The Ford Barn

Marshall V. Daut · 09-03-2017, 11:23 AM

I usually don't recommend changing to a modern steering box (such as offered by Randy Gross) because a properly rebuilt original Model A steering system with a couple upgrades (shortened pitman arm, teflon steering plugs) works very well and should not be stiff. The two-tooth design is better than the seven-tooth all the way around, but sometimes we're stuck with what the car is supposed to have (1928 to mid-1929 seven-tooths). But in your case, going the Randy Gross route might be best. Just be sure to keep your original steering unit for the next owner.
Since you have a '29 Cabriolet, your car could have either of these two designs. The early ones had the seven-tooth, while the later Cabriolets should have the two-tooth. Stiff steering is generally a complaint with the two-tooth design because they have been improperly adjusted or someone used chassis grease instead of the proper lube. If you have a seven-tooth system, there is not much you can adjust to ease steering, other than those two aftermarket upgrades I mentioned. A two-tooth box offers four adjustments to allow for wear and to make steering easier. Before you make the change to a modern steering box, determine which system you have. Then have a Model A guy make adjustments if you have a two-tooth. The stiff steering may just be as simple as making these adjustments and using the proper lube.
By the way, do not judge stiff steering while the car is sitting still. Unlike modern cars, you need to be moving in order for the steering to be relatively easy. Also, ensure your tire pressure is at least 34psi. Have the Model A guy check tie rod and drag link end plugs to make sure someone didn't over-tighten them in an effort to stop shimmying. The list goes on and on. There IS a reason your steering is stiff. Find it before buying a modern conversion. With everything checked out and you're still unhappy, then give Randy Gross a call, NOT the other guy offering nightmare conversions. (See the MANY complaints in Fordbarn's Discussion Board archives)
Marshall

wingski · 09-03-2017, 11:36 AM

Marshall, how do I identify the two tooth from the seven tooth? Since my body was manufactured 7-22-29, I know it's late, but i have no idea what everything else is.

mike657894 · 09-03-2017, 11:39 AM

while in movement my steering is very easy. you may need to work on your steering box. i have a 30.

09-03-2017, 11:23 AM	#1
Marshall V. Daut Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 2,626	Re: weak shoulders I usually don't recommend changing to a modern steering box (such as offered by Randy Gross) because a properly rebuilt original Model A steering system with a couple upgrades (shortened pitman arm, teflon steering plugs) works very well and should not be stiff. The two-tooth design is better than the seven-tooth all the way around, but sometimes we're stuck with what the car is supposed to have (1928 to mid-1929 seven-tooths). But in your case, going the Randy Gross route might be best. Just be sure to keep your original steering unit for the next owner. Since you have a '29 Cabriolet, your car could have either of these two designs. The early ones had the seven-tooth, while the later Cabriolets should have the two-tooth. Stiff steering is generally a complaint with the two-tooth design because they have been improperly adjusted or someone used chassis grease instead of the proper lube. If you have a seven-tooth system, there is not much you can adjust to ease steering, other than those two aftermarket upgrades I mentioned. A two-tooth box offers four adjustments to allow for wear and to make steering easier. Before you make the change to a modern steering box, determine which system you have. Then have a Model A guy make adjustments if you have a two-tooth. The stiff steering may just be as simple as making these adjustments and using the proper lube. By the way, do not judge stiff steering while the car is sitting still. Unlike modern cars, you need to be moving in order for the steering to be relatively easy. Also, ensure your tire pressure is at least 34psi. Have the Model A guy check tie rod and drag link end plugs to make sure someone didn't over-tighten them in an effort to stop shimmying. The list goes on and on. There IS a reason your steering is stiff. Find it before buying a modern conversion. With everything checked out and you're still unhappy, then give Randy Gross a call, NOT the other guy offering nightmare conversions. (See the MANY complaints in Fordbarn's Discussion Board archives) Marshall

09-03-2017, 11:36 AM	#2
wingski Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Cave Junction, Oregon Posts: 432	Re: weak shoulders Marshall, how do I identify the two tooth from the seven tooth? Since my body was manufactured 7-22-29, I know it's late, but i have no idea what everything else is.

09-03-2017, 11:39 AM	#3
mike657894 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Bay City Michigan Posts: 1,050	Re: weak shoulders while in movement my steering is very easy. you may need to work on your steering box. i have a 30.