-20-2015, 10:00 AM

John (oldford2) is right on. Do whatever... to get it off the trailer...car skates/ drag link off. Drill the pin out carefully... don't go too deep and hit the lock cylinder...I'll cut a new key to the code. Some of these locks are getting harder to find, it's best to try and save what we have.

skidmarks · 12-20-2015, 11:30 PM

When you do come across one with a key and its stuck-key wont turn. Dont force it . The key will snap off. What I have had good luck with. Soak with kroil or something similar. Then after a awhile hold the key firm and tap on the column drop with a small hammer. A little patience and the crud break loose and the key turns.

GB SISSON · 12-21-2015, 01:37 AM

What is the plug I drill out to release the lock cyl? If I'm in the driver's seat is it at 12 o'clock, 3, 6 or 9 o'clock? My vision isn't all that good and I'll need reading glasses and a good flashlight.

49fordv8f4 · 12-21-2015, 07:08 PM

GB, Here are a couple of photos of a '47 tonner column drop.

You can see the pin you need to drill just below the key and above the switch.
You can see the steering lock pin in the second post. Once you drill and remove the pin that holds the lock cylinder in place, you can pull out the lock cylinder. Then you can reach inside with a screwdriver and pry the steering lock pin up.
Mark

49fordv8f4 · 12-21-2015, 07:09 PM

I guess I can only add one photo to a post. Here is the second one. Here is the photo of the steering lock pin.

Mark

GB SISSON · 12-21-2015, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 49fordv8f4

I guess I can only add one photo to a post. Here is the second one. Here is the photo of the steering lock pin.

Mark

Thanks 48... I think I'll use this method.Do I drill out the entire set screw? If someday some restorer cared that it had a locking column I spose he could put a helicoil in it. How can I assure that the column lock pin won't drop down while I'm driving and lock me up?

49fordv8f4 · 12-21-2015, 11:13 PM

IIRC, The pin can't move when the switch is on. You can take it apart once you get the lock cylinder out. You may be able to leave the steering lock pin out or cut the end off of it, it has been a while since I've had one of these apart. That is a soft pin pressed in to hold the lock cylinder, it isn't threaded. Drill a hole in it and screw in a self tapping screw and pull it out with a claw hammer. If yours is as rusty as the one I posted, you will want clean the hole above the pin if it is set in deeply like the one I pictured. Once you get the pin out the lock cylinder should come out fairly easily. I would take it and have a key made and put it back in. If you are like me though, I never locked my '47 COE anywhere I parked it. I figured most people couldn't figure out how to start it and if they did they wouldn't get far with a spur gear 4 speed transmission

.

12-19-2015, 05:23 PM	#2
tinman080 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Forest, Virginia Posts: 250	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? My old man said they used to bang the front wheel into a curb, it'd break um every time. __________________ Just Passin' Thru.....Slowly!

12-19-2015, 05:40 PM	#3
funrunr Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Belleville,MI Posts: 1,478	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? Big crap shoot, I have multiple old keys I save. I've only had luck one time going through each of them trying to find a key that works. You mentioned you have extra column drops so I'm guessing you have keys too. Good luck and let us know what worked __________________ Thank God this is only a hobby!

12-19-2015, 05:55 PM	#4
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 6,202	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? After I posted I went down to a '46 and pulled the key, only one I have... No dice. It has worked for me on a toyota once. Lost key to a .97 fore runner and the key to a '81 pickup fit perfectly.... Now I can't try anything til Monday.... Christmas shopping on the mainland. Keep ideas rolling. We don't have a locksmith on the island afaik...... Spose I could cut the drop with a cuttoff wheel held horizontal. Would that let the shaft drop away from the pin? ... Gasp from purists heard in the background. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1946 Tonner Pickup with 226 H six, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, now wearing 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

12-19-2015, 06:13 PM	#5
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,598	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? Can you back the trailer up to the shed and just roll the truck off, maybe disconnect the drag link and turn the wheels by hand. Bob

