How to change out steering Column support

[Bruce in southern OH]

Is it possible to remove and install this new steering column support on this early gas tank, information appreciated, thanks Bruce
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Existing on left, unbroken on right
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Close up of four rivets and possible solder on existing original part?
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[Bill Underwood]

Well I've cut them open on the top before and repaired rust
I would speculate that could be replaced with the tank opened up and the soldered up
Well from the inside as well
Lot of work as good tanks can still be found

[Rowdy]

I considered trying at one point and even had a plan of attack. It wouldn't have had rivets when done, just screws. If no one else has an idea short of cutting the tank open I will elaborated more. Rod

[Bob C]

If it's not going to be a fine points car how about using a late 31 bracket.

Bob

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Bob C

If it's not going to be a fine points car how about using a late 31 bracket.

Bob

https://fordbarn.com/forum/showpost.p...03&postcount=8

[Russ/40]

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Originally Posted by Rowdy

I considered trying at one point and even had a plan of attack. It wouldn't have had rivets when done, just screws. If no one else has an idea short of cutting the tank open I will elaborated more. Rod

Rowdy, please elaborate.....

[Ed Wendell]

Bruce,

Get your tank dipped and cleaned so you can use a torch on it.
Grind off the old rivets, then take a torch and un solder the old bracket.
Clean and do a GOOD job of tinning the tank and replacement bracket.
Locate some explosive brass rivets.
After you rivet the bracket in place, solder the bracket

Ed

[Mike V. Florida]

- Explosive rivets:

These are used, if the components are accessible only from one side (light metal construction, aircraft manufacture). The explosive charge is electrically ignited thus widening the rivet shank.



One source

[Bruce in southern OH]

Thanks for all the info, will start on bracket,

[1931 flamingo]

Why not go to the later column support that attaches to the dash??
Paul in CT

[Russ/40]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

- Explosive rivets:

These are used, if the components are accessible only from one side (light metal construction, aircraft manufacture). The explosive charge is electrically ignited thus widening the rivet shank.



One source

Mike, I went to the site, but little info there as to rivet details or minimum order. Have you explored any of this? Light construction specification may not be adequate for such a load bearing component, as I don't think solder is where the strength is coming from. I think the solder is for sealing. Comment??
Also, when people say solder, are they talking lead tin alloys, or silver alloys? I imagine it is difficult to silver solder a previously lead soldered component.

Rowdy, still waiting for your solution???

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Russ/40

Mike, I went to the site, but little info there as to rivet details or minimum order. Have you explored any of this? Light construction specification may not be adequate for such a load bearing component, as I don't think solder is where the strength is coming from. I think the solder is for sealing. Comment??
Also, when people say solder, are they talking lead tin alloys, or silver alloys? I imagine it is difficult to silver solder a previously lead soldered component.

Rowdy, still waiting for your solution???

I have no personal experience with the explosive rivets. You are 100% right about the solder being used for just sealing.

If this is for a show car and it were mine, I would look for another tank or open it then clean it and replace the part. If not for show I would put in a '31 mount.

[ford3]

forget about changing the bracket, put the later style one on that attaches to the dash, if you don't you will still have the problem of the steering column pulling on the bracket on the bottom of the tank and causing it to start to leak again, not a good thing having gasoline dripping on your foot while driving, all most like a ww2 jap zero , they were called type 2 torches because they lite real easy, that's not what you want

[Red Ryder]

Recently welded same.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by ford3

forget about changing the bracket, put the later style one on that attaches to the dash, if you don't you will still have the problem of the steering column pulling on the bracket on the bottom of the tank and causing it to start to leak again, not a good thing having gasoline dripping on your foot while driving, all most like a ww2 jap zero , they were called type 2 torches because they lite real easy, that's not what you want

I put the later bracket on both of my rigs. You can find them on EBay all the time or check with Bert's in Denver-I would think they have them. Also you can buy them new from some of the vendors.

I guess my question is kind of the same as one of the posts above. If the bracket shows that much rust, what do you have inside the tank?

The job is not hard to do. You just have to drill one hole in the windshield area. If you would like some pictures, send me a email and I will get you some.

[olebmw]

If you decide to change out the bracket please post the details. I've been thinking about doing the same repair. I would use silver solder. Dan