The Ford Barn

jbond · 01-07-2013, 06:48 PM

I just purchased a 31 Sports Coupe, my first Model A. I do have a Model T though. Today I was checking to see how everything works.
One problem may require some work. When I turn the steering wheel the light switch travels with the wheel. Something in the column is binding and dragging the switch with the wheel. The lights flash on and off as you turn.

I removed the lower switch from the column and the lever in the steering wheel still moves when you turn the wheel.

Is this a known problem?

BILL WILLIAMSON · 01-07-2013, 07:34 PM

jbond,
I made a dam from modeling clay, just under the switch lever, filled it with motor oil, and after 3 days of soaking, it worked perfect! (TIP # 377) Bill W.

700rpm · 01-07-2013, 08:50 PM

There is a small brass bushing that fits in the steering wheel where the light rod goes through. If that is missing (as is often the case), it will cause the problem you are describing.

glenn in camino · 01-07-2013, 08:50 PM

You're light rod is bent. Remove and straighten it. A little lub would help too

Ray in La Mesa · 01-08-2013, 10:56 AM

Another source of the problem can be the steering wheel depression rubbing on the outer edge of the light switch hub (where the lever is).I used my Dremel to clearence the cup in the wheel to clear the switch hub. It only took an hour to remedy the problem after putting up with it for 5 years.

TinCup · 01-08-2013, 11:07 AM

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I have seen this twice and both times it was that the light rod was bent.

jbond · 01-10-2013, 07:58 PM

Just to complete this thread... I pulled the light rod out as far as I could, cleaned the cavity in the steering wheel, straightened the rod where it connected to the handle, sanded the rod, and lubricated the rod. That almost made it right but the switch still wanted to turn with the steering wheel a little. So after taking the switch apart and figuring out how it worked I decided part of the problem was that the contacts were not tight enough when the switch was assembled. The switch has concave and matching convex hemispherical contacts that should allow the switch to click to each light position. So I then covered the three "bumps" with a thin coating of solder and that completed the fix. The switch now clicks into each position and the slight extra tension keeps the switch from turning with the steering wheel.

Thanks to those that helped. This forum is a wonderful resource for me as I learn about the model A.

01-07-2013, 07:34 PM	#2
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Problem with 31 Sport Coupe jbond, I made a dam from modeling clay, just under the switch lever, filled it with motor oil, and after 3 days of soaking, it worked perfect! (TIP # 377) Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

01-07-2013, 08:50 PM	#3
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,906	Re: Problem with 31 Sport Coupe There is a small brass bushing that fits in the steering wheel where the light rod goes through. If that is missing (as is often the case), it will cause the problem you are describing. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

01-07-2013, 08:50 PM	#4
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Problem with 31 Sport Coupe You're light rod is bent. Remove and straighten it. A little lub would help too

01-08-2013, 10:56 AM	#5
Ray in La Mesa Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: La Mesa Ca Posts: 1,166	Re: Problem with 31 Sport Coupe Another source of the problem can be the steering wheel depression rubbing on the outer edge of the light switch hub (where the lever is).I used my Dremel to clearence the cup in the wheel to clear the switch hub. It only took an hour to remedy the problem after putting up with it for 5 years.

01-08-2013, 11:07 AM	#6
TinCup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: OKC / Tonkawa, Ok. Posts: 1,977	Re: Problem with 31 Sport Coupe Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have seen this twice and both times it was that the light rod was bent. __________________ Oklahoma City Model A Restorers Group.

01-10-2013, 07:58 PM	#7
jbond Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 61	Re: Problem with 31 Sport Coupe Just to complete this thread... I pulled the light rod out as far as I could, cleaned the cavity in the steering wheel, straightened the rod where it connected to the handle, sanded the rod, and lubricated the rod. That almost made it right but the switch still wanted to turn with the steering wheel a little. So after taking the switch apart and figuring out how it worked I decided part of the problem was that the contacts were not tight enough when the switch was assembled. The switch has concave and matching convex hemispherical contacts that should allow the switch to click to each light position. So I then covered the three "bumps" with a thin coating of solder and that completed the fix. The switch now clicks into each position and the slight extra tension keeps the switch from turning with the steering wheel. Thanks to those that helped. This forum is a wonderful resource for me as I learn about the model A.