Hot rod steering box

[3W Hank]

A friend brought me a Ford F-100 steeringbox today.

My idea has been use the std box but even if I'm more focus on look or older
ideas maybe if one stretch into the early 50's or before 55 both the F-100
box and hair pins might be something. Read its bigger than the F-1, but there is also the Hudsons.

One get ’new’ ideas and I has seen Dick Wades 3W 32. Cool car, has Okie axle,
hairpins and a Ford F-1 box.

The F-1 is 48-52 and the F-100 53-56 ( correct )

So whats the benefit use the F-1 instead of the F-100 in a 32 frame with FH.

I seen the input comes in from above on the F-100 ( as std 32 ) but the
F-100 it comes in under. I plan use the std angle vs dash.

How to get the 32 splines and use the 32 arm ?

[Ideucev8]

F1 steering box has the same spline as the 32, so you can use the 32 arm.
Phil

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 3W Hank

A friend brought me a Ford F-100 steeringbox today.

My idea has been use the std box but even if I'm more focus on look or older
ideas maybe if one stretch into the early 50's or before 55 both the F-100
box and hair pins might be something. Read its bigger than the F-1, but there is also the Hudsons.

One get ’new’ ideas and I has seen Dick Wades 3W 32. Cool car, has Okie axle,
hairpins and a Ford F-1 box.

The F-1 is 48-52 and the F-100 53-56 ( correct )

So whats the benefit use the F-1 instead of the F-100 in a 32 frame with FH.

I seen the input comes in from above on the F-100 ( as std 32 ) but the
F-100 it comes in under. I plan use the std angle vs dash.

How to get the 32 splines and use the 32 arm ?

[deuce lover]

Using the F1 will change the angle where it meets the 32 column drop so that you will have to figure out. New Hudson style steerings are being made by Neal in CA. He is on here as well as the Hamb. Fits perfectly and alignment is perfect. My buddy in Scotland just bought one and had it installed.Another solution is a 1980's Land Rover steering but not period correct. Krylon32 on here has one by Neal in his 32.

[3W Hank]

Just check so far.
I still might go std 32. But it depends on style or how I chose some parts.
Think the F-1 are more common for hotrods they but get another angle.
I think I dont want a new case just reseach how to get a 32 arm on it ( for now.
One here in Sweden said this is the best after a Hudson.
Whats benefit of the Hudson.
Price is low and fresh on this one.

[rich b]

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Looks like the F-100 box in your picture has had the output shaft cut square to fit a Model A pitman arm along with most of the flange cut away.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by rich b

Looks like the F-100 box in your picture has had the output shaft cut square to fit a Model A pitman arm along with most of the flange cut away.

Agreed. F1/F100 sectors are splined. F100 also had a pinch bolt on top of the pitman arm.

[hotcoupe]

Whats benefit of the Hudson.
Hank, the benefit of a Hudson steering box in a '32 - '34 chassis is a roller sector, 17:1 ratio and the orientation of the worm gear and sector is the same as a stock '32 steering box.
Tom

[Krylon32]

Put one of Neal"s 37 Hudson boxes in my deuce pickup years ago and it drove great and steered easy. Worth the money.

[glennpm]

1932 original ratio is 13:1.
Early '33s also had 13:1 but were then changed to 15:1 for the balance of the '33s and '34s. The 15:1 worm and sector pair fit perfectly in the '32 boxes.

The Hudson boxes have an 18:1 ratio as do the wonderful boxes that NealCA sells.

[3W Hank]

Yes this box has been in a A-Ford in La before.

I has a new set 34 worm, but this box F-100 is that 17;1?

-If I builed a new parts old shool hotrod I should call Neal direct.
All this old fuzz parts is a insane killer but its also fun.mi’m on the road, cant change it.
I saw one installed a 32 spline in F-100 on internet but not much info.

[32phil]

We have 5 of Neals F1 boxes in 32 fords. They make a tremendous difference in how these cars steer.
The F1 style box will take a 32 Pitman arm. It mounts the worm shaft under the sector, so it changes the angle of the steering column. The shaft winds up 1 inch lower from the original mounting point on the dash. This actually brings the steering wheel 1 inch closer to the driver's lap. I think it's more comfortable than a stock location.
The F1 box is definitely the way to go. If you get one from Neal, the flange will be modified to mount like the original 32 box using the stock holes in the 32 frame and you can order it with the provision to work the original light switch as well.

