The Ford Barn

socalplanedoc · 08-05-2012, 03:40 PM

30 Fordor, the steering box is shot. wheel can turn about 45 degrees before anything happens, it's a real experience driving it.

So I ask the braintrust here, what's the best way to proceed? I'm a capable mechanic but have zero Model A experience.

Is it out of the question to attempt a home overhaul? what do you guys think about the EZ-Steer? http://www.ezsteer.net/ezsteer-28-31

any "go-to" vendors in the country?

Thanks in Advance!

Charlie Stephens · 08-05-2012, 03:48 PM

I have no personal experience with EZ-Steer but strongly recommend you read what others have said about it here and on HAMB (accessible through the "Hot Rods and Customs forum on this site). Another consideration is a converted F-100 truck box from someone like Mel Gross http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread...ighlight=gross.

Charlie Stephens

700rpm · 08-05-2012, 03:48 PM

Forget EZ Steer and F-100 boxes. A properly rebuilt steering box is fine and the steering is easy. You may need no more than an adjustment, which you can do with a two-two box, which is what you should have. This is a home repair/rebuild you can do if you have to, except if the worm gear has to be replaced. That's specialty work. I did mine last year and had to have a machine shop do the worm gear and insert new needle bearings, but otherwise it's pretty straight forward. Get a copy of The Ford Service Bulletins or Les Andrews's book. They'll take you step by easy step through the process, whether it is just an adjustment or a total rebuild.

Where are you located? Put your location in your profile and local people will come over and help.

gunmetal blue · 08-05-2012, 03:54 PM

I have rebuilt mine and there simpole to work on. call me if need information 574-221-1475 e-mail [email protected] . Have pics. if you need them.(terry_rose2002)

Patrick L. · 08-05-2012, 05:18 PM

Have you tried adjusting it ?? Generally a proper adjust works wonders.. Service bulletins are best for this as well as most repairs for these critters.. Most of the 'A' vendors have all the repair parts or rebuilt boxes..

Aerocraft · 08-05-2012, 05:31 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Before spending any money, I suggest that you check the security of the two steering box to frame bolts. When they work loose, steering becomes very sloppy.

Gar Williams

PO51 · 08-05-2012, 05:56 PM

I assume by your avatar you are in southern California, If you want to keep is stock then go with a rebuild. Mel Gross does a nice job on the F-100 boxes if you decide to go that way, he is in Montebello. He may also have a leed on a stock box.

socalplanedoc · 08-05-2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

I have no personal experience with EZ-Steer but strongly recommend you read what others have said about it here and on HAMB (accessible through the "Hot Rods and Customs forum on this site). Another consideration is a converted F-100 truck box from someone like Mel Gross http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread...ighlight=gross.
Charlie Stephens

Thanks Charlie, I'll look into it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Forget EZ Steer and F-100 boxes. A properly rebuilt steering box is fine and the steering is easy. You may need no more than an adjustment, which you can do with a two-two box, which is what you should have. This is a home repair/rebuild you can do if you have to, except if the worm gear has to be replaced.
Where are you located? Put your location in your profile and local people will come over and help.

Thanks for that advice, I did put in my location.
I fully expected to get a purist urge me to stick with original, and I wasnt disappointed

I like original but if I have to replace it, I also like to survey my options.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

Have you tried adjusting it ?? Generally a proper adjust works wonders.. Service bulletins are best for this as well as most repairs for these critters.. Most of the 'A' vendors have all the repair parts or rebuilt boxes..

I forgot to add that the lube leaks out as fast as you put it in, there was quite a sticky mess on the floor where it was stored. I think it needs more than an adjustment?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PO51

I assume by your avatar you are in southern California, If you want to keep is stock then go with a rebuild. Mel Gross does a nice job on the F-100 boxes if you decide to go that way, he is in Montebello. He may also have a leed on a stock box.

I am in San Diego, I'll look into Mel Gross.

Thanks everyone!
Bill.

KGBnut · 08-05-2012, 08:55 PM

If you decide to have it professionally rebuilt, I just had mine done by Bob Barnes in Connecticut. I was very happy with the results.

