1930 Steering column support change

[Flathead]

When you change from the gas tank mounted support to the dash rail mounted support, what happens to the old mount under the tank? Mine is not leaking, but I don't want to wait until it does. Does the new bracket hold the column clear of the old bracket? Do you have to cut the old one off? I hope to just leave the old one in place but not clamped up.

[JDakota]

I just replaced mine, the old bracket (top piece) stays put but leave about 1/8 " clearance all around it so there is no contact. I had to shim the new bracket with washers to get the correct clearance. There is a Ford Barn post that shows photos of a shim they used. It may help to loosen the steering sector on the frame and then tighten the top bracket and then tighten the bottom end last.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

leave out the rubber and the lower half of the original and there should be about 1/8th inch clearance. I have seen some with the lower half and no rubber too, which does not contact the steering column either.

[1930ABONE]

Does anyone have a pic of how the conversion is done?

[Bill Steiner]

pSteering sup 1.jpgI will try to put a picture. hope it will work. Bill

[Bill Steiner]

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I shimed it with two washers so it would not touch the old upper clamp. I put a rubber piece in the old top part just for looks. you can see it in the picture. I used two bolts that where under the dash rail. I did not Drill under the dash rail for the third bolt. I don't see where it was needed. Bill

[Flathead]

Thanks for the replies and helpful info! I am ready to make the change.

[1930ABONE]

Thanks for the pic Bill!
I assume this change can be done on all 1930 body styles?

[2manycars]

That clamp will fit all 30 and 31, except the dropped column models, like the vic and 2dr phaeton. It will also fit the 28-29 if you make a shim, which is either 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch, I cant remember, and drill one hole. I did it to Barry's 29 special coupe.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Bill Steiner

pAttachment 4402I will try to put a picture. hope it will work. Bill

Tony S Florida has a set of pics but has not been able to master posting pics on this forum. He has step by step photos. I went to his house a short while ago and we were only able to post pics 25% of the time.

I'm going to have to check home to see if I still have them on my home computer.

Go to Ahooga.com I see there is a thread about this same thing and Tony has posted the pics.

[hydroshawn]

What is the purpose of adding a secondary column drop?

Thanks

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by hydroshawn

What is the purpose of adding a secondary column drop?

Thanks

When entering and exiting a model A the driver often graps the steering wheel to assist him/her into the seat. This pulling, over time, can and has loosened rivits, cracked the solder and causes gas leaks.

[LeRoycoupe/N.Y.]

Flathead, Mike V & Tony should be able to help you.
2/344151 & 2/384792 I copy 11/5/08

[hydroshawn]

Got it. Is there realy no way to fix this or is it better to leave it & go with the secondary.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by hydroshawn

Got it. Is there realy no way to fix this or is it better to leave it & go with the secondary.

If the bracket is not leaking, a good way to keep it in good shape is to turn the steering wheel with both hands, so as you turn the force is straight down the steering shaft. Turning the steering wheel with one hand (as when using a suicide knob) will put side pressure on the bracket and flex the bottom of the gas tank where the bracket is riveted.

Also don't grab the steering wheel for support when getting in and out of the car.

[flipp]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

When entering and exiting a model A the driver often graps the steering wheel to assist him/her into the seat. This pulling, over time, can and has loosened rivits, cracked the solder and causes gas leaks.

I just found a small gas leak in this particular area. I think I screwed up by adding a rubber bushing to the steering shaft. It has a very small crack on the solder. No wonder there's a strong gas odor inside the car.

What is the best fix for this?

Sorry, didn't mean to highjack this thread.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by flipp

I just found a small gas leak in this particular area. I think I screwed up by adding a rubber bushing to the steering shaft. It has a very small crack on the solder. No wonder there's a strong gas odor inside the car.

What is the best fix for this?

Sorry, didn't mean to highjack this thread.

BEST fix or just a fix. You will not like the BEST fix.

[flipp]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

BEST fix or just a fix. You will not like the BEST fix.

Just a fix, Mike.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Drain the tank, clean the area around the leak, and use a heavy soldering copper or propane torch with a soldering tip to resolder the area. That's how my Tudor tank bracket was fixed many years ago and it's still leak free.

[flipp]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Drain the tank, clean the area around the leak, and use a heavy soldering copper or propane torch with a soldering tip to resolder the area. That's how my Tudor tank bracket was fixed many years ago and it's still leak free.

Ok, I'm going to find someone who can do this for me here in So Cal. Do any of you know someone who can do this type of work? I'll pay good money.

Thanks guys!

[1931 flamingo]

Old time radiator repair shop maybe??
Paul in CT

[flipp]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

Old time radiator repair shop maybe??
Paul in CT

Can I add this column support to my 1929 Model A or is this for 30 and 31 only?

Thanks, Flamingo!

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by flipp

Can I add this column support to my 1929 Model A or is this for 30 and 31 only?

Check out this thread:
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...column+support

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Drain the tank, clean the area around the leak, and use a heavy soldering copper or propane torch with a soldering tip to resolder the area. That's how my Tudor tank bracket was fixed many years ago and it's still leak free.

So.. when you put a torch near a gas tank, is it a good idea to puncture one of those CO2 canisters they use in life jackets & pellet guns & drop it inside the gas tank to displace the oxygen & fuel vapors?

[flipp]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Check out this thread:
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...column+support

Thanks, Carl! This is exactly what I needed.

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Originally Posted by dumb person

So.. when you put a torch near a gas tank, is it a good idea to puncture one of those CO2 canisters they use in life jackets & pellet guns & drop it inside the gas tank to displace the oxygen & fuel vapors?

I don't know as I've never used one of them. If the tank is dry and clean around the area to be soldered, the flame should present no problem since it's about 3" back from the tip, which is the part touching the steel and doing the heating and soldering. It's about the same as using the heavy old soldering coppers, but with the torch you have constant heat.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I don't know as I've never used one of them. If the tank is dry and clean around the area to be soldered, the flame should present no problem since it's about 3" back from the tip, which is the part touching the steel and doing the heating and soldering. It's about the same as using the heavy old soldering coppers, but with the torch you have constant heat.

If the flame is not near the open end of the gas tank all should be good.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Originally Posted by 2manycars

That clamp will fit all 30 and 31, except the dropped column models, like the vic and 2dr phaeton. It will also fit the 28-29 if you make a shim, which is either 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch, I cant remember, and drill one hole. I did it to Barry's 29 special coupe.

Yes, good job Bill. For information to others, don't use the lower clamp along with the upper drop bracket, it will set up a horrible vibration that will crack the lower tank area and cause a fuel leak.

[marc hildebrant]

Originally Posted by dumb person

So.. when you put a torch near a gas tank, is it a good idea to puncture one of those CO2 canisters they use in life jackets & pellet guns & drop it inside the gas tank to displace the oxygen & fuel vapors?

Not a good idea. The escaping CO2 will cause the metal canister to become airborne and cause injury.

Marc