Questions about Mel Gross's F-100 steering box conversion.

[Fred K-OR]

Guess the main question is: has anyone used this conversion and how does it work for you? Is it worth going through all the effort and expense.

Thanks for your comments.

[C26Pinelake]

I may well be wrong but I was told that Mr. Gross had passed away !
Wayne

[Vic in E-TN]

Yes, Mel Gross has passed away but his son Randy has taken over. I have a steering box from Randy in my Woody and it is just as good as the previous one from Mel. Randy is good to work with also.

Vic

[Smog Tech]

I have an F-100 steering box that Randy rebuilt in my Town Sedan. Works great.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Guess the main question is: has anyone used this conversion and how does it work for you? Is it worth going through all the effort and expense.

Thanks for your comments.

Hey Fred,
IT may be expensive, but it is not a lot of effort ! Best of all, in a Model A (roadster) it was something akin to what power steering is in a newer car. At least that's my experience..never would I change back. And , most guys would look at it and never know that it is not stock !

[Tom Endy]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Mel Gross passed away earlier this year, but his son Randy Gross worked with his dad in the business for a number of years and is fully trained in all aspects of it. Randy is carrying on the business as his dad did. I know him personally, as I knew his dad. You can count on Randy for good service.

I have one of Mel's steering boxes in my Vic for about 20 years and it works well.

Tom Endy

[steve s]

Can you use the stock horn and light switch with it?

[Mel Gross]

This modified steering box is a direct bolt-on replacement for the original Model A box and the installation is very simple and should take a couple of hours to complete. We send complete detailed instructions with every box. On a 1930-31 vehicle you will use your existing steering wheel, mast, spark and gas rods, pitman arm (long or short), horn rod, light switch, and horn bail. The 1928-29 set-up is a little different as the original steering box and mast (Column housing) are one piece. Please either email me at [email protected] or call me at 714-292-8660 for more info. Thanks Randy Gross

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Mel Gross

This modified steering box is a direct bolt-on replacement for the original Model A box and the installation is very simple and should take a couple of hours to complete. We send complete detailed instructions with every box. On a 1930-31 vehicle you will use your existing steering wheel, mast, spark and gas rods, pitman arm (long or short), horn rod, light switch, and horn bail. The 1928-29 set-up is a little different as the original steering box and mast (Column housing) are one piece. Please either email me at [email protected] or call me at 714-292-8660 for more info. Thanks Randy Gross

Thanks Randy for the information. And thanks all of you that recommended this unit.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by steve s

Can you use the stock horn and light switch with it?

Yes and yes. As I said earlier, it you looked at it in my car, you would most likely not know it isn't stock !

[jerry shook]

I have one in my 31 s/w works great and great people to deal with.

[Roger V]

Originally Posted by Mel Gross

This modified steering box is a direct bolt-on replacement for the original Model A box and the installation is very simple and should take a couple of hours to complete. We send complete detailed instructions with every box. On a 1930-31 vehicle you will use your existing steering wheel, mast, spark and gas rods, pitman arm (long or short), horn rod, light switch, and horn bail. The 1928-29 set-up is a little different as the original steering box and mast (Column housing) are one piece. Please either email me at [email protected] or call me at 714-292-8660 for more info. Thanks Randy Gross

Is the steering shaft one piece and new or is cut from both the original F1 and a Model A? If cut is it welded by a certified welder?

[JOES31]

I have one of Mel's boxes in my Tudor. He installed it over 15 years ago. Works great and since my Father had it done I had no idea until recently that it wasn't the original steering box. It steers very easy and looks stock. I think it's an F100 steering box. Mel was a great guy and knew the Model A's well. He's missed by many of us.

[Mel Gross]

Our shafts are two pieces. The upper portions are either brand new aircraft quality tubing that we have machined or original Model A shafts depending on availablity. They lower portions are either new aircraft quality tubing or remachined shafts from original F100 shafts. The two are then threaded (tap & die) together to get the proper length. They then are v blocked and checked for run out. Finally they are drilled and pinned welded and then completely welded around the seam. The horn rod will still goes thru. We out source locally the machining and welding. Welding is done by a professional welder.We have never had one break in over 25 years of production. Randy Gross

[Roger V]

Originally Posted by Mel Gross

Our shafts are two pieces. The upper portions are either brand new aircraft quality tubing that we have machined or original Model A shafts depending on availablity. They lower portions are either new aircraft quality tubing or remachined shafts from original F100 shafts. The two are then threaded (tap & die) together to get the proper length. They then are v blocked and checked for run out. Finally they are drilled and pinned welded and then completely welded around the seam. The horn rod will still goes thru. We out source locally the machining and welding. Welding is done by a professional welder.We have never had one break in over 25 years of production. Randy Gross

Thanks for the info.