[3W Hank]

Neals F-1 is it old box or new cast ?
In this case I forward my look several times from prewar roadster to late 40 ’s 3w to get the 5W body and into 50’s.
If I go hairpins I can go F-100 but the F-1 sounds better if it drops collum 1” lower.
( I will use std collum.
I has all my Wings at Abbott’s in Portland ( so gauge is set ) and idea was to use my Hollywood panel. Its cool but some days it feel to wide ( vs change the 32 dash ) but if I like use the F-100 ( new flenge ) I can rotate it to where it will fit ( vs dash ) I dont like the gauges in a row.
So its about the dash issue to here.
Great look is the Aburn dash ( with panel )
I ask sine my buddy has this box over ( research for me.

[rich b]

Originally Posted by 3W Hank

Neals F-1 is it old box or new cast ?

New.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by rich b

New.

[glennpm]

What NealCA offers now is his own casting based loosely on a Hudson box.

[Ronnieroadster]

Hank if it was me I would simply use the F-1 box {I use them in all 4 of my Deuces} its much smaller than the F-100 and as others have posted the stock 32 arm fits perfectly.
An additional bonus of the F-1 box is the lower column location which is required if some how in the future you were to decide going to an ARDUN conversion which was designed in 1947.
Ronnieroadster

[3W Hank]

Ok make sense.
Thanks on all info.

[rich b]

Here's a picture of a F-100 box we put in a '32 that may help give you an idea of where it would live.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by rich b

Here's a picture of a F-100 box we put in a '32 that may help give you an idea of where it would live.

[3W Hank]

The F-1 has some good things, smaller, production 48-52, 32 steerarm can be used and same bolt pattern.
I guess performance is the same also as the F-100.
Feel like a uppgrade in a hotrod for early 50’s than use the std box.

So now comes steering wheel angle in a lower position.
How do people do, so they normally like that and use the std lenghts up to steering wheel ( or short it )
That means I need to put a adapter under my collum ( as angle is lower ) or it might be all Ok as if I use the Hollywood panel the dash needs to be wider.
What is the gap ca under dash ( std ) if use std collum and the F-1 box.

[3W Hank]

How much move the steering shaft down in a F-1 from the F-100 ( or std 32 box )
Look like 3” (?)
I measured my 32 dash and its 5.3/4 and the Hollywood panel is 5.3/4 so its 2”.
So dash with that set-up means a ca 2” wider dash.
Here is a example in a roadster in Sweden.
Do not know steering box in that car, look like a 34 collum (?)

[32phil]

The size of the spacer needed to mount the F1 box in a stock 32 is exactly 1'' square.
I use a piece of 1-inch square aluminum about 6 inches long. I drill 2 oversize holes to match the column drop holes. Then two 1.5 inch 5/16 24 Allen cap screws through the original dash mounting holes, through the aluminum into the column drop. The Allens make it easy to install and tighten.
I taper the ends of the spacer to blend it to the bottom of the dash. I put a high polish on the spacer itself, I don't like the look painted. The last three were machined turned to match the original gauge panel. I like that look too.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 3W Hank

How much move the steering shaft down in a F-1 from the F-100 ( or std 32 box )
Look like 3” (?)
I measured my 32 dash and its 5.3/4 and the Hollywood panel is 5.3/4 so its 2”.
So dash with that set-up means a ca 2” wider dash.
Here is a example in a roadster in Sweden.
Do not know steering box in that car, look like a 34 collum (?)

[3W Hank]

Found this Hudson 39.
Maybe a bolt on in a 32 ?
Is the 39 bigger than the ex 37 box ?
What design do Neal use ?

One guy build many hotrods in Sweden told me use the F100 as Way better angle on steering wheel, he was not found on the F1.
In a chopped coupe one sit low so better with a flatter angle, he mean, and then move it forward for better clearance on exhaust header.

[Tim Ayers]

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I would 100% lay out everything before you finalize anything. The further you go forward on the '32 frame rail, the narrower the rail gets.

Use the EXAXCT exhaust you plan to run for all fitting.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 3W Hank

Found this Hudson 39.
Maybe a bolt on in a 32 ?
Is the 39 bigger than the ex 37 box ?
What design do Neal use ?

One guy build many hotrods in Sweden told me use the F100 as Way better angle on steering wheel, he was not found on the F1.
In a chopped coupe one dit low so better with a flatter angle, he mean.
Then move it forward for better clearance on exhaust header.

[3W Hank]

On the headers, once set it up its better get more clearance even if header will be custom made.

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I would 100% lay out everything before you finalize anything. The further you go forward on the '32 frame rail, the narrower the rail gets.

Use the EXAXCT exhaust you plan to run for all fitting.

