MTFCA Forum

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

It's 1-1/4".

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

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

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.

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.

Welding is fun.. Using a file sucks!

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.

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.

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

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”!

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.

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

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