The Ford Barn

Marshall V. Daut · 09-29-2015, 07:32 AM

When I restored a friend's WELL-WORN 1929 Cabriolet that had been abandoned in the Arizona desert decades prior, I was surprised that the steering column angled at least two inches to the right when I attempted to install it into the restored chassis with body mounted. No way would it easily line up to go inside the gas tank's column bracket. The frame was apparently bowing inward where the steering gear bolts in place. It wasn't an obvious tweak as I restored the chassis, but it was definitely there once the body and steering column were mated.
In desperation and in anger - and with nothing to lose - I pulled on the steering wheel to the left with all my might. To my great relief, the frame rail flexed and bent more than enough for me to bolt up the steering column to the gas tank! In fact, I had to pull it back to the right a little because I had pulled it too far to the left. Hurray! I was flabbergasted that the frame rail had that much flex in it! They are tough old birds, you know. Have you ever tried to drill a hole in a Model "A" frame? Kiss a couple drill bits good-bye!
For those of you who are sure that I bent the steering shaft or caused other damage in doing this, rest assured that nothing of the kind resulted. In fact, this is one of the easiest steering Model A's I ever rebuilt! I just drove it the other day after restoring it in 2001 and it steers as nicely and straight as the day I delivered it to my friend.
So, to the original poster, this little story is proof positive that YES - the Model A frame is flexible, even with the engine in place.
Marshall

09-29-2015, 07:32 AM	#21
Marshall V. Daut Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 2,111	Re: Frame on 28 A flexs by steering box When I restored a friend's WELL-WORN 1929 Cabriolet that had been abandoned in the Arizona desert decades prior, I was surprised that the steering column angled at least two inches to the right when I attempted to install it into the restored chassis with body mounted. No way would it easily line up to go inside the gas tank's column bracket. The frame was apparently bowing inward where the steering gear bolts in place. It wasn't an obvious tweak as I restored the chassis, but it was definitely there once the body and steering column were mated. In desperation and in anger - and with nothing to lose - I pulled on the steering wheel to the left with all my might. To my great relief, the frame rail flexed and bent more than enough for me to bolt up the steering column to the gas tank! In fact, I had to pull it back to the right a little because I had pulled it too far to the left. Hurray! I was flabbergasted that the frame rail had that much flex in it! They are tough old birds, you know. Have you ever tried to drill a hole in a Model "A" frame? Kiss a couple drill bits good-bye! For those of you who are sure that I bent the steering shaft or caused other damage in doing this, rest assured that nothing of the kind resulted. In fact, this is one of the easiest steering Model A's I ever rebuilt! I just drove it the other day after restoring it in 2001 and it steers as nicely and straight as the day I delivered it to my friend. So, to the original poster, this little story is proof positive that YES - the Model A frame is flexible, even with the engine in place. Marshall Last edited by Marshall V. Daut; 09-29-2015 at 07:36 AM. Reason: Misplaced comma and errant typo letter removal.