MTFCA Forum

Does anyone have any information or literature on this lock.
I just bought a 1923 speedster and this steering wheel and I am unclear how it should be installed and work.
It may be the wheel lock is broken and if someone has seen or used or has any literature I thought that might be a place to start

Thanks,
Keith

Be careful with these “locking wheels “.
Most don’t lock but unlock or free wheel. Many years we had a local club member have one unlock while he was doing about 40 and he flipped upside down in a ditch. Lucky he was not hurt, but car had a ton of damage.

Post some photos of it.

This older post has a lot of info on the Dill Locking, seems it is the 'free spinning' type wheel, so thief is foiled by the steering wheel which won't steer.


https://www.mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=28385

Keith,

This is the "free wheeling" type of locking steering wheel, of the type that others have pointed out as being dangerous. I would either sell it, or use it as a wall hanger.

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize it was dangerous. It is pretty though nice polished wood.
Is there a better wheel to look for for someone who is a little bit to fat to fit behind the standard wheel?

thanks,
Keith

There are many 'tilt' wheels made for the Ford. Favorite is the Bauer brand, easy pull knob to release and lift up the wheel, and secures well too.

Lang's #3503WC is a repro tilt bracket, pricy but nice, you fit to the steering pinion post and then mount your existing wheel rim on it.


Someone's nice collection to envy!

I have this same wheel. Note the brass T handle. The hub is pinned until retracted.
I suppose the pin could sheer, but I am not concerned.
Put that on my obit. "He was not concerned"

John is right, on this style you have to retract the pin before you can lock it into free wheel. As an abundance of caution, I would inspect the spring, pin and the depth the pin rest inside the steering wheel hub. I have several fatman style steering wheels and a few free wheel style. A few are ones I would not use but, in my non authoritarian opinion, the type you have is a better built style. As with everything antique auto or part you do assume all the risk.

Dan, that's quite a collection of steering wheels. I have always thought I had a car collecting problem but wow. Maybe if I show my wife she will give me a break

Everyone else thanks for a little more info on the wheel. Maybe I will take it apart and learn how it works and see how I feel about it. I had not yet figured out what the pull lever did so that gives me a place to start

Figured I should post a pic of the car I am looking to put it on. Bought it for next year or so project. Finishing a 1949 Willys truck right now and a 1968 Firebird is next. Hopefully the T gets some loving next year.

It wouldn't start for the owner but I really don't think it is anything big. I have not yet figured out exactly what the steelie wheels are and I dont really know the significance of the radiator tank cap. This will be my first pre 1940 car so lots to learn.

Keith

Nice looking speedster!

Ya might not need a tilt folding wheel, the steering spider on the T now is upside down.

Just flip it around or add the smaller dia. 1914 and earlier wheel, give you some more space!

Very nice car!

A smaller steering wheel will make it harder to control.

Ed aka #4

YellowTRacer wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 15, 2023 4:10 pm

A smaller steering wheel will make it harder to control.

Ed aka #4

That was the reason for putting the Dill wheel on my 14.
The small wheel was a bit to responsive/squirely for my taste.