12-19-2015, 06:17 PM	#6
skidmarks Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: newark, delaware Posts: 3,841	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If it were mine. Take the drag link off and then pull the entire steering box out . Dont ruin anything. Stuff is getting harder to find

12-19-2015, 06:23 PM	#7
49fordv8f4 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Yellville,AR Posts: 222	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? Gb, You can drill out the pin that holds the lock cylinder in place then screw a sheet metal screw into the lock and pull it out with a claw hammer. You can then pry the steering lock pin back to unlock the wheel. All you damage is the lock cylinder. A screw will also pull the pin that holds the lock cylinder in place, after you drill it. Mark

12-19-2015, 06:37 PM	#8
39topless Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 1,027	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? SKIDMARKS IS RIGHT ON. Can you place a wheel dolly under each of the front wheels? If you don't have any dollies, go buy a pair, they should be in every gear head's tool box. (I think Christmas is coming up!). If you're outside, place a piece of OSB, etc. under each dolly so that they will roll.

12-19-2015, 06:57 PM	#10
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 4,043	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? Un hook the drag link from the spindle and that will free up the front wheels to turn.

12-20-2015, 10:00 AM	#12
32phil Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Montgomery, NY & Port St. Lucie Florida Posts: 991	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? John (oldford2) is right on. Do whatever... to get it off the trailer...car skates/ drag link off. Drill the pin out carefully... don't go too deep and hit the lock cylinder...I'll cut a new key to the code. Some of these locks are getting harder to find, it's best to try and save what we have. __________________ Early Ford Lock & Key Service http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46583

12-20-2015, 11:30 PM	#13
skidmarks Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: newark, delaware Posts: 3,841	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? When you do come across one with a key and its stuck-key wont turn. Dont force it . The key will snap off. What I have had good luck with. Soak with kroil or something similar. Then after a awhile hold the key firm and tap on the column drop with a small hammer. A little patience and the crud break loose and the key turns.

12-21-2015, 01:37 AM	#14
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 6,202	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? What is the plug I drill out to release the lock cyl? If I'm in the driver's seat is it at 12 o'clock, 3, 6 or 9 o'clock? My vision isn't all that good and I'll need reading glasses and a good flashlight. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1946 Tonner Pickup with 226 H six, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, now wearing 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

12-21-2015, 07:08 PM	#15
49fordv8f4 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Yellville,AR Posts: 222	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? GB, Here are a couple of photos of a '47 tonner column drop. You can see the pin you need to drill just below the key and above the switch. You can see the steering lock pin in the second post. Once you drill and remove the pin that holds the lock cylinder in place, you can pull out the lock cylinder. Then you can reach inside with a screwdriver and pry the steering lock pin up. Mark

12-21-2015, 07:09 PM	#16
49fordv8f4 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Yellville,AR Posts: 222	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? I guess I can only add one photo to a post. Here is the second one. Here is the photo of the steering lock pin. Mark

12-21-2015, 11:13 PM	#18
49fordv8f4 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Yellville,AR Posts: 222	Re: Quick way to free locked steering column '47 PU ? IIRC, The pin can't move when the switch is on. You can take it apart once you get the lock cylinder out. You may be able to leave the steering lock pin out or cut the end off of it, it has been a while since I've had one of these apart. That is a soft pin pressed in to hold the lock cylinder, it isn't threaded. Drill a hole in it and screw in a self tapping screw and pull it out with a claw hammer. If yours is as rusty as the one I posted, you will want clean the hole above the pin if it is set in deeply like the one I pictured. Once you get the pin out the lock cylinder should come out fairly easily. I would take it and have a key made and put it back in. If you are like me though, I never locked my '47 COE anywhere I parked it. I figured most people couldn't figure out how to start it and if they did they wouldn't get far with a spur gear 4 speed transmission.