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Old 01-16-2016, 01:12 PM   #1
CT Jack
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Default 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

Can a 28-29 steering box and column be replaced with a complete 30-31 steering box and column? This is for a 29 "A" fire truck with an open cab. The column is mounted to the underside of the fuel tank. If this can be done does anyone have a good 30-31 steering box and column to sell? Thanks,
Jack
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Old 01-16-2016, 01:17 PM   #2
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

That can be done but I wonder why. If you are wanting to change from a 7 tooth box to a 2 tooth box, there are 29 units that can be installed and still retain the 29 style column and wheel. I would think a 30 wheel would look odd on a 29.
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Old 01-16-2016, 01:44 PM   #3
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

I changed my late 29 to a 2 tooth but since I couldn't fine an original 29 2 tooth, I had to find a 29 wheel that would fit the 30-31 shaft, some are keyed and some are splined. Also the light rods come in different lengths so I had to find the correct length 29 style. I wanted the Gemmer 2 tooth as they seem better and can be adjusted easily. Even Henry Ford switched to them.
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Old 01-16-2016, 01:57 PM   #4
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

Making the 1930 2 tooth look like a 29 2 tooth is not hard to do. I have done a few of these and they turned out nice. Rod
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Old 01-16-2016, 09:45 PM   #5
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

I have a 29 7 tooth and want to replace it with a 2 tooth 30-31. Can I just remove the 29 and install a 2 tooth 30-31? If so I would be looking for a 30-31 unit. Maybe it would be better to rebuild the 29 that we have. Thie vehicle we are working on is a 29 fire truck so maybe we should just stay with rebuilding the original.
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Old 01-16-2016, 09:58 PM   #6
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

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It is possible to cut your 29 column tube of and cut a notch in it, then remove the 30-31 tube and replace it with the 29 tube. Use the keyed 29 wheel and the longer 29 light switch rod. Then it still looks like a 29 from the inside of the car. Rod
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Old 01-16-2016, 10:25 PM   #7
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

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Originally Posted by Rowdy View Post
It is possible to cut your 29 column tube of and cut a notch in it, then remove the 30-31 tube and replace it with the 29 tube. Use the keyed 29 wheel and the longer 29 light switch rod. Then it still looks like a 29 from the inside of the car. Rod
Rod, have you ever written a how-to article on this for MARC or MAFCA magazines? I think it would be very helpful for a lot of guys.
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Old 01-16-2016, 10:42 PM   #8
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

I figured as long as this has been being done that someone had written a 2 paragraph article on how this is done. Much simpler than most would realize. One thing is to make sure you have the earlier 2 tooth shaft (measurements on Vince's website). The other thing is the place you cut is right next to the tube to box weld of the 7 tooth. As soon as I get healed up I will see what I can put together for pic's and measurements. I have a 7 tooth in the shop with a cracked gearbox which will work good for another conversion. Rod
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Last edited by Rowdy; 01-16-2016 at 10:48 PM.
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Old 01-17-2016, 08:49 PM   #9
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

Is it worth rebuilding the 29 or is it a waste of time and money. I rebuilt my 31 2 sector several years ago which now has 12K miles on it. All I did to it was completely disassemble, clean, replaced the sector shaft bushings with needle bearings and a seal, and adjusted it according to the manual. It seems to work perfect.
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Old 01-17-2016, 09:56 PM   #10
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

Yes, the 7 tooth can be rebuilt. It will never be as good as the 2 tooth in your other car, but will be adequate. I have rebuilt a few for local people and have some NORS sector shafts set back for future use. Rod
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Old 01-18-2016, 08:16 AM   #11
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

What is wrong with looking for a 29 2 tooth setup? There are plenty of them around. Not all 29s had the 7 tooth.

Sorry for the curt answer. I am waiting for results of more cancer testing and my nerves are frazzled.

Last edited by 2manycars; 01-18-2016 at 08:19 AM. Reason: adding explanation
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Old 01-18-2016, 10:55 AM   #12
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Default Re: 28-29 Steering Column Replacement

That would be my first choice. What I mentioned only duplicates what Ford did in 1929. Hope your results are good. Being a survivor of stage 3 colon cancer I can relate to nerves. My procedure 2 weeks ago was to fix a blood clot likely caused from radiation treatments. Still healing up, but slowly doing better. Rod
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