F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

I've just had a Ford Steering Box installed in my '31 Pickup. Unit from Mel Gross. What a difference it made -- can now steer one hand. Thinking of selling my bar-bells I've used for strengthen my arms!! The installation went well, however, I have about a finger size gap between the steering wheel and the Spark/Throttle controls as the shaft was about 3/4 inch difference -- this is not a problem for me -- Does make the wheel closer, but needed to lose weight anyway. Pickup's seats are already very close--

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

I have had one in my 29 Fodor about 4 years. Would not change back for anything. Love it. 82 years old & still touring several hundred miles a year. Steers like a dream.

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

Can you slide the column tube up some to get rid of the gap?

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

I guess if I did that (slide the tube) - the gap would then be in the engine bay. Not where I would want it to be. I'm fine where it is, but thought others might not be aware. This improvement allows me to drive the Pickup much more -

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

My recent install of the same has rendered the same result. It is of no consequence performance wise, but is noticeable. If one is to make that kind of modification, such a change is no big deal. I enjoy my F100 as well. Nice modification, and Randy is a real nice guy to do business with.

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

This question would be answered in a heartbeat by Randy. Shoot him a line.

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

Mr Flathead!! Randy Gross just called me this AM and suggested what you have said: "Slide the column tube--" Loosen the engine bay clamps and work the shaft into it's proper location closing the gap!! And then re-tighten everything -- sending me an email saying same thing as I want to forward to my Club. This was a service that surprised me. This guy is good!!

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

Randy is a great guy, I have dealt with him myself. Take his advice. :)

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

I knew Mel Gross for many years and he was a gentleman of the first order. About 20 years ago I bought an F100 steering box from him. After about 10 years it started leaking oil. He told me to pull it out and he would fix it for me. I told him I would rather go to the dentist than pull that box out.


Sometime after Mel passed away I came to know his son Randy, and discovered he lives down the street from me about 4 miles. Randy is also a gentleman of the first order.


I had the engine out of my Vic and one day he stopped by and insisted I pull the box out. With the engine out it was an easy task. He picked it up from me on a Friday evening on his way home from work and brought back Sunday after noon. And of course there was no charge.


Tom Endy

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

Good question.

It is getting harder to find F100 steering box cores. I have people all over the U.S. looking for them for us. As the saying goes, if you want something that bad, then you will find them but it might cost you more. This is the reason that we have had to raise prices on our ready to go steering systems. It is not our labor rate, but the cost of the cores and new internal parts. When and if the time comes, that we run out of sources for cores, then we might have to look at having them made. Being in the automotive aftermarket parts business for over 40 years, I have and know plenty of people and places to go to to make them. They will NOT be the same as EZ steer! In the meanwhile, keep on buying them from us! Thanks for all of your support!

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

I can remember when Mel was suggesting to my father to do this upgrade when he was changing out the engine and other worn parts. It was a huge difference. I miss Mel and my father, too great guys.

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

YES, Dino,
It's Hard to adjust to accepting the loss of GREAT Folks & Friends!
Bill Sad

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

Would like a quote on a f-1 steering box for my A
[email protected]

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

Call Randy, he will tell you the exact size muffler reducer adapter to weld on to the column. Cost is a few bucks at any auto parts store. I did mine, it is necessary if you want to close that gap, it looks horrible without the extension. It is not really noticeable at the box, just a slight step as the extension slides over the column, then the box.

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

As long as you are making MAJOR changes to the car, why not go a few steps further and just put a STOCK F100 box in? You can have self cancelling turn signals then also.
NO gaps in column.

You will need an ignition with built in advance to do this. (bolt in conversion)
If you carry this a bit further, you can install a side shift instead of a 39 gearbox and have a column shift also.

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

hmmm, I wonder if this is what my dad did? i've often wondered about that and many other mods apparent on his first Model A. Alas, I missed the window on asking him that and many other things. Anyone recognize the horn ring?

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

That's smile on his face says a lot.

Re: F-100 Ford Steering Box
 

Looks like '57ish Ford.

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i just purchased one and am looking forward to the ease of steering when i get it.
one question" it looks like the starter has to come out to get room to get the box and steering column out, my car is a coupe. any advise on how difficult it may be to get the assembly out of the car to work on it?

thank you for any advise... Don