The Ford Barn

Henry Hopper · 07-13-2013, 03:02 AM

While driving my coupe I have to slightly correct the steering as I drive, not much just a little bit and nothing like past early V8's Ive had.....it is like between just before and just after the 12 o clock position on the wheel.

If I went through all the steering joints and the box, what would be the actual goal to aim for? We're the cars from factory as tight as modern day steering or am I looking for something that didn't exist in the first place and the slight play in my steering is normal.....it really isn't too bad, I just like things to be right if possible.

I see that there are steering dampers available that attatch to the link rod for 32's etc, has anyone tried one on a heavier car, and if so , what difference does it make.I just want to make the driving as pleasant as possible.

Thank you .

FlatheadTed · 07-13-2013, 03:28 AM

Before you do any thing check the alignment centre tread to centre with a tape measure ,

Scott H in Wheaton · 07-13-2013, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry Hopper

We're the cars from factory as tight as modern day steering or am I looking for something that didn't exist in the first place and the slight play in my steering is normal...

Heck even a completely as-perfect-as-factory 1966 Mustang is nowhere as near as precise as modern day. I would assume the cars of the 1930's were even looser.

Henry Hopper · 07-13-2013, 10:21 AM

I took the coupe around to my mates garage this afternoon to get it in the air and have a check over underneath.......it is in great shape apart from a couple of minor fixes that need doing, broken drop link on offside rear,the grease fittings all needed greasing,front wheel bearing needed adjustment,nearside rear tyre has a crack right around it, but other than that it was fine.

Russ dug out his old dust covered tracking gizmo and we checked the toe- in...it was spot on at 1/16"

mike42 · 07-14-2013, 01:28 AM

Sweet looking Coupe ! It's funny to see steering on right side.

Mike

Henry Hopper · 07-14-2013, 02:37 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks Mike, the car was originally made for the South African market and came over to England around twenty years ago ,so I was led to believe.It is a mirror image in every way to the US version.

mike42 · 07-14-2013, 05:07 AM

Very nice !!

07-13-2013, 03:02 AM	#1
Henry Hopper Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: N.W.England Posts: 439	Optimum steering potential... While driving my coupe I have to slightly correct the steering as I drive, not much just a little bit and nothing like past early V8's Ive had.....it is like between just before and just after the 12 o clock position on the wheel. If I went through all the steering joints and the box, what would be the actual goal to aim for? We're the cars from factory as tight as modern day steering or am I looking for something that didn't exist in the first place and the slight play in my steering is normal.....it really isn't too bad, I just like things to be right if possible. I see that there are steering dampers available that attatch to the link rod for 32's etc, has anyone tried one on a heavier car, and if so , what difference does it make.I just want to make the driving as pleasant as possible. Thank you .

07-13-2013, 03:28 AM	#2
FlatheadTed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,705	Re: Optimum steering potential... Before you do any thing check the alignment centre tread to centre with a tape measure , __________________ http://www.flatheadted.com Flathead Ted brake Floaters ,

07-13-2013, 10:21 AM	#4
Henry Hopper Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: N.W.England Posts: 439	Re: Optimum steering potential... I took the coupe around to my mates garage this afternoon to get it in the air and have a check over underneath.......it is in great shape apart from a couple of minor fixes that need doing, broken drop link on offside rear,the grease fittings all needed greasing,front wheel bearing needed adjustment,nearside rear tyre has a crack right around it, but other than that it was fine. Russ dug out his old dust covered tracking gizmo and we checked the toe- in...it was spot on at 1/16" Last edited by Henry Hopper; 07-13-2013 at 10:26 AM.

07-14-2013, 01:28 AM	#5
mike42 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Gaylord, Michigan Posts: 1,606	Re: Optimum steering potential... Sweet looking Coupe ! It's funny to see steering on right side. Mike

07-14-2013, 02:37 AM	#6
Henry Hopper Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: N.W.England Posts: 439	Re: Optimum steering potential... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks Mike, the car was originally made for the South African market and came over to England around twenty years ago ,so I was led to believe.It is a mirror image in every way