Steering Column Adjustment
 

I'm trying to set the spark timing and when I move the steering column lever, the upper point plate control arm contacts one side of the opening of the distributor but not the other.
How do I rorate the steering column? The bolts that hold the steering box to the frame hold everything rigid. Or do I need to shim the steering box to rotate the column?
I am very new to this stuff, ok maybe no experience, but I'm still having fun.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

What year car?

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

It depends on which steering box you have. Early boxes, seven tooth, cannot be adjusted in that respect. With two tooth, loosen the clamp bolt just above the gear box and rotate the outer sleeve portion accordingly. Tighten the clamp when finished.

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

Its my understanding that if the car is a 28-29, there is not adjustment to the steering column. On the 30-31 there is a clamp just above the steering box that you can loosen and then turn the steering column and move the control arm. Anyway that's how my 30 is.

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

Year 1929 with a 7 tooth gearbox. So with that going against me whats my other options? I could make a little coupler with set screws and cut the linkage arm in 2 and adjust it that way but I like to keep things original.

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

1929 7 tooth gearbox

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

Turn the whole steering column.

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

If it were my car, I would slightly "tweak" the end of the control arm. A small amount of bending of the ball end will not be noticeable when the hood is up but will make a change in how it indexes the upper plate. Another option, change out the long control rod as it may be short or long.
Good Day!

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

Ok, at least I'm not missing the obvious, I'll try that and see how it turns out.
Thanks again!

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

Parts houses have small collars with set screws you can use to modify the length of the control rods.

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

In the Snyder's catalog it's called a "spark rod sleeve."

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

Thanks JBill, thats a big help!
I joined the Ford Barn forum sometime back but forgot about it. It's turning out to be a big help and its fun having individuals out there willing to share their knowledge for the sake of having a passion for the Ford Model A!!

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

Make sure u have correct length rods, do it properly, loosen clamp inside also,rotate.

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

I did what Dave suggests in post #8
Take the control rod off of the arm on the steering column and using a pliers tweek the ball and arm in the direction necessary to get full travel. It will move rather easily. Move it a little at a time until you get it to where it needs to be. That way you won't be moving it back and forth weakening the metal.

Re: Steering Column Adjustment
 

After market arms are made of pot metal which doesn't bend well. The Ford arms are made of steel, be careful that the ball hasn't been partially cut away by the action of the rod movement over the years.