I am building an April or May 1911 chassis and need to know when the length of the steering column changed from 23 1/2 to 25 1/2 inches. I have the latter but don't know if its correct for an April or May 1911 car. I know the standard length for 1911 should be 23 1/2 and for 1912 25 1/2 inches. But when did the change occur?

My May 19,1911 car has a 25 1/2 inch column. It is mostly unrestored.

Don

Thank you, Don, very helpful information!

Any pictures?

1911 #55276

I do have to say that this picture has exceptional lighting. The car photographs way better than reality!

Don

Don it looks really good to me!!!

Don is your engine open or closed valve?

I have a 1911 #52406 May 6th. I can check the length of mine but want to be sure I do it the same as you are. The top and bottom are different lengths, are you measuring from the center of the side. If so I will check mine in the mourning.

Richard,
Closed valve.

Don

Don Skille, I am measuring from the top of the tube (covered by the brass collar) to the top of the flange that mounts to the firewall. See Rodda's Parts Identification Guide Vol 2 page 34. BTW is your #52406 engine closed or open valve.
Thanks for the info, Don Poffenroth!

Richard: Using Rodda's Parts Identification Guide Vol. 2 page 34 as you suggested, my steering column is 23 1/2 inches. Mine is closed valve although open valve engines were being produced in this same time period.

Don Simply beautiful! Did you have a close picture of the column? That will be helpful for me, because I'm restoring a 1911 and I want to be sure I have the right column.

Kind regards,

Thank you Don, hope to see you at Bakersfield!

I’ll shoot a picture tomorrow.

Don

Hi Don,

Any update about the pictures?

Kind regards,

Here are some pictures!

That's a nice looking column, Don.

Thanks Richard.
It is a pretty darn nice old car. Original body, metal except running boards ( I have originals) and mechanicals. Never restored, but very well maintained by the 5 previous owners including Ward Sherwood who passed it into my care.

Original Hayes body 8789




I have every reason to believe this car has always been mostly in one piece.history dating back to original purchaser, a banker who had it a week and sold the contraption.

Mine is 23-1/2", the car was restored in the 50s from an original. Closed valve engine, November build, I think. Hope this helps. Cheers, Bill

Thank you Don, These picture are appreciated and are very helpful. Again your car is awesome! All the very best.