The Ford Barn

Bob from Northport · 04-11-2023, 05:28 PM

Has anyone had trouble getting the correct size horn rod for a specific year steering system?? Got two from one supplier and they were junk. Made too long.

Gary WA · 04-11-2023, 08:50 PM

Checked the length?

rotorwrench · 04-12-2023, 11:06 AM

A lot depends on which type of steering the car has and the approximate month of manufacture in some cases. The first units made for the 1930 models were short like the 1929 2-tooth models that preceded them but that only lasted a bit over a month before they grew an inch in length.

Some folks have complained about having to sand and file on the horn/light switch tubes to get them to fit in the steering shaft. If there is any sort of bend in the tube it can make it difficult to not only get it in there but it will also turn with the steering wheel which is not good.

Manuel · 04-17-2023, 11:03 PM

Does anybody have the lengths of later rods? Just in case we find one at a swap meet. I know the handle/knob differs on them.

Mel Gross · 04-18-2023, 07:37 AM

A-3616-br 45 3/4" 1928/29
a-3616-cr 45" 1928/29
a-3616-fr 45 3/4" 1930/31
a-3616-gr 44 31/32" 1930/31
a-3616-h 45 31/32" 1930/31
b-3616 42 1/2" 1932
b-3616-bb 43 1/2 1932/34 truck

Y-Blockhead · 04-18-2023, 08:46 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel Gross

A-3616-br 45 3/4" 1928/29
a-3616-cr 45" 1928/29
a-3616-fr 45 3/4" 1930/31
a-3616-gr 44 31/32" 1930/31
a-3616-h 45 31/32" 1930/31
b-3616 42 1/2" 1932
b-3616-bb 43 1/2 1932/34 truck

Good info Randy.

Flathead · 04-18-2023, 09:21 AM

I always wondered how 1/32 of an inch would matter on something like this, is it really that precise?

Bob from Northport · 04-18-2023, 09:26 AM

Yes. Precise measurement is the answer. I ordered a repop rod and when it arrived, the rod measures 46 3/16". It was an H rod, which was supposed to be 45 31/32". When I tried to install the rod, it pushed the horn button end out of the steering wheel. The supplier said they are having serious problems with the ones they are receiving. That was the problem I tried to convey when I first wrote in. Thanks to the guys who have answered

Manuel · 04-18-2023, 10:25 AM

Thanks for that handy info.

04-11-2023, 05:28 PM	#1
Bob from Northport Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 215 E. 6th Street Northport, Michigan 49670 Posts: 941	Horn rod-light switch rod question Has anyone had trouble getting the correct size horn rod for a specific year steering system?? Got two from one supplier and they were junk. Made too long. __________________ Bob from Northport Northport, Michigan

04-11-2023, 08:50 PM	#2
Gary WA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island Posts: 4,106	Re: Horn rod-light switch rod question Checked the length? __________________ www.whidbeymodelaclub.com Last edited by Gary WA; 12-30-2023 at 02:36 PM.

04-12-2023, 11:06 AM	#3
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Horn rod-light switch rod question A lot depends on which type of steering the car has and the approximate month of manufacture in some cases. The first units made for the 1930 models were short like the 1929 2-tooth models that preceded them but that only lasted a bit over a month before they grew an inch in length. Some folks have complained about having to sand and file on the horn/light switch tubes to get them to fit in the steering shaft. If there is any sort of bend in the tube it can make it difficult to not only get it in there but it will also turn with the steering wheel which is not good.

04-17-2023, 11:03 PM	#4
Manuel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ACT Australia Posts: 507	Re: Horn rod-light switch rod question Does anybody have the lengths of later rods? Just in case we find one at a swap meet. I know the handle/knob differs on them.

04-18-2023, 07:37 AM	#5
Mel Gross Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 909	Re: Horn rod-light switch rod question A-3616-br 45 3/4" 1928/29 a-3616-cr 45" 1928/29 a-3616-fr 45 3/4" 1930/31 a-3616-gr 44 31/32" 1930/31 a-3616-h 45 31/32" 1930/31 b-3616 42 1/2" 1932 b-3616-bb 43 1/2 1932/34 truck

04-18-2023, 09:21 AM	#7
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,499	Re: Horn rod-light switch rod question I always wondered how 1/32 of an inch would matter on something like this, is it really that precise?

04-18-2023, 09:26 AM	#8
Bob from Northport Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 215 E. 6th Street Northport, Michigan 49670 Posts: 941	Re: Horn rod-light switch rod question Yes. Precise measurement is the answer. I ordered a repop rod and when it arrived, the rod measures 46 3/16". It was an H rod, which was supposed to be 45 31/32". When I tried to install the rod, it pushed the horn button end out of the steering wheel. The supplier said they are having serious problems with the ones they are receiving. That was the problem I tried to convey when I first wrote in. Thanks to the guys who have answered __________________ Bob from Northport Northport, Michigan

04-18-2023, 10:25 AM	#9
Manuel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ACT Australia Posts: 507	Re: Horn rod-light switch rod question Thanks for that handy info.