Paint steering column and drop

[jerry grayson]

I would like to hear how some of you reassemble the drop on the column after painting without scraping the paint. I know how I do it, but some of you may have a better way.

[Tim Brown]

I put them together first, then paint it..

[John Mc]

I'd paint it first, but with the knowledge that it will again ahave to be painted post assembly.

[Lawson Cox]

I paint it, then tap a wooden wedge into the space that divides the circle, wrap a piece of paper or thin cardboard or plastic around the tube, gently slide the column drop up the tube/cardboard till it is positioned properly, then remove the paper/cardboard/plastic and tighten it down.

[51 MERC-CT]

In the past I have done which has been previously stated. Remove the pinch bolt, wedge the split open, wrapped a sheet of .005 or thinner mylar (plastic) around column to install.

[jerry grayson]

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That is the way I do it, but I thought someone may have a better way!!

[GaryU.]

Used some plastic around tube today and worked great.My rebuilt column drop with working steering lock is fully functioning and back on steering box.Another thing done on my '39 pickup.Thanks for all the tips and info.

[B-nut]

This 1932 model B had a heavy paper or thin cardboard roll snug around the lower tube from fire wall down to clinch bracket when I first bought the car in 1968. I remember well pealing the oil soaked cover off to expose perfect glossy paint underneath.The car came from its original owner. Isn't it probable that such protective covers were used at the factory?

[jerry grayson]

Originally Posted by B-nut

This 1932 model B had a heavy paper or thin cardboard roll snug around the lower tube from fire wall down to clinch bracket when I first bought the car in 1968. I remember well pealing the oil soaked cover off to expose perfect glossy paint underneath.The car came from its original owner. Isn't it probable that such protective covers were used at the factory?

The paper cover around the steering column installed at the factory was to protect the column during the assembly process. The steering gear including the column and wheel was installed before the firewall or body dropped down on the assembly line and then other parts were installed like the brake and clutch pads, wireing and etc.

[flathead48]

I put a piece of wax paper between the 2 pieces, slides easy and no scratches. Thanks

[46fatford]

I tried installing my column drop today on my newly painted column and even after driving a wedge in it scraped the paint off the lower part of the column. It appears that the column lock plunger as well as the drop itself are rubbing. I don't think I can just use paper or similar. my drop is just so tight around the column tube. Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks
Matt

[Lawson Cox]

Use a larger or longer wedge. Be gentle.

[jerry grayson]

Originally Posted by Lawson Cox

Use a larger or longer wedge. Be gentle.

I know that they were painted separately at the factory; just look at the shinny black paint under the column drop after you remove it from the tube.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by jerry grayson

I know that they were painted separately at the factory; just look at the shinny black paint under the column drop after you remove it from the tube.

I think some issues are found today in that the paint being applied is much thicker than the authentic (very thin).

[flatheadfan]

I tried a lot of different ways and the best (for me), is to paint the top 1/3, leave the bottom in prime. Wedge open the drop's left side and slide it up to its' needed position (the drop has been previously painted). By having paint under the drop allows some movement of the column to get a minimal clearance between the tube and the steering wheel flare without having to look at prime. Once I am satisfied with the location I remove the wedge and paint the bottom part of the tube.

The reason I like this method is that I often have body filler in the tube to fill up dents. The filler may look perfect but any high spots will be quickly found when you slide the drop up.

If movement of the drop leaves a paint scar in the column/drop juncture which can be seen, I just paint a 1/8" strip of pinstripe tape the column color an wrap it around the juncture thereby covering the scar. If done carefully the repair can't be noticed.

Finally, after everything is done, I take a couple of old cardboard paper towel rolls, split them and paint them the column color. I put them under the lower portion of the steering column to protect it from scuffing. It is easy on and easy off for display.

Tom

[earlyv8]

Greetings

The easiest method I have found is to take a bolt same thread as the drop, cut the threads off for about the first 3/4". Then place a piece of sheet metal in the gap of the clamp, screw the modified bolt in from the opposite direction till it starts pushing the clamp yoke apart.

Do not spread more than necessary as you don't want to break the clamp yoke.

Hope this works, as it works for me.

Jack

[john in illinois]

That is a slick way to do it. Thanks.

John

[DavidG]

I've used a wedge and strong, glossy paper many times and have avoided paint problems on the tube. Mike's correct that we are working around greater paint thicknesses than the original (on both the tube and on the steering column bracket).

[46fatford]

Update:
I got my column drop right on without causing anymore scratches. I sanded the paint off the inside of the column drop, and sprayed the column with non stick cooking spray. It slid right on. The cooking spray wiped right off with a towel. It couldn't have been any easier.
Matt