1911 steering column

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Topic author
MarkB
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2019 9:55 am
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Barlow
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1921 touring, 1911 under construction
Location: Murrieta California

1911 steering column

Post by MarkB » Mon Aug 17, 2020 11:02 am

i bought a 1911 steering column but the steering shaft is completley rusted inside of the steering bracket and it will not come out. i have soaked it and tried pressing it out with a 20 ton press but all it did was pushe nut up the threads,

my question is, is anybody repoping just the shaft for the 1911 steering column? i see the later years but not 1911


ModelT46
Posts: 1459
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:35 pm
First Name: Darel
Last Name: Leipold
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1910 touring
Location: Excelsior MN
MTFCA Number: 823
MTFCI Number: 953
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: 1911 steering column

Post by ModelT46 » Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:23 pm

I have appliedheat with good results.


Scott Rosenthal
Posts: 364
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First Name: Scott
Last Name: Rosenthal
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 12 Towncar, 12 Touring, 09 Touring
Location: Cincinnati OH

Re: 1911 steering column

Post by Scott Rosenthal » Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:57 pm

Hello Mark:
As noted, torch heating the bracket is a solution that I have used. Ice down the shaft and heat the bracket for maximum effect, then drive the shaft out with the pitman arm initially in place to protect the threads. Good news is that the shaft diameter that was protected by the bronze bushings, will remain a good clean diameter. Space between the bushings can have corrosion, and this can require that the upper bushing to be driven out with the shaft.

Early 4:1 shafts are 3 1/2" shorter than the latter, so any 4:1 shaft can be easily retrofitted if need be, by cutting and re-welding. This cut wants to happen 12 inches from the top, where it will remain concealed by the steering column. After cutting the shaft halves to size, install a 5/16 all thread stud between the parts to maintain concentricity during your weld, and to act as a safety in the unlikely event that the weld should fail. Grind the welded diameter to the shaft size, and you're good to go.
Regards,
Scott


Topic author
MarkB
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2019 9:55 am
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Barlow
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1921 touring, 1911 under construction
Location: Murrieta California

Re: 1911 steering column

Post by MarkB » Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:31 pm

the existing shaft is not in very good shape as its very rusty, i will most likely buy a replacement and shorten it. thanks for the input


Allan
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First Name: Allan
Last Name: Bennett
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 van, 1917 shooting brake, 1929 roadster buckboard, 1924 tourer, 1925 barn find buckboard, 1925 D &F wide body roadster, 1927LHD Tudor sedan.
Location: Gawler, Australia

Re: 1911 steering column

Post by Allan » Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:21 pm

I would have more confidence in having a new shaft shortened by cutting off the end and having a new taper, thread and keyway cut. Cutting, shutting, and welding steering components is largely verboten by the authorities certifying street machines in this state. I know a model T will not be asked to do the same work as a rod, but it does need to be safe.

Allan from down under.


KimDobbins
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Location: Southern California
MTFCA Number: 8243

Re: 1911 steering column

Post by KimDobbins » Tue Aug 18, 2020 1:45 am

Mark, I also would recommend getting a good later shaft, cutting a new taper and key way. I've done it with good results.

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TonyB
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Re: 1911 steering column

Post by TonyB » Tue Aug 18, 2020 10:32 am

When I made the shorter steering shaft for the 09, I used a later column and recut the taper, thread and keyway. I would not recommend welding. JMHO
Tony Bowker
La Mesa, California
1914 Touring, 1915 Speedster, 1924 Coupe.

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Quickm007
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Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:58 am
First Name: Mario
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Location: Quebec City Canada
MTFCA Number: 30981
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Board Member Since: 1999

Re: 1911 steering column

Post by Quickm007 » Tue Aug 18, 2020 12:47 pm

I did the same than Tony with my 1911 , I would be scared using a welding one... Arton Senna one of the best formula 1 driver in the history lost is live with a welding column... Sometimes is good learning with other experiences. :shock:
Super Mario Bross ;)

1911 Touring
1914 Speedster


Topic author
MarkB
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2019 9:55 am
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Barlow
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1921 touring, 1911 under construction
Location: Murrieta California

Re: 1911 steering column

Post by MarkB » Wed Aug 19, 2020 6:11 pm

Dont the early steering column shafts have a different steering ratio so the pins are in a different location or are the gears just a differnt size for the later columns?
how did you go about cutting in the key way?

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