Protector Lock Steering Wheel - DILL Mfg Co

[ChevyKeith]

Does anyone have any information or literature on this lock.
I just bought a 1923 speedster and this steering wheel and I am unclear how it should be installed and work.
It may be the wheel lock is broken and if someone has seen or used or has any literature I thought that might be a place to start

Thanks,
Keith

[Dan Hatch]

Be careful with these “locking wheels “.
Most don’t lock but unlock or free wheel. Many years we had a local club member have one unlock while he was doing about 40 and he flipped upside down in a ditch. Lucky he was not hurt, but car had a ton of damage.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Post some photos of it.

[ChevyKeith]

[DanTreace]

This older post has a lot of info on the Dill Locking, seems it is the 'free spinning' type wheel, so thief is foiled by the steering wheel which won't steer.


https://www.mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=28385

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Keith,

This is the "free wheeling" type of locking steering wheel, of the type that others have pointed out as being dangerous. I would either sell it, or use it as a wall hanger.

[ChevyKeith]

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize it was dangerous. It is pretty though nice polished wood.
Is there a better wheel to look for for someone who is a little bit to fat to fit behind the standard wheel?

thanks,
Keith

[DanTreace]

There are many 'tilt' wheels made for the Ford. Favorite is the Bauer brand, easy pull knob to release and lift up the wheel, and secures well too.

Lang's #3503WC is a repro tilt bracket, pricy but nice, you fit to the steering pinion post and then mount your existing wheel rim on it.

Someone's nice collection to envy!

[speedytinc]

I have this same wheel. Note the brass T handle. The hub is pinned until retracted.
I suppose the pin could sheer, but I am not concerned.
Put that on my obit. "He was not concerned"

[JTT3]

John is right, on this style you have to retract the pin before you can lock it into free wheel. As an abundance of caution, I would inspect the spring, pin and the depth the pin rest inside the steering wheel hub. I have several fatman style steering wheels and a few free wheel style. A few are ones I would not use but, in my non authoritarian opinion, the type you have is a better built style. As with everything antique auto or part you do assume all the risk.

[ChevyKeith]

Dan, that's quite a collection of steering wheels. I have always thought I had a car collecting problem but wow. Maybe if I show my wife she will give me a break

Everyone else thanks for a little more info on the wheel. Maybe I will take it apart and learn how it works and see how I feel about it. I had not yet figured out what the pull lever did so that gives me a place to start

[ChevyKeith]

Figured I should post a pic of the car I am looking to put it on. Bought it for next year or so project. Finishing a 1949 Willys truck right now and a 1968 Firebird is next. Hopefully the T gets some loving next year.

It wouldn't start for the owner but I really don't think it is anything big. I have not yet figured out exactly what the steelie wheels are and I dont really know the significance of the radiator tank cap. This will be my first pre 1940 car so lots to learn.

Keith

[DanTreace]

Nice looking speedster!

Ya might not need a tilt folding wheel, the steering spider on the T now is upside down.

Just flip it around or add the smaller dia. 1914 and earlier wheel, give you some more space!

512726.jpg (82.27 KiB) Viewed 1290 times

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Very nice car!

[YellowTRacer]

A smaller steering wheel will make it harder to control.

Ed aka #4

[speedytinc]

A smaller steering wheel will make it harder to control.

Ed aka #4

That was the reason for putting the Dill wheel on my 14.
The small wheel was a bit to responsive/squirely for my taste.