The Ford Barn

sandcanyon · 11-19-2011, 07:05 PM

I'm removing the steering column from my '38 1 tonner. Where it attaches to the dash, I got 1 bolt out but the other side (right side) doesn't seem to be a hex head bolt. Am I missing something? lost and confused!

Gary Tosel · 11-19-2011, 09:10 PM

Ford did use a "twist of bolt" on one side of the column drop to prevent theft by removing both bolts. This is the same bolt type used for the split at the column drop itself. You may be able to use vise grips to remove.

JM 35 Sedan · 11-19-2011, 09:14 PM

Yes, there is something missing but it's missing from the bolt that you can't get out. That is a special bolt that Ford used that when tightened to a specific torque, the top/hex part of the bolt breaks off. There is another similar bolt in the steering drop where it tightens to the column tube. I usually get the one under the dash loose by using vise grip pliers. The other one on the drop can be removed by drilling a hole in the center and using an easy out or you can make a screwdriver slot by drilling a series of small holes inline across the center.

PeteVS · 11-19-2011, 09:42 PM

I got the screw out of a '32 column drop by using a Dremel tool with a cut off disc that had been worn to a small diameter. I was able to cut enough of a slot to allow me to take out the bolt with a flat blade screw driver.

sandcanyon · 11-19-2011, 11:40 PM

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Thanks for the help guys! I knew I'd get an answer at the Barn!

11-19-2011, 07:05 PM	#1
sandcanyon Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Tehachapi, CA Posts: 26	steering column removal I'm removing the steering column from my '38 1 tonner. Where it attaches to the dash, I got 1 bolt out but the other side (right side) doesn't seem to be a hex head bolt. Am I missing something? lost and confused!

11-19-2011, 09:10 PM	#2
Gary Tosel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,138	Re: steering column removal Ford did use a "twist of bolt" on one side of the column drop to prevent theft by removing both bolts. This is the same bolt type used for the split at the column drop itself. You may be able to use vise grips to remove.

11-19-2011, 09:14 PM	#3
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,858	Re: steering column removal Yes, there is something missing but it's missing from the bolt that you can't get out. That is a special bolt that Ford used that when tightened to a specific torque, the top/hex part of the bolt breaks off. There is another similar bolt in the steering drop where it tightens to the column tube. I usually get the one under the dash loose by using vise grip pliers. The other one on the drop can be removed by drilling a hole in the center and using an easy out or you can make a screwdriver slot by drilling a series of small holes inline across the center. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein*

11-19-2011, 09:42 PM	#4
PeteVS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: FP, NJ Posts: 2,770	Re: steering column removal I got the screw out of a '32 column drop by using a Dremel tool with a cut off disc that had been worn to a small diameter. I was able to cut enough of a slot to allow me to take out the bolt with a flat blade screw driver. __________________ Don't never get rid of nuthin!

11-19-2011, 11:40 PM	#5
sandcanyon Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Tehachapi, CA Posts: 26	Re: steering column removal Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks for the help guys! I knew I'd get an answer at the Barn!