Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

I want to send my steering column, along with fenders, running boards, and all other "black items" to the paint shop so today I removed it from the car. I know that the proper procedure is to remove the steering wheel and pull the column down and out from the front. However, the steering wheel is stubborn and I was hesitant to apply too much pressure for fear of destroying the wheel or the threads on the shaft so I decided to take the column out from the top. I had to remove the starter and disconnect the brake pedal allowing the pedal to drop forward. After that I was able to pull the column up and out with a bit of a struggle to twist and turn it to clear both pedal arms. I don't think I will be able to reverse this process without doing some damage to the finish on the column after it is painted. Has anybody else done this and would you recommend removing the clutch pedal from the shaft to provide the extra clearance? Is this difficult? Any other suggestions would be appreciated. The painter says he will just cover the steering wheel and paint the column. He doesn't want to risk damaging the wheel either.

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

https://youtu.be/er3gKmcWZJs
This video will show you how to get the wheel off.

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

I always remove clutch and brake pedals to get clearance and even then it is a struggle.
I suggest you wrap the column with something like cardboard to protect it from scratching when you are preparing to reinstall it.
Kevin

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

Kevin. Do the pedals come off very easily? Any tricks?

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

top down, pitman arm off, Starter out, both pedals off, column comes right out

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

To disassemble the clutch and brake pedals, you must first remove the "keeper" for lack of a better description. It is retained by a 1/4" pin with cotter key. You will have to crawl underneath with hammer and punch to push out that pin. Anything that has not been disassembled in 80+ years will fight back. Once this pin is out, the keeper will come off followed by brake and clutch pedals. Check the shaft for wear. This is a good time to replace the shaft as these do wear. Clutch and brake pedals have replaceable bushings which should be replaced too.
Kevin

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

“top down, pitman arm off, Starter out, both pedals off, column comes right out”

12 hours and busted knuckles later.........

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

No top yet, starter off, pitman arm off, all pluses!. Looks like just remove one pin and pedals and back in she goes! I'll let you know about the busted knuckles. Thanks for the help and encouragement. Took about an hour to take it out but I wasn't worried about scratches. Going back in will be a different story.

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

[QUOTE=fundytides;2028328] I'll let you know about the busted knuckles.[QUOTE]

Here ya go: https://www.bustedknucklerodandtruckmagazine.com/

Re: Steering Column Removal 31 Roadster
 

thanks for posting