Admittedly, it was convenient for me since he is less than an hour from my home.

His ads are in the back of The Restorer, but if you need his contact info, you can PM me.

Ken

columbiA · 08-05-2012, 11:28 PM

A rebuilt 2-tooth box with several mods will as easily as an F-100 box.The other day I explained the mods I did to my steering on my 30 coupe.

SDJason · 08-06-2012, 12:13 AM

If you're in San Diego, you might want to give Bill Hansen in Ramona a call - don't have his contact info handy, but one of his ads is always in the back of the Quail Call, the local Model A club newsletter (http://www.sdmodelaclub.com/).
I had him rebuild the steering box on my Town Sedan last Fall.

CarlG · 08-06-2012, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalplanedoc

... what do you guys think about the EZ-Steer? http://www.ezsteer.net/ezsteer-28-31 ...

I bought one of these P-O-S units before I became a member on this board. WOW what a debacle. Don't know how he has continued to advertise and keep selling them. Says he's sold over 1,000 of them. I have often wondered if there are very many of that 1,000 still in use. I personally know of one that isn't. And even though he advertises a "Lifetime Guarantee", I really don't ever expect to see a refund coming my way anytime soon (if ever).

My rig currently has an F100 box in it and I love it!

Glenn C. · 08-06-2012, 10:05 AM

It is not a cheap undertaking to rebuild an original 2 tooth steering box if you have pitted or worn surfaces on the worm gear and upper bearing. At home project for a mechanic....Yes! Have a service manual handy for the adjusting proceedure and to ensure you have not overlooked something. If you decide to not bother with the original....go with a Mel Gross conversion.

jerry shook · 08-06-2012, 10:28 AM

I had a two tooth rebuilt with the new bearings cost $ 400.00. Installed the easy steer kit in front end. It drove better then before, decided to try mel gross steering box, you will have to drive one it is great steer with one hand even when starting off. Go with mel"s conversion.

BrianBurkert · 08-06-2012, 10:54 AM

If you have mechanical skills and tools, a steering box is fun to rebuild. Often, the hardest part is getting the steering wheel on and off without messing up the threads. Sometimes you can get away fairly inexpensively, depending on the condition of the internals. It is also not difficult to find a rebuildable box if your worm/sector are completely worn out. The section in Model A Mechanics Handbook by Les Andrews walked me through rebuilding and adjustment.

wnovinge · 08-06-2012, 03:23 PM

I, too, recommend Bill Hansen and his crew. That being said, I am in the process of installing a Mell Gross F100 box in my '31 CCPU and would be happy to chat or get together...I live in El Cajon. Drop me an email here on the forum or call on 919.673.5796 if you want to discuss.

08-05-2012, 03:40 PM	#1
socalplanedoc Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 140	Need a new steering box 30 Fordor, the steering box is shot. wheel can turn about 45 degrees before anything happens, it's a real experience driving it. So I ask the braintrust here, what's the best way to proceed? I'm a capable mechanic but have zero Model A experience. Is it out of the question to attempt a home overhaul? what do you guys think about the EZ-Steer? http://www.ezsteer.net/ezsteer-28-31 any "go-to" vendors in the country? Thanks in Advance!

08-05-2012, 03:48 PM	#2
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,033	Re: Need a new steering box I have no personal experience with EZ-Steer but strongly recommend you read what others have said about it here and on HAMB (accessible through the "Hot Rods and Customs forum on this site). Another consideration is a converted F-100 truck box from someone like Mel Gross http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread...ighlight=gross. Charlie Stephens Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 08-05-2012 at 05:00 PM.

08-05-2012, 03:48 PM	#3
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,906	Re: Need a new steering box Forget EZ Steer and F-100 boxes. A properly rebuilt steering box is fine and the steering is easy. You may need no more than an adjustment, which you can do with a two-two box, which is what you should have. This is a home repair/rebuild you can do if you have to, except if the worm gear has to be replaced. That's specialty work. I did mine last year and had to have a machine shop do the worm gear and insert new needle bearings, but otherwise it's pretty straight forward. Get a copy of The Ford Service Bulletins or Les Andrews's book. They'll take you step by easy step through the process, whether it is just an adjustment or a total rebuild. Where are you located? Put your location in your profile and local people will come over and help. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. Last edited by 700rpm; 08-05-2012 at 04:00 PM.

