The Ford Barn

corndog · 02-12-2015, 10:18 AM

I need some help on how to remove the column drop on a 34 Ford steering column...and I dont have a key to the ignition switch. I have removed the one "headless" bolt that holds the two halves together. It is loose now but wont slide up or down on the tube. I am sure it is still hooked to the steering shaft somehow and that what I need to know. How do I free it up from the shaft with out ruining anything or cutting the shaft. Thanks in advance for any help. I can provide pictures if needed.

Paul

Terry,OH · 02-12-2015, 10:36 AM

The column tube has a oblong hole for the lock bolt to enter the tube. Look inside the column tube to see if part if the lock bolt is still retaining the drop in this hole. You either have to remove the lock cylinder (best: by removing the small retaining pin on the bottom of the drop) or depress the center of the lock bolt (spring loaded) with a rigid wire, then you should be able to get it to move on the column tube. If the drop is locked you will have to remove the lock cylinder or cut off the column, because the lock bolt will be extended into the column too far to remove the drop.

JM 35 Sedan · 02-12-2015, 01:39 PM

I usually lightly tap a very small steel wedge into the slot on the drop near where that headless bolt was located. A small flat blade screw driver will also work as a wedge.This will help open the collar part of the drop slightly allowing it to slide more freely off the column tube.

Kurt in NJ · 02-13-2015, 09:29 AM

If it is in the "locked" position you need to unlock it before it will come off
without a key you will have to remove the pin that holds the lock cylinder in, remove the lock cylinder and move the locking shaft to the unlocked position--then the above mentionede methods will allow the assemble to slide off

the pin can be drilled and tapped for a small screw to pull it out

earlyv8 · 02-14-2015, 10:38 AM

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FWIW
I take a thin piece of sheet metal, place it in the slot and use a 5/16" fine threaded bolt screwed in the threaded side of the column drop. When you tighten the bolt it will push the sides apart making the drop easier to remove. Be careful of too much pressure as you do not want to break the drop.
But you need to retract the column lock plunger to allow the drop to be removed from the tube.
JM2cents.
Jack

02-12-2015, 10:18 AM	#1
corndog Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: northern Indiana Posts: 1,630	removing 34 Ford column drop from tube I need some help on how to remove the column drop on a 34 Ford steering column...and I dont have a key to the ignition switch. I have removed the one "headless" bolt that holds the two halves together. It is loose now but wont slide up or down on the tube. I am sure it is still hooked to the steering shaft somehow and that what I need to know. How do I free it up from the shaft with out ruining anything or cutting the shaft. Thanks in advance for any help. I can provide pictures if needed. Paul __________________ Unspoken gratitude is helpful to no one.

02-12-2015, 10:36 AM	#2
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,187	Re: removing 34 Ford column drop from tube The column tube has a oblong hole for the lock bolt to enter the tube. Look inside the column tube to see if part if the lock bolt is still retaining the drop in this hole. You either have to remove the lock cylinder (best: by removing the small retaining pin on the bottom of the drop) or depress the center of the lock bolt (spring loaded) with a rigid wire, then you should be able to get it to move on the column tube. If the drop is locked you will have to remove the lock cylinder or cut off the column, because the lock bolt will be extended into the column too far to remove the drop. Last edited by Terry,OH; 02-13-2015 at 09:53 AM.

02-12-2015, 01:39 PM	#3
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,876	Re: removing 34 Ford column drop from tube I usually lightly tap a very small steel wedge into the slot on the drop near where that headless bolt was located. A small flat blade screw driver will also work as a wedge.This will help open the collar part of the drop slightly allowing it to slide more freely off the column tube. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein* Last edited by JM 35 Sedan; 02-12-2015 at 01:45 PM.

02-13-2015, 09:29 AM	#4
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,556	Re: removing 34 Ford column drop from tube If it is in the "locked" position you need to unlock it before it will come off without a key you will have to remove the pin that holds the lock cylinder in, remove the lock cylinder and move the locking shaft to the unlocked position--then the above mentionede methods will allow the assemble to slide off the pin can be drilled and tapped for a small screw to pull it out

02-14-2015, 10:38 AM	#5
earlyv8 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 62	Re: removing 34 Ford column drop from tube Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) FWIW I take a thin piece of sheet metal, place it in the slot and use a 5/16" fine threaded bolt screwed in the threaded side of the column drop. When you tighten the bolt it will push the sides apart making the drop easier to remove. Be careful of too much pressure as you do not want to break the drop. But you need to retract the column lock plunger to allow the drop to be removed from the tube. JM2cents. Jack