wishbone ball dimension

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NY John T
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wishbone ball dimension

Post by NY John T » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:26 am

Does anybody know the dimension of the wishbone ball? I need to use one that is a little worn and was wondering if I could add weld material and grind it down to correct size. Thanks,
John

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CudaMan
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by CudaMan » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:48 am

Mark Strange
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)


MWalker
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by MWalker » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:41 am

It's 1-1/4".


Erik Johnson
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by Erik Johnson » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:50 am

Years ago, the very talented late Don Cusack welded-up and ground down a couple of wishbone balls for my father and me.

During the process of grinding down the ball, he used a washer with a 1 1/4" inner diameter as a gauge so he could make it as uniform as possible.

If you look at this thread, you can see where Chris Bamford made a gauge to accomplish the same goal.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1318031604

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TRDxB2
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by TRDxB2 » Sat Sep 10, 2022 11:10 am

NY John T wrote:
Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:26 am
Does anybody know the dimension of the wishbone ball? I need to use one that is a little worn and was wondering if I could add weld material and grind it down to correct size. Thanks,
John
In case that doesn't work out, I have a couple of these for sale all new for $70each shipping included
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wishbone ball.png
wishbone ball.png (118 KiB) Viewed 2829 times
wishbone ball instructions.png
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Bill Robinson
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by Bill Robinson » Sat Sep 10, 2022 4:37 pm

Attached is a replacement type ball kit mentioned above in the other posts, that I installed on my '25 touring. The ball also pulled out of the APCO socket due to ball wear and excessive pulling while hauling. The worn ball barely measured 1.1" whereas the new ball measured 1.25". At the time of the replacement, I replaced the radius rod ball cap with a new steel cap. Upon completion, everything fit real good, and steering was great. Now, when I haul the car on my trailer, straps are attached to the frame- not the front axle or the wheel and tires.
This is my 4th T to install the new ball kit on, and all went well with no re-do's reqd! Tools required- tape measure, welder, hand grinder with a cutting wheel and grinding wheel. Go slow, be persistent. It's easier than welding up a ball, then lots of filing and tedious measuring.
Just don't install on a car to be shown in a Concourse type event. It looks really different than Henry's original. It'll cost you points.
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Wishbone replacement.JPG


speedytinc
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by speedytinc » Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:07 pm

The answer to your second question. Yes you can weld it up & grind it back round. I do this to wishbones & pitman arms when ever A worn part is found.
That cnc machined replacement weld on ball looks like a good way to go if you dont have the tools or skills to weld the original ball back up.

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Bill Robinson
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by Bill Robinson » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:39 pm

Welding is fun.. Using a file sucks!


TXGOAT2
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:12 pm

A good clean file will remove a lot of metal in a hurry. Get a good one and keep it clean with a file card. Stroke away from the tang, and don't drag it backward over the work. Use the file on steel, not slag. Chip or grind away slag.


speedytinc
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by speedytinc » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:17 pm

Bill Robinson wrote:
Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:39 pm
Welding is fun.. Using a file sucks!
3" sanding disk on a 90 degree die grinder.


AndyClary
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by AndyClary » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:55 pm

A new sharp file is a joy to use. I’d be willing to bet there are a lot of dull files in our tool kits.

Andy


Kevin Pharis
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by Kevin Pharis » Sat Sep 10, 2022 11:43 pm

AndyClary wrote:
Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:55 pm
A new sharp file is a joy to use. I’d be willing to bet there are a lot of dull files in our tool kits.

Andy
You mean those files that cut equally on both forward and backward strokes…?🤔 I’ve always called em “dads files”!🤣


1915ford
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by 1915ford » Sun Sep 11, 2022 2:38 am

Good stuff. However I would have serious concerns over strapping a model t down by the frame for transport. I have personally seen frames broken in two using this tie down method due to recoil of the springs over bumps during transport. I place basket straps over the tires so the frame can float normally when hauling. This also prevents bent axles from over tightening of straps connected directly to them. I purchased heavy duty ratchet straps at a car show and brought one wheel to someone with an industrial sewing machine to sew the baskets into them. Sorry for the thread drift.


Topic author
NY John T
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by NY John T » Mon Sep 12, 2022 10:31 am

Thanks all for the suggestions. I found another wishbone with a very worn ball and I'll try welding it up and grinding/polishing. It may take some time....
John


Vonau
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Re: wishbone ball dimension

Post by Vonau » Tue Sep 13, 2022 1:53 am

Hello, everyone

Interesting post. I have the exact same problem on my 1926 Touring. The ball is 1.18" (30mm) but is nice and evenly round. The ball cup is badly chipped and needs to be welded on and machined.
Would it make sense to leave the ball as is and machine the ball sockets to 1.18"?

greetings from Switzerland
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IMG_20220904_095541_0.jpg

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