Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-03-2020, 12:08 PM   #1
carguybill
Senior Member
 
carguybill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Coshocton Ohio
Posts: 168
Default Problem Removing Steering Wheel

I need to remove the steering wheel on my '34 to replace the bushing in the steering column with an upgrade bearing.


Before I can remove the wheel I need to remove the lights and horn button assembly and in order to remove that I need to remove the tab at the bottom of the control rod. See photo.


My problem is that I have not been able to remove the tab. I have tried prying on it but without much success and I'm afraid I will damage the cup that surrounds the tab.



I will appreciate any suggestions and comments. Thank you.


carguybill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2020, 12:19 PM   #2
TJ
Senior Member
 
TJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Napa,California
Posts: 6,007
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Are you referring to the fork on the bottom of the rod after you have removed the light switch?
TJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 10-03-2020, 01:10 PM   #3
DavidG
Senior Member
 
DavidG's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 10,069
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Assuming you are referring to the C-shaped clip that retains the two-prong switch actuator, you might consider sacrificing a cheap screwdriver wide enough to capture the ends of the C and grind or file the center of the screwdriver blade to create a very limited use tool for this purpose.
DavidG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2020, 01:16 PM   #4
Terry,OH
Senior Member
 
Terry,OH's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,725
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Near the bottom of the horn rod there is a recess in the recess is a C-clip. The C-clip holds the light switch spider and spring in place. The C-clip has to be removed usually by compressing the spring a little. All the parts have modern replacements, except the rod itself. At the very end of the rod is a plastic insulating insert be careful not to damage the plastic. Once the C-clip is removed the spider and spring will slide off the horn rod.
Terry,OH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2020, 03:14 PM   #5
Kerk
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 642
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Be VERY careful to NOT BEND the light rod AT ALL as if has a bend turning the steering wheel will turn the lights on and of !!! kerk
Kerk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2020, 03:21 PM   #6
carguybill
Senior Member
 
carguybill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Coshocton Ohio
Posts: 168
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Terry,OH View Post
Near the bottom of the horn rod there is a recess in the recess is a C-clip. The C-clip holds the light switch spider and spring in place. The C-clip has to be removed usually by compressing the spring a little. All the parts have modern replacements, except the rod itself. At the very end of the rod is a plastic insulating insert be careful not to damage the plastic. Once the C-clip is removed the spider and spring will slide off the horn rod.
OK, that makes sence. Thank you.


Do I need someone at the steering wheel to keep the light control tight against the steering wheel while I push the light switch spider back to expose the C-clip? Will I then be able to remove the C-clip with needle nose pliers?
carguybill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2020, 04:09 PM   #7
Kens 36
Senior Member
 
Kens 36's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 371
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

I use a heavy yardstick under the steering wheel and over the horn button to keep the rod pushed down. Maybe this will help you.

Ken
__________________
https://www.nirgv8.org
Kens 36 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2020, 05:45 PM   #8
JSeery
Member Emeritus
 
JSeery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
Posts: 16,132
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Might want to be sure the battery is disconnected during all of this!
JSeery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2020, 08:23 AM   #9
1931 flamingo
Senior Member
 
1931 flamingo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: new britain,ct 06052
Posts: 9,389
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Also be careful as that seem to fly around either during removal or installation like the small carb clips ("jesus" clips).
Paul in CT
1931 flamingo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2020, 10:25 AM   #10
Bob C
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 8,713
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

This picture may help.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg A-Switch.jpg (27.5 KB, 84 views)
Bob C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2020, 11:25 AM   #11
deuce lover
Senior Member
 
deuce lover's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern France
Posts: 5,279
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

I Just push up on the pronged tip in the pic above post by BobC and the horse shoe clips comes out pretty easy .
deuce lover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2020, 11:48 AM   #12
glennpm
Senior Member
 
glennpm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Wiscasset, Maine
Posts: 1,965
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Yes, "the horse shoe clips comes out pretty easy", getting it back in is the fun part ...
glennpm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2020, 12:28 PM   #13
DavidG
Senior Member
 
DavidG's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 10,069
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Kens 36's suggestion to use a yard stick across the horn button and underneath the perimeter of the steering wheel is a big help for either removal or installation of the C clip, as is Bob C's helpful illustration of the component parts including the spring that has to be compressed to remove the pressure holding the clip in place.
DavidG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 02:43 PM   #14
carguybill
Senior Member
 
carguybill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Coshocton Ohio
Posts: 168
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Thanks to everyone who shared their experience and knowledge. With your guidance and another pair of hands from my son I finally got the light control shaft removed.


Now my problem is removing the steering wheel itself. I have a decent selection of pullers but I'm concerned that standard pullers will damage the back side of my original '34 steering wheel.


So, here i am again asking for help for ways to pull the steering wheel off of the steering shaft.
carguybill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 03:12 PM   #15
glennpm
Senior Member
 
glennpm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Wiscasset, Maine
Posts: 1,965
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

You can drill and tap the steering wheel hub, I suggest 5/16"-24, and then use one of these pullers. They're available at any auto parts store and reasonable.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Steering Wheel Puller.jpg (55.7 KB, 62 views)
glennpm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 07:49 PM   #16
Zeke3
Senior Member
 
Zeke3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Columbus, IN
Posts: 1,401
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

I like the idea to use a bearing separator under the steering wheel if you don't have the K.R. Wilson puller.
Zeke3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2021, 06:18 AM   #17
mercman from oz
Senior Member
 
mercman from oz's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Queensland, Australia
Posts: 10,293
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel




To remove the steering wheel from your 1934 Ford with ease, you need one of these dedicated Ford Steering Wheel Pullers.
mercman from oz is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2021, 06:58 AM   #18
deuce lover
Senior Member
 
deuce lover's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern France
Posts: 5,279
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

What glennpm said works.I have a '33 and did that - now no more issues to remove the steering wheel.
deuce lover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2021, 03:31 PM   #19
Gregger Rod & Custom
Junior Member
 
Gregger Rod & Custom's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Calgary Alberta Canada
Posts: 10
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Quote:
Originally Posted by glennpm View Post
You can drill and tap the steering wheel hub, I suggest 5/16"-24, and then use one of these pullers. They're available at any auto parts store and reasonable.
Thanks Glenpm,
that is the solution I needed,
Gregger
__________________
When you turn on your car, does it return the favour?
Gregger Rod & Custom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2021, 03:43 PM   #20
glennpm
Senior Member
 
glennpm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Wiscasset, Maine
Posts: 1,965
Default Re: Problem Removing Steering Wheel

Great its pretty easy, doesn't show and the tool is cheap too. Glad it worked out for you Greg!


Glenn
glennpm is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:12 PM.