Fat Man Steering Wheel

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Fat Man Steering Wheel
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ray Hren on Monday, September 29, 2014 - 09:06 pm:

I have a "Spencer" wheel on my 21 and need to repair the steering gear. I am having a problem finding a pin, screw, clip whatever to get it off. I can see the end of the steering shaft but there is not a nut on it or threads in the steering wheel base. When the wheel is in the locked (or unlocked) position it spins freely. Help! Don't get to technical your dealing with and old man here.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Morsher on Monday, September 29, 2014 - 09:12 pm:

There are 4 or 5 versions of the spencer wheel, Ray. If you can see where the nut goes on top,sounds like you are missing the horn button cover. It should just pull off, but could be stuck from age. Tim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Dufault on Monday, September 29, 2014 - 09:27 pm:

Ray,

Do the last two entries in the following post give you any help?

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/403423.html?1385260725


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Monday, September 29, 2014 - 09:52 pm:

I believe Spencer made "locking/unlocking" wheels, "Fatman" wheels, and "locking/unlocking Fatman" wheels. It makes a difference which it is when it comes to dis-assembly and repair. I have part of a Spencer Fatman type, not a locking/unlocking type. I see a lot of locking/unlocking type wheels of numerous makes on eBad being called "Fatman" when they are not. Clarification will help to get the best answers needed.
I like the Spencer Fatman wheel. It is one of my favorites. I had one on a car I sold many years ago.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ray Hren on Wednesday, October 01, 2014 - 08:49 pm:

I don't understand what you are saying about the Spencer wheels but this wheel is locked and un-locked with a key. When it is locked or unlocked (take your pick) the wheel will spin 360 degrees and not turn the front wheels. Also the wheel can not be raised to enter or exit the car. Turning the lock in the other direction will engage the wheel and the car can be steered and the wheel can be raised or opened. I can see no way to remove the wheel from the post. There is no nut on the end of the shaft. I live in Chicago Park, give me a call if you want. 530-913-5060.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Morsher on Wednesday, October 01, 2014 - 09:03 pm:

Can you see the end of the shaft, where the steering wheel nut goes? Spencer used the original steering shaft. If there are threads there with no nut, the wheel should just pull off ( it could be stuck from age ) If you can't see the shaft, there is likely the horn button cap, or a plain cap in the hole. This needs to be removed. It can be pried out easily when it is in the unlocked position. If you have a key and it works, you are in good shape. No phone, can't call you. Good luck


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Treace, North FL on Wednesday, October 01, 2014 - 10:16 pm:

Here is an older post with a photo of a tilt and locking Spencer. But little on how to remove one.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/127593.html?1267560735


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Thursday, October 02, 2014 - 01:49 am:

Afraid I can't be much help with a locking/unlocking wheel. I have never owned one or done any significant work on any. (I do have part of a locking mechanism, but don't think there is enough there to help)
I know that there were some previous threads on the subject, and there was some useful information in them. I have never been that successful with my attempts at searches for past threads. Maybe someone better than I can find a few of them? I do recall reading about "hidden pins" holding the assembly together. Those pins needed to be drilled and/or driven out in order to disassemble it from the column.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Thursday, October 02, 2014 - 03:58 am:

Here's an eBay auction for a Spencer locking & tilting steering wheel: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-Spencer-Fat-Man-Steering-Wheel-Fatman-Ford-Mod el-T-A-Speedster-Packard-/261607389331?

If it's the same type you may draw some conclusions on how it is fastened from the pictures.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ray Hren on Sunday, October 05, 2014 - 11:15 pm:

Thanks to everyone for the input. I am in the process of moving so will have to give up on this project for a short while. Will post if I figure out how to remove the wheel in the future. Thanks again


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lee Crenshaw Richmond Va. on Monday, October 06, 2014 - 12:08 am:

Ray, The top plate that houses the horn button unscrews from the cast housing revealing the steering shaft nut. The plate will only unscrew when the assembly is unlocked. When the key is turned a shaft shifts and allows a spring loaded pin to retract from the a locking hole in the back side of the top plate. With the pin retracted the top plate will unscrew. Note that there are two holes in the top of the plate for using a pin-type spanner wrench.
I was able to drill a hole in the top plate,
push down the pin and remove the cap.
Lee Crenshaw


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