Wise words from Tim!


Use a modified F1 or one of Neal's new boxes.
Space is tight so avoid the F100.


Glenn

[3W Hank]

I saw this picture and it was from Neal and said in thread 37 ’only’ but not why, maybe 39 is bigger, or ?

I really not into the F-100 so the F-1 feels good and I will find clearance, but now this Hudson came out so went to see it.
Expensive but wanted to trade.

[glennpm]

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...2#post-3185444


Many posts by NEALINCA on the HAMB

[3W Hank]

I read several ( good info.

If ex Neal read this, or other knowledge person ; is the 39 wrong turning ?
This box if one turns right sector goes anti clickwise = correct Ford style.
-So I think seller told me wrong, its a 37 box, here is steering wheel.

[glennpm]

For a Left Hand Drive, LHD; turning the steering wheel CW rotates the Pitman arm CCW which pulls the drag link forward, turning the wheels to the right.

[hotcoupe]

Hank, original '37 Hudson steering boxes have the figures "A 04
30585" cast into the housing. That may help you confirm whether the box you have is a '37 or not.
Tom

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 3W Hank

I read several ( good info.

If ex Neal read this, or other knowledge person ; is the 39 wrong turning ?
This box if one turns right sector goes anti clickwise = correct Ford style.
-So I think seller told me wrong, its a 37 box, here is steering wheel.

[3W Hank]

Tom, good info thanks.
Get back tomorrow as I ask seller to check.
One thing confuse me as at Hamb I saw a picture of a 37 but it look indentical to this as was told be a 39.
But with the number it will tell.
I guess the 37 is smaller.

[3W Hank]

I notice the box I sas yesterday is a 39 and one see they had a extra cast rib to sector axle.
Why, the 39 had a extra 2” longer sector than the 37.
-As Neal has said, 37 ’only’ so now i know why plus the 39 is bigger.
But i think I found a 37 box ( 800 USD ) but its in a bad shape.
But good on Hudson is a tyny box and roller, steering wheel shaft comes in from above and as Neal showed in his pick-up ( big wheel ) the angle is to step use a F1 ( but I has a 15.5” Bell ) and my window is not tilted but I will sit low ( 3” chop 5W )
So the Hudson 37 might be the way to go but ( $ )
Se pictire of a 37 Hudson in Sweden ( = no extra rib to sector )

[3W Hank]

F1 and Hudson 37 on steering wheel angle.
One get the same results on std 32 or the F-100 box as the Hudson ( 37-39 )
Pictures from Neals pick-up.

[3W Hank]

I tested my F-100 än turn steering wheel to right ( CW ) but the sector axle must go anti CW as arm go back and ’drag’ the spindle = so car goes right ( just a note )

[3W Hank]

I found this from Neal 2011/Hamb.
He show a std 32 box and a 37 Hudson to right.

[3W Hank]

The 39 has the rib on sector axle ( se picture and the 39 I saw yesterday ) so that might been a 39 box or ?
I now saw both 37 and 39 boxes so sector is way longer on the 39 vs the 37.
Neal on picture say the Hudson has a longer sector ( talk 37 ) but the 39 has a longer.
The 37 has no rib to sector axle ( the one I saw anyway )

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 3W Hank

The 39 has the rib on sector axle ( se picture and the 39 I saw yesterday ) so that might been a 39 box or ?
I now saw both 37 and 39 boxes so sector is way longer on the 39 vs the 37.
Neal on picture say the Hudson has a longer sector ( talk 37 ) but the 39 has a longer.
The 37 has no rib to sector axle ( the one I saw anyway )

[hotcoupe]

Hank, I have an idea regarding modifying a steering box for your hotrod. Give me a call when you get a chance.
Tom

[FlatheadTed]

Back in about 2021 I put up a tutorial of how to fit a 1935 15 to one Worm and sector into a 32 box ,the best one is a Ford NOS type ,Contact me if more information is required , Ted

[3W Hank]

I has a 32 box and a new made 15 to one Worm ( old made repro / not China ?
My plans is get it in, but new plans is use the roller type ex Hudson.
I has try mail Neal or ask here on 37 vs the 39 ( indication ) but has so far never get the real answer to equation.