08-05-2012, 03:54 PM	#4
gunmetal blue Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Milford, Indiana Posts: 366	Re: Need a new steering box I have rebuilt mine and there simpole to work on. call me if need information 574-221-1475 e-mail [email protected] . Have pics. if you need them.(terry_rose2002)

08-05-2012, 05:18 PM	#5
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Need a new steering box Have you tried adjusting it ?? Generally a proper adjust works wonders.. Service bulletins are best for this as well as most repairs for these critters.. Most of the 'A' vendors have all the repair parts or rebuilt boxes..

08-05-2012, 05:31 PM	#6
Aerocraft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 1,387	Re: Need a new steering box Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Before spending any money, I suggest that you check the security of the two steering box to frame bolts. When they work loose, steering becomes very sloppy. Gar Williams

08-05-2012, 05:56 PM	#7
PO51 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 274	Re: Need a new steering box I assume by your avatar you are in southern California, If you want to keep is stock then go with a rebuild. Mel Gross does a nice job on the F-100 boxes if you decide to go that way, he is in Montebello. He may also have a leed on a stock box.

08-05-2012, 08:55 PM	#9
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: Need a new steering box If you decide to have it professionally rebuilt, I just had mine done by Bob Barnes in Connecticut. I was very happy with the results. Admittedly, it was convenient for me since he is less than an hour from my home. His ads are in the back of The Restorer, but if you need his contact info, you can PM me. Ken __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.

08-05-2012, 11:28 PM	#10
columbiA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,746	Re: Need a new steering box A rebuilt 2-tooth box with several mods will as easily as an F-100 box.The other day I explained the mods I did to my steering on my 30 coupe.

08-06-2012, 12:13 AM	#11
SDJason Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 443	Re: Need a new steering box If you're in San Diego, you might want to give Bill Hansen in Ramona a call - don't have his contact info handy, but one of his ads is always in the back of the Quail Call, the local Model A club newsletter (http://www.sdmodelaclub.com/). I had him rebuild the steering box on my Town Sedan last Fall.

08-06-2012, 10:05 AM	#13
Glenn C. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Didsbury Alberta Posts: 838	Re: Need a new steering box It is not a cheap undertaking to rebuild an original 2 tooth steering box if you have pitted or worn surfaces on the worm gear and upper bearing. At home project for a mechanic....Yes! Have a service manual handy for the adjusting proceedure and to ensure you have not overlooked something. If you decide to not bother with the original....go with a Mel Gross conversion.

08-06-2012, 10:28 AM	#14
jerry shook Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 516	Re: Need a new steering box I had a two tooth rebuilt with the new bearings cost $ 400.00. Installed the easy steer kit in front end. It drove better then before, decided to try mel gross steering box, you will have to drive one it is great steer with one hand even when starting off. Go with mel"s conversion.

08-06-2012, 10:54 AM	#15
BrianBurkert Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Fleetwood, PA Posts: 420	Re: Need a new steering box If you have mechanical skills and tools, a steering box is fun to rebuild. Often, the hardest part is getting the steering wheel on and off without messing up the threads. Sometimes you can get away fairly inexpensively, depending on the condition of the internals. It is also not difficult to find a rebuildable box if your worm/sector are completely worn out. The section in Model A Mechanics Handbook by Les Andrews walked me through rebuilding and adjustment.

08-06-2012, 03:23 PM	#16
wnovinge Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: El Cajon, CA Posts: 18	Re: Need a new steering box I, too, recommend Bill Hansen and his crew. That being said, I am in the process of installing a Mell Gross F100 box in my '31 CCPU and would be happy to chat or get together...I live in El Cajon. Drop me an email here on the forum or call on 919.673.5796 if you want to discuss.