The Ford Barn

Nosetime · 11-21-2018, 08:48 AM

Anyone have any experience adapting a Fatman to the A? It looks like they were made for T's and other cars, but not specifically for the A? Thanks, Greg.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-22-2018, 11:53 AM

Since no one responded I will add some thoughts. I have two FM wheels, and both of them have just enough "play" to make them unnerving on my Ts. On a Model-A, I'm not so sure how most drivers would view that amount of 'slop' in the steering.

If you are still wanting to modify one, I would start with a metal slug and either broach it or bore a taper depending on the steering shaft type. Then bore the steering wheel to interference-fit the slug into the steering wheel using some Loctite Bearing Mount to glue it in, and then drill on the perimeter of the slug (50% of the drilled hole into the slug and 50% of the drill into the steering wheel) and insert 2 or 3 small roll pins to act as a sprag.

Chris Haynes · 11-22-2018, 01:08 PM

What would you do for a light switch?

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-22-2018, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

What would you do for a light switch?

The light switch would not be affected as it would still be located down on the end of the steering column. Are you asking how would you opera the light switch? I would insert the light switch rod right thru the center of the steering shaft and operate it normally.

Chris Haynes · 11-22-2018, 11:46 PM

The Fat Man wheels I have seen are too narrow to clear the light switch when opening/closing.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-23-2018, 01:43 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

The Fat Man wheels I have seen are too narrow to clear the light switch when opening/closing.

Both of mine would probably clear the control rod as-is, ...but if not, machine another knob with a diameter that will clear where you can knurl the knob, - then silver solder the tube to the knob.

Chris Haynes · 11-23-2018, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Both of mine would probably clear the control rod as-is, ...but if not, machine another knob with a diameter that will clear where you can knurl the knob, - then silver solder the tube to the knob.

Great idea. But out of my range of abilities.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-23-2018, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

Great idea. But out of my range of abilities.

Maybe so but not a prob!! That is when you find a buddy with a mill & lathe.

redmodelt · 11-24-2018, 12:32 AM

The T wheel is only 17" inches in diameter and has a down sweep. You might loose some of the steering leverage. Unless you have one on hand they go in the +/-$3-400 range for the Model T ones. The center hole is non-tapered and about 3/4" in diameter with one key way. It would sit higher on the steering column so would need a longer shaft on the light switch then I think any of the stock ones would work out of the box. Most of them, the steering spider would cover the center so you would not be able to take advantage of the tilting type if you wanted to keep the A light switch because you would not be able to lift the wheel up. If you could find on of the sliding types, that might work.

Nosetime · 02-27-2019, 09:51 AM

Thanks for the info Brent, I had forgot to check on this thread! My next tool purchase is going to be a lathe. I was considering the 3 in 1 type machine with a small work area, but after researching them I found they are not very well regarded. So, unless I find one for a song I will just save for a Southbend Model A.

11-21-2018, 08:48 AM	#1
Nosetime Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Huntington Beach, Calif Posts: 330	Adapting a Fatman steering wheel to A? Anyone have any experience adapting a Fatman to the A? It looks like they were made for T's and other cars, but not specifically for the A? Thanks, Greg.

11-22-2018, 11:53 AM	#2
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,519	Re: Adapting a Fatman steering wheel to A? Since no one responded I will add some thoughts. I have two FM wheels, and both of them have just enough "play" to make them unnerving on my Ts. On a Model-A, I'm not so sure how most drivers would view that amount of 'slop' in the steering. If you are still wanting to modify one, I would start with a metal slug and either broach it or bore a taper depending on the steering shaft type. Then bore the steering wheel to interference-fit the slug into the steering wheel using some Loctite Bearing Mount to glue it in, and then drill on the perimeter of the slug (50% of the drilled hole into the slug and 50% of the drill into the steering wheel) and insert 2 or 3 small roll pins to act as a sprag. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

11-22-2018, 01:08 PM	#3
Chris Haynes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA Posts: 2,832	Re: Adapting a Fatman steering wheel to A? What would you do for a light switch? __________________ 1921 Runabout 1930 Tudor Early 1930 AA Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?

11-22-2018, 11:46 PM	#5
Chris Haynes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA Posts: 2,832	Re: Adapting a Fatman steering wheel to A? The Fat Man wheels I have seen are too narrow to clear the light switch when opening/closing. __________________ 1921 Runabout 1930 Tudor Early 1930 AA Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?

11-24-2018, 12:32 AM	#9
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,341	Re: Adapting a Fatman steering wheel to A? The T wheel is only 17" inches in diameter and has a down sweep. You might loose some of the steering leverage. Unless you have one on hand they go in the +/-$3-400 range for the Model T ones. The center hole is non-tapered and about 3/4" in diameter with one key way. It would sit higher on the steering column so would need a longer shaft on the light switch then I think any of the stock ones would work out of the box. Most of them, the steering spider would cover the center so you would not be able to take advantage of the tilting type if you wanted to keep the A light switch because you would not be able to lift the wheel up. If you could find on of the sliding types, that might work. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

02-27-2019, 09:51 AM	#10
Nosetime Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Huntington Beach, Calif Posts: 330	Re: Adapting a Fatman steering wheel to A? Thanks for the info Brent, I had forgot to check on this thread! My next tool purchase is going to be a lathe. I was considering the 3 in 1 type machine with a small work area, but after researching them I found they are not very well regarded. So, unless I find one for a song I will just save for a Southbend Model A.