changing steering wheel tips needed
 

I need to change the steering wheel on our Pepsi truck ... Should I have some other parts on hand for the light switch and horn rod or does this come apart fairly easily? As far as I can tell this assembly has not been apart for at least 35 years .. Any advise would be appreciated

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

The column will need to be removed from the truck. No special tools should be needed, but pressing the light switch spider up to remove the C clip and be hard on the hand. A special tool is made to help and is sold be the Model A parts houses.

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Thanks Tom .. I assume I need to remove the column to have enough room to pull out the light switch rod ?

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Correct

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Sounds like an interesting job .. Thanks Tom

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Soak the nut with Kroil for a couple of days before removal. Then soak the splines in the wheel. Parts suppliers sell a tool for removing the steering wheel, but I've always used a rubber hammer near the hub.

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Pepsi Mechanic - I am glad you made the post. I too am about to exchange steering wheels on my '31 Coupe, and am always looking for tips on how to make the job easier. The last one I did was about twenty years ago and us old guys often time forget some of the esoteric nuisances of the job. So it is with interest that I continue to watch the responses to your thread.

My steering wheel swap will take place in my late '31 Dlx. Coupe, with the roll-down rear window. I am hoping that with the rear window opened, that the job will be easier. Perhaps not as easy as doing it on my open car (no restrictions there) but my hope is that it may save me from having to pull the steering gear box off the frame.

Has anyone with a roll-down window swapped steering wheels ? If so, after you give your hints to Pepsi Mechanic, perhaps you can throw me a P.M. Or share your insights with other Wheel Swappers on this open forum.

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

I just removed and replaced the column in my coup and had to remove the clutch and brake pedals for clearance. This is no big deal but it will not come out otherwise. I'm sure the same applies to a truck.

Sewall Tyler

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

My rear window assembly (frame and all ) is removable ..I had to replace it as the old one ( made of wood) was rotten.. If I can remove the rod through the opening can I short cut the job without pulling the column? Will take all of 20 minutes to remove the rear window assembly

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Yes, but do a line of sight to make sure the horn rod will pull straight back and out the window opening without bending. It doesn't take much of a bend to make the rod stay bent and cause problems when reinstalled. Maybe by removing the tank clamp and loosening or removing the two frame bolts, it will clear the opening.

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

I am thinking it should work .. I am a little worried about removing the entire column , as far as I can tell,it has not been removed since day one .. Will check it out Monday ( on holidays this week ) I will order a wheel and likely a new switch rebuild kit .. Maybe even a rod .. Will see .. Thanks again for everyone's advise ..

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

I must say even though there is one true soda/pop, Dr. Pepper, that truck is a beauty.

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Thanks ... It really does POP ( excuse the pun ) out at you in the sunshine

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

If you loosen/remove the steering box bolts to tilt the column so the horn rod can slide out the rear window, another option would be to tilt the the column the other way and slide the horn rod out the open drivers door. Shouldn't have to remove the pedals in either case.

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Hello Harry,
Having that big rear window makes that an easy job, when I removed mine I just lowered it down past the pedals, removed the light switch rod and the wheel, then snaked it out the bottom, nice to know you are still active with the truck.
Regards Brian.

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Hey there Brian .. I am sure things will fit out the back window .. The AA has been a bit idle for a while .. Just myself showing interests in her .. The younger generation just don't have the time ..

Re: changing steering wheel tips needed
 

Well I finally had a chance to check my steering wheel to see if it splined through the gap between the wheel and throttle lever.. It appears to be splined... Just playing it safe before I order my wheel, how many splines are there in a splined wheel? Looks like a fairly coarse spline