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09-08-2018, 04:37 PM | #1 |
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Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
I've been the laughing stock at my club for the past few months because I've been unable to install that additional steering column bracket. On a '30 roadster, the dash rail does not come out simply by removing the 3 bolts on the dash and the 2 small screws on each end of the dash.
So today, a buddy with sedan came over to help me and guess what? Now he's a laughing stock too. Then another buddy stopped by and said that on my car, you have to remove the windshield, the lower stanchions and that lead spacer before the dash rail can be removed. Also, on a 30 roadster, the bolts that are used for the bracket are not supported by caged nuts as they are on a 31. Does all of that sound right? Do I have to replace the lead spacers? Leo |
09-08-2018, 10:01 PM | #2 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Just installed the Steering Support on my '30 Roadster and the nuts were caged. Did not remove the windshield or the filler panel under it. Installed in just minutes.
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09-09-2018, 07:55 AM | #3 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
If somebody used rubber washers behind each screwhole they will keep things attached like a barnacle.
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09-09-2018, 11:34 AM | #4 | |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Quote:
Were all the 30 roadsters caged in that spot? Would early or late matter? I supposed I could loosen one bolt and try it. What's the worst case? If it doesn't tighten up I'm back to removing the whole shebang anyway, no? Leo |
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09-12-2018, 05:26 PM | #5 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Ok, so the good news is that the nuts are caged.
But when I positioned the bracket flush up against the underside of the dash rail, there's a huge cap between the bracket and the steering column (See attached). That can't be right. If I attach the bottom clamp to that bracket, I'm gonna drive the original (lower) bracket right into the gas tank. This can't be that difficult. Leo |
09-12-2018, 05:37 PM | #6 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
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09-12-2018, 05:48 PM | #7 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
When I say shim it,I mean between the late design column support and the cowl rail.To drop it down to meet the column tube properly.If you take the time to shim it right you will have a nice even gap all the way around the original clamp on the tank,without the column touching anywhere.
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09-12-2018, 08:09 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Quote:
I appreciate your input. Shim with what material? That's at least a 3/4" gap. If I try to make that up under the rail I'm gonna hit the lower lip. What if I bolt the bracket to the rail as is and make up the difference on the column? Even that's gonna be nasty. I'm talking about 3/4" of hard rubber or more likely, multiple strips of rubber (Truck tube?). And here I thought I was looking at a 10 minute job. Leo |
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09-12-2018, 08:34 PM | #9 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Can you close the gap by loosening the bolts that hold the steering box to the chassis? Don't forget to retighten them!
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09-12-2018, 11:17 PM | #10 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
I'd use an oak board for the shim.
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09-13-2018, 12:54 AM | #11 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Do what Synchro says. I had the same situation with my 30 Roadster and it worked out just right without the shims. in
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09-13-2018, 06:36 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Quote:
Thank you Synchro If I did that and forced the column up towards the dash, wouldn't that place upwards pressure on the existing bracket and thus the gas tank? Leo |
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09-13-2018, 06:39 AM | #13 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
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09-13-2018, 11:27 AM | #14 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
There are a number of threads you can find by the search function that gives detail examples how others have done it. Like most modifications you need to get creative.
Start over. First I would take a file or sanding disk to smooth the surface of the new column drop. The repos are ugly. Do it now, or you will hate the look of it forever. Second, keep in mind there is a little slop in the holes of the frame so some column positioning is possible without adding stresses to the installation. Third, you will need to shim the attachment to the cross rail. Fourth, plan to position the column with 1/4 inch space between it and the original support bracket. This will give a nice clean appearance to the overall installation. When you have finished the new bracket installation, you can put spacers between the original mount and it's bottom half of the bracket, so the column supported by the new bracket will float in the original bracket without touching anywhere. All contact and support will be carried by the new bracket. Fifth, loosen the steering box at the frame, just enough to be able to move the steering column. Let the column drop enough to install the new bracket with rubber gasket on the column. Push the column up to within 1/4 inch of the originaltank bracket. Now observe the new bracket position relative to the cross rail and determine how much shim is necessary between the new bracket and the cross rail. Accomplish this and come back for the last part. Making the shim and establish bolt attachment. |
09-13-2018, 12:29 PM | #15 | |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Quote:
http://www.plucks329s.org/pdf/gastan...31gas_tank.pdf (See Fig. 10). |
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09-13-2018, 08:22 PM | #16 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
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09-13-2018, 09:50 PM | #17 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Yup, the ones that go through the chassis near the pitman arm. If you can't get enough "wriggle room" that way, I've seen the holes elongated. Like I said, don't forget to do them up again.
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05-09-2020, 07:57 PM | #18 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
Since this is to be a permenant change, you could also cut the original off close enough to the tank so as to miss the column altogether.
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05-09-2020, 09:02 PM | #19 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
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05-09-2020, 09:17 PM | #20 |
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Re: Steering Support on a 30 Roadster
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