MTFCA Forum

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

I have appliedheat with good results.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?