1926 Steering Column

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 8:19 am

Looks like a lot of steering column threads lately. So here is a question on the one I am working on. Does anyone know exactly where this felt washer goes? I’ve looked at multiple parts break downs but don’t see it. Also seems like there is no break down for the 26-27 columns. Anyways here’s a picture of the washer in the book. Thanks
Bryant
8C12067E-FFAC-401F-94BF-3495A815E9EA.jpeg
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”

User avatar

TMiller6
Posts: 190
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:11 pm
First Name: Thomas
Last Name: Miller
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 16, 24, 26 Touring - 26 Roadster and Fordor
Location: Livonia MI near Dearborn
MTFCA Number: 14069
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by TMiller6 » Sun Dec 04, 2022 8:34 am

Many lower steering brackets on the frame have an annular groove in the bracket for the felt washer. Your Tudor bracket does not have a groove and does not use a felt.
Tom Miller
One who cannot find beauty in an engine cannot find beauty in the universe.


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 8:53 am

Hey thanks for the information! I have one coming in my order so I guess I will be out the 50 cents :lol:
Bryant
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”

User avatar

TMiller6
Posts: 190
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:11 pm
First Name: Thomas
Last Name: Miller
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 16, 24, 26 Touring - 26 Roadster and Fordor
Location: Livonia MI near Dearborn
MTFCA Number: 14069
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by TMiller6 » Sun Dec 04, 2022 9:01 am

Save it for your next restoration. Every T owner has boxes of extra parts. They accumulate until you realize you have enough to build another car.
Tom Miller
One who cannot find beauty in an engine cannot find beauty in the universe.


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 9:03 am

Yeah I’ve heard Model T’s multiply!
Bryant
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”

User avatar

TRDxB2
Posts: 5412
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 4:56 pm
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Brandi
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Speedster (1919 w 1926)
Location: Moline IL
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by TRDxB2 » Sun Dec 04, 2022 11:52 am

Here is an old discussion worth reading about why no felt for the improved car steering bracket https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/7 ... 1498363612
If you think about it the felt washer was placed on the top end of the bracket. To keep grease in or water/dirt out?
Attachments
feltyyy.png
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:08 pm

Thanks Frank! That was an interesting read
Bryant
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:13 pm

Rebuilding this column has been a lot of fun so far. I have enjoyed going thru it. I decided to try to save my steering shaft instead of buying one. Here’s some progress pictures.
0937A05A-DCF4-4514-96CB-65998C3D531E.jpeg
the shaft was worn and wavy.
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:14 pm

So I welded it up!
1FCE452C-64C8-4775-BB84-836B23D23EB4.jpeg
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:15 pm

Then turned it down!
62BFCEBB-C97F-403F-B9F0-3F8138EA44A5.jpeg
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:16 pm

Then I broke out the Atlas tool post grinder!
D50B76DB-F229-444D-9F62-D3F8F47E46F6.jpeg
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:18 pm

And finished the last few thou!
76008D74-6577-4C0B-BED8-972B7DF90FB6.jpeg
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:20 pm

I am happy with the results.
89120C0C-8D79-458E-8A77-D3E02E5176AB.jpeg
next I will size to a new bushing when it shows up.
Bryant
Attachments
625E1CFC-5BAE-400A-907A-F9DF24D69396.jpeg
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Dollisdad
Posts: 2778
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2019 10:13 pm
First Name: Tom
Last Name: Rootlieb
Location: Ohio
MTFCA Number: 440

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Dollisdad » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:26 pm

WOW! Excellent. Looks like you should be working on Ferraris.


speedytinc
Posts: 3840
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
MTFCA Number: 14383
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by speedytinc » Sun Dec 04, 2022 1:00 pm

Very nice. Yes, thats how its done. Well documented. Thats restoration, not replacement work.


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 04, 2022 1:09 pm

Thanks fellas. You think Ferrari would let me in? :lol:
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Mon Dec 05, 2022 8:48 pm

For those of you that have been here before what is a good clearance to aim for for the steering bracket bushing? The steering shaft is at .750
I can’t seem to find a general rule. Is this a by “feel” thing. I did see in the book the gear case clearance is not to be over .006 so I guess I know what to much is. Thanks
Bryant
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6431
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13, '15, '19, '23
Location: Clark, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Scott_Conger » Mon Dec 05, 2022 8:53 pm

John, I was prepared to say the same thing...
it is gratifying to see that someone is still actually doing restoration work

Bryant...I am not in my barn or I'd check...was the rest of the shaft actually .750, or was it perhaps .748? I know nothing of the factory methods but have to believe that either the bushing was oversize or shaft was undersize, without having to custom match the parts by reaming, etc. Would be interesting to be able to see the drawings of these two parts...

what a visual treat!
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Mon Dec 05, 2022 9:11 pm

I had .750 in a few spots so that’s what I chose. The newly surfaced part is definitely .750 and the bushing I received today appears to come in at .749.
Bryant
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6431
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13, '15, '19, '23
Location: Clark, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Scott_Conger » Mon Dec 05, 2022 9:21 pm

Myself, I'd fit it to .002 over the shaft after assembly to casting.

