!939 Steering Gear

[Ross in East Texas]

I had rebuilt the steering gear on my '39 Coupe and filled it with STP. The next day, there it was, STP all over the floor! The hole for the light switch sure can let it run out.
I wasn't aware that there was supposed to be a tube on the bottom plate until I read about it here on the Ford Barn. It sure doesn't show this feature very well in the "Chassis Parts Book".
I ordered the brass tubing from McMaster Carr and replaced the tube according to procedures detailed here on the "Barn" and installed it today. No leaks now.
Thanks Ford Barn!
Here is the finished product.

[Bruce/CT]

Hi Ross,
How did you attach the two? Did you silver solder them?
Thanks,
Bruce/CT

[Ross in East Texas]

I just used Tin/Lead acid core solder. I bead blasted the steel and sanded the brass for a good surface to "tin" and flowed the solder on the hot surface to get a decent fillet of solder. I did have to swage the brass tubing slightly larger to fit into the original hole in the cover. This allowed me to insert the brass tubing so it would maintain position. I squared the tubing in the cover on my lathe prior to soldering so the tubing would not be off center in the steering shaft.
I did use emery cloth on the switch rod so it would fit slightly looser through the brass tubing. My rod had some minor dings it seemed.

[Bruce/CT]

Thanks Ross,
Did you use any flux before the solder?
Bruce/CT

[Ross in East Texas]

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I had flux out but no, I didn't have to use it, the acid core did the job without requiring any additional flux. Be sure and scrub the acid off after it cools to avoid any post repair corrosion. If I had used a soldering copper (soldering iron) instead of a propane torch I am sure I would have had to use the flux.