27 steering column question

[bnchief]

Since I have a 27 fordor and they can be a little tight i know a guy could use a fat man steering wheel(i do not want one) i was wondering about shortening the steering column up say couple of inches knowing i would have probably have to machine the steering arm end of the shaft some fore the bushing. That said i was also thinking about using one of the brass steering quadrants from the earlier T just to get a more positive engagement on the spark and throttle levers. I have not drug parts out or taken measurements just a thought I had.

[Stephen_heatherly]

If you shorten the steering shaft you will have to have a new taper, key way, and threads cut on the end of the shortened shaft being careful that the key way is cut 180deg from the steering stop pin on the other end of the shaft. I personally would look for a tilt wheel instead.

Stephen

[bnchief]

Thanks I was thinking you would have to machine more steering bracket bushing surface.

[perry kete]

Is there any room to move the seat back a few inches?

[Norman Kling]

If I were in your situation, I would look for a way to move the seat back. Also, you might remove some padding from the seat to give you about an inch or so. One problem with shortening the steering column, is that it would lower the wheel and possibly cause interference with your legs and shifting gears. You would also have to shorten the spark and gas rods. I think the 27 fordor has the tank under the seat, so you could only get a very small rearward movement without interfering with the gas tank.
Norm

[bnchief]

It is not possible to move the seat at all, i also understand this would lower the steering wheel I am not large so that is not a problem I just thought a little more room might be nice to have.

[Lawrence]

Hi, i have a 26 and 27 fordor, and i replaced the steering wheels with smaller diameter ones, with no difficulties with driving, and I'm not a big guy. Gave me more room. Steering size from a 20-23 T.
Chris

[bnchief]

Lawrence that is a great idea folks do not seem to understand in a fordor there is no moving the seat, I have driven a tudor and the seat does set farther back.

[Altair]

It wouldn't be that difficult to shorten the shaft, don't mess with the ends just cut it in the middle remove the section, taper it well and reweld it back together. This would have to be done in a jig to keep it straight then put in a lathe turned down and polished and you wouldn't see it. My steering shaft had .050 wear at the bushing and I had it spray welded and when finished you couldn't tell it from new.