I cannot honestly recall how I have done them as it has been a looooong time since the last one. I likely have a .752 reamer somewhere though... ;)

If you have the capability to do some real measuring, and I'll bet you do, you might want to establish how much of an interference fit the bushing will be to the casting and then calculate back as to what you might want to bore the bushing to, first, before pressing, and try to hit it on the head without having to spend $$ on a reamer.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Mon Dec 05, 2022 9:50 pm

.752 👍 I will check the reams at work tomorrow and see if I can find one. If not I might have to calculate.
Bryant
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Tue Dec 06, 2022 8:29 pm

So my work reamer pile did not produce the proper size for the job so I decided to stop by a friends machine shop on the way home. After careful consideration we decided to do the job on the Sunnen. Pressed the bushing in on the trusty Arbor press . Started the honing process to get the bushing round and back to .750. Then pressed on until we hit .752. This proved to fit perfectly! Thanks Scott for the measurement.
CD79737D-0FC2-4F7C-945C-5C0F5E03D218.jpeg
4F4E09F9-2258-423C-AF5B-E1C9ECF78CB1.jpeg
C76F84DD-E11B-4380-A8CC-911678F1B25F.jpeg
Bryant
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6431
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13, '15, '19, '23
Location: Clark, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Scott_Conger » Tue Dec 06, 2022 8:35 pm

You are very welcome.

If I'd have known you had access to a Sunnen, I'd have suggested that over finding a specialty .752 reamer...those sorts of things cannot usually be found just lying around.

good for you and your good luck!

I think you might be shocked at how well your car is going to handle after you're done with everything on the front end. That bushing is oddly often overlooked on overhauls and really is a key component. Solid, no-play action here pays big dividends.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured


speedytinc
Posts: 3840
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
MTFCA Number: 14383
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by speedytinc » Wed Dec 07, 2022 8:22 am

These less popular sizes are easy to tackle with an adjustable reamer set.
Access to a hone would be top notch.


jab35
Posts: 892
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:28 pm
First Name: James
Last Name: Bartsch
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '26 Coupe
Location: Dryden, NY 13053
MTFCA Number: 30615
MTFCA Life Member: YES

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by jab35 » Thu Dec 08, 2022 11:56 am

I asked Lang's about that '09-'26 steering shaft felt a couple months ago, and they told me it was used on the '26 TT, but (obviously) not the improved T's.

Nice work, Bryant, I'm gearing up to do the same, minus the precision grinding & hone steps.

User avatar

DanTreace
Posts: 3299
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:56 am
First Name: Dan
Last Name: Treace
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '23 cutoff, '25 touring, '27 touring
Location: North Central FL
MTFCA Number: 4838
MTFCI Number: 115
Board Member Since: 2000
Contact:

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by DanTreace » Thu Dec 08, 2022 12:25 pm

Without a machine shop, home garage tool is the trusty adj. hand reamer does good work to ream the soft brass bushing for a good fit.

IMG_1721 (1177x1280).jpg
IMG_1723 (1280x1278).jpg

IMG_1727 (911x1280).jpg
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Thu Dec 08, 2022 2:23 pm

Thanks James! I think so far it’s my favorite rebuild on the car.
Dan I have read over your rebuild tips multiple times. You have great information! Nice pictures to👍
We actually stared at this adjustable reamer for a bit
F67ED803-2D3E-4599-9BDE-825FD7CB8B13.jpeg
the Sunnen just sounded like more fun! Had a good time hanging out at the machine shop after work to.
Bryant
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6431
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13, '15, '19, '23
Location: Clark, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Scott_Conger » Thu Dec 08, 2022 3:37 pm

Though I own a set of adjustable reamers I have never been pleased with the results, so don't use them.

I am almost certain that the old adjustable you show in your picture is actually an expansion reamer, meant to expand just enough to be reground back to original size (and left alone) and expanded again when dull, to be resharpened yet again. They were much more common years ago than now. Other pix people have posted are actually "adjustable reamers"

I mention this because you seem to be a "tool guy" and interested in doing nice work and caring for your tools perhaps beyond what the casual mechanic might do...figured you might appreciate the distinction in function and use.

Just a FYI

http://blog.supertoolinc.com/2015/02/03 ... e%20reamer.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured


speedytinc
Posts: 3840
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
MTFCA Number: 14383
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by speedytinc » Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:35 pm

Be cautioned that some vendors sell this bushing in sintered bronze. (powdered material pressed to size/shape)
IMO they wont take the pounding a solid bushing will. I wont take the chance.


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Thu Dec 08, 2022 5:35 pm

Thanks Scott, you learn something new everyday ;)
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1926 Steering Column

Post by Bryant » Sun Dec 18, 2022 11:29 am

Finally finished up the column. Bucked some rivets, Peened some pins, greased, final primer coat and finish with some gloss black. Refurbished steering wheel and a fresh nickel gear case cover.
E542C940-E1F2-4E3B-A0CC-B8BEB61C5BCE.jpeg
next step will be installation to the frame. Thank you everyone for help
Bryant
Attachments
DB5A0F6D-C8C7-40BA-BE7A-4F26504F7162.jpeg
66590764-7B2B-4507-BDE1-6F96FE559531.jpeg
F99DB45F-58F9-4F34-AEBB-77A22CEB942B.jpeg
8AB7EEFC-478B-486C-9D97-B08FC4FCDD22.jpeg
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic