MTFCA Forum

Yes, I know it's supposed to be a regular round head machine screw. But this is the second steering gear case I've found with a headless set screw. That makes me wonder if they tried these for awhile.

I've got one of those I haven't removed yet . Need a spare ??

Steve, That is what my 26 had in it when I tore into the column several years ago it appeared stock so I replaced with same. Jim

Prior to about 1970 or so, any machinist worth his salt would know that a slotted headless screw would typically be used where neither part has a through hole such as in this situation, pulley securing, etc.. In the face of no documentary evidence, ever, (to my knowledge) of this being on a Ford drawing, I would suggest that (in my opinion) it is an early non-Ford replacement for the frequently missing screw.

I have seen slotted, headless screws in gearboxes, too, and in every instance, the slot was very wide, like made by hand with a saw (something like in the photo above), and never looked like a properly fabricated part .

FWIW, that screw has much coarser thread than the usual item. I would hazzard a guess that it is indeed a later replacement, perhaps even oversized to make up for stripped threads in the housing.

Allan from down under.

Agreed. Ford part # 3505 is a roundhead machine screw. Anything else is a spurious part!

That little screw is easy to come by, but if you compare it to an original, you will see the diameter of the head on a new screw is larger than the originals. I always turn down that diameter to that of an original. Not only that, it looks better.

I always turn down that diameter to that of an original.

To what size?


The little set screw is 6-32, not oversized. I was lucky to get it out before one of the "teeth" broke off. I've replaced it with a round head 6-32.

Would they have been raven or nickel depending on what year you have? Jim

Dan, what publication did that puzzle appear in, and when ? It would be a treat to see more ! (Maybe some of us could earn that $1.00 prize ! )

Steve:
I've never measured the head diameter. I just put the new screw in the chuck in my drill press and file it until it looks the same as a stock one. For those with nickel steering covers, I use a stainless screw, which matches perfectly. Ford never did raven finish those screws to my knowledge.