[3W Hank]

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I has locate up a ( 37 ) box and partnumner is what Tom said.
I still wait on the box ( 39 ? ) in Sweden on partnumber and lenghts from end of box to end of sector axle.
This 37 ( ? ) so far seems to be around 9.5”.
This might be good informarion for people as me get a Hudson box.
As told its the 37 but there are also the 39, and so far I think its tiny bigger and sector axle is longer.
Why that is not good for a 32 frame I can’t tell right now.
It would be very nice if Neal would explain some here on how and why.
On picture as what its told be a 37, but I saw 2 ( 37 ) in Sweden and both had not the rib on sector ( so its kind of confusing.
I do will find out one way or another why the 39 is not as ’good’ or why 37 is one year ’only’.

[Ronnieroadster]

I'm confused as to why your doing all of this when the F-1 steering box is the easiest, fastest and least expensive way to put a very good steering box on a Deuce frame.

Did I miss something about why you would be interested in making this such a hard thing to accomplish? I ask this question since I know for certain using the F-1 steering boxes on my Deuces has been easy - affordable and always work perfectly as well.
Ronnieroadster

[3W Hank]

Ron, you shore is right ! :- )
But the F-100 is made 54 and its bigger.
I shore could use it and a buddy has a F-1 I heard yesterday ( cheap and working ) but Hudson is cool and classic, so why not - plus information is never hard carry.
So I has locate up one 37.
I will be at LARS so I might find something there but I guess I go for this one.

[Ronnieroadster]

The Ford F-1 steering box came out in 1948 this detail adds to the cool factor for a period correct early Hot Rod build.
Ronnieroadster

[glennpm]

I don't understand why you are against an F-1 box.

Regarding the Hudson 1939 with a longer shaft than the '37 another ??
NealinCA posts on the HAMB, not here.


3" chop is too much. Any dip in the road or hill you won't be able to see out regardless of how low your seat is. You'll regret it.

[3W Hank]

Neal showed the angle from a F-1 to the Hudson.
But that can be fixed ( rotate a F-1 ) but Hudson is hotrod cool.
I can go either way, I has all options, std 32, F-100, F-1, Hudson.
Today a called a Hudson shop ( pro in USA ) and he said 37 is the same as 39 so I still ask why Neal said one year ’only’ (?)
The Swede find Hudson 39 ? ( is + 9” lenghts on sector from end of box to end of sector thread ) as the so call 1937.
( that’s why I reasach it )

( My coupe was chopped on the 50’s in USA as a dragcar and is to low, well its up the ones eye. Me I like it at 3”.
2” is nice but std is not look ok with no fenders
4-6 is cool to but the more than 4” is just race. ( my opinion )
Propotianal is say 3” is nice.
Look at the aword winning coupe Steday fast builed at 3”, look at the radical chop Hilton build ( 7” ) for a 5W customer so one is to judge.

[3W Hank]

My research goes on..
Today I visit again the guy who has several Hudson boxes.
We said the one we think is the 39 is the same as 37 but the 37 has part number A 04 and the 39 has B or D 05.
Both are same width 9” to end of sector axle, both has a rib cast on sector box case.
But he has another box that are only 8” and no cast rib.
Box house is the same but side mount flange is slightly different.
Then that box has the same diameter that the steering wheel tube goes on as a 32 Ford but the 37-39 box is bigger there on the diameter.
-So one can wonder what box that is ( year )
He think it’s a 37 ( or always thought so )
On picture you see the end of sector don’t look like a 39, this one ends at flange.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 3W Hank

My reseach goes on.
Today I visit again the guy who has several Hudson boxes.
We said the one we think is the 39 is the same as 37 but the 37 has partnumber A 04 and the 39 has B or D 05. Both are same widht 9” to end of sector axle, bot has a rib cast on sector box case.
But he has another box that are only 8” and and no cast rib.
Box house is the same but side plate is slightly dfferent.
Then that box has the same diameter that the steering wheel tube goes on as a 32 but the 39 box is bigger there on the diameter.
-So one can wonder what box that is ( year )
He think its s 37 ( or always thought so )
On picture you see the end of sector dont look like a 39, this one ends at flenge.

[3W Hank]

I think I has the answer.
This box that has the smaller steering wheel tube same as Ford 32 is a smaller car ( shorter wheelbase Hudson same yeaar 37-39 and that explain the shorter distance from 9 to 8 inch and house is the same ( and internal gears ) but castings is not really the same but as I hear it fit better a 32 Ford frame.
Now, need to find one.

[3W Hank]

I will go for a Hudson but to learn I’ll borrowed a F-1 box but its Big, bigger than the F-100, so is really a F-1, se partnumber aswell on it ( 33748(0?)14.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 3W Hank

I will go for a Hudson but to learn I’ll borrowed a F-1 box but its Big, bigger than the F-100, so is really a F-1, se partnumber aswell on it ( 33748(0?)14.