Does anyone know the size of the small set screw that goes into the top of the steering gear cover? I have a 1914 brass style but it's missing the screw and I understand that you need one in order to go on tours.
It is a #6,fine thread.
Without the screw you could have the steering wheel come off in your hands!!!
6-32 x 9/32" seems to be the most common size but some have reported other sizes.
More then you ever wanted to know about the steering gear cap retaining screw at:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/255233.html
Note that allen set screws were not a part used on Model T's.
Jim
Unless that screw is tight in the existing hole, you may wish to tighten the cover, and redrill and tap a new hole. Be careful!
The screws on the back of the switch are the same size John
You may wish to turn the head down a little, so it will resemble the original.
Go to your local, friendly Ford dealer's parts department and ask for a new one, part # 3505.
Original cover screw
And some detail on that important little round head single slot machine screw!
Ford Owner and Dealer magazine
Dan, good post!
Is it the same thread for a brass steering housing?
David.
David,
The Model T Encyclopedia shows the same screw for 09 to 27.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/255233.html
Jim
Thanks for the info, guys, I picked one up at the local ACE hardware store today! It's a slotted set screw but it works.
Having read all of this I'm still not sure what Ford used. Was it a 5-40, 6-40 or a 6-32? I got lucky with mine and the first size I tried out of the drawer fit like a glove. It is a 6-32 in stainless that mimics the nickel on the case pretty well.
Vintage Paul
They are still out there and you just need to find the right person who know's what the hell you are talking about.
Just so happens in this case it was Bec in Pakenham, 6/32 set screws about 10 mm or 3/8" long with an allen key ( very very small allen key ) grub screw, fitted right in - until l broke the top off of it, but l did buy two.-
Good luck
David.
I really got a chewing out recently on the one on my pickup. I tightened the cover with a strap wrench, and redrilled and tapped the hole for the new stainless 6-32 screw, which I modified to look like an original. The screw is now at 7 o'clock. My friend said the screw should be at 12 o'clock, and I said I know, but my was loose up there. He informed me that I have a NOS gearcase and cover, so why didn't I use it? I replied I didn't think it mattered. Oh well. At least it's tight, and it's doing the job it is supposed to.
Larry,
Even though I think you can do anything with your car that you want, when I read that someone suggested that a new hole be drilled and tapped to eliminate any gear end play, I didn't see any need for it. Some end play in the steering wheel shaft or in the gears inside the steering gear box will have no adverse effects on the actual function of the car steering.
Looseness that will cause the car to wander left or right should be a concern but some end play in the gear box should be of no concern.
Jim
Mine is at 11 o'clock ?????, the runabout is about 5-30 .