[Marshall V. Daut]

For those Model A owners with closed cars, you CAN remove the light/horn tube without going to the trouble of also removing the steering column. First take off the light bail with switch, and then the spider retaining clip, the spider itself and spring from the bottom of the steering column. The light/horn tube should now be free to be pulled up.

Next, unscrew and remove the two odd-shaped bolts securing the lower clamp to the gas tank, pull off the lower clamp and pull down on the column a bit. Late 1931 columns are secured differently, but the concept is the same. You don't want to bend anything too much when pushing the steering column downwards, so just push it down far enough in order to place a small wooden or rubber block between the mast jacket and the gas tank bracket to keep it in place. This in effect lowers the angle of the steering column to facilitate tube removal. The column is long enough so that there is some flex ability here. Just don't overdo it.

For sedans, begin pulling the tube up and out of the steering jacket while slightly bending it downwards in an arc. Use a rag in the hand that is guiding the tube because it will be greasy. Keep the hand holding the tube up foot or two from the steering wheel so that you can control the bending process. The idea is to bend the tube only enough so that the portion with the light lever and horn button will be low enough to clear the headliner. Cover the upper portion with a rag, too, to keep any grease from rubbing against the headliner. You will feel when the rod is about ready to clear the steering column. Move your left hand down to where the rod will exit the steering shaft so that you can keep it from whipping once it clears the steering wheel. Simply reverse the procedure to re-install the rod after repairs have been made or a replacement rod installed. Any slight bending of the rod created by removing or installing will be eliminated by the steering shaft as the rod is seated. One person can do this alone, although it is easier with a helper.

For coupes, the process is a little more cumbersome, but doable. The rear window and frame must be removed, or in a Sport Coupe's case, the window flap raised and secured in the open position. Once the rear window and its frame have been removed, follow the same procedure as described for the sedan, but you will be pulling the tube sideways towards the open window instead of straight back. It sounds more difficult, but it's still a lot easier and faster than removing the steering column and everything in its way (floor mat, pedal trim plates and felts, upper floorboard, brake and clutch pedals, throttle control rod, negative battery cable, starter and starter rod, pitman arm and bolt, and two steering box bolts, which can be a BEAR to get out, especially if the wrong bolts were installed or the correct ones put in backwards).

I have successfully removed the light/horn rod in both kinds of body styles. 'Dunno about a closed cab pickup truck, though. 'Never tried that. No matter what body style, just don't bend the tube any more than is necessary to clear the head liner and you'll be fine. Think of how much time, effort and cussing you saved yourself doing it this way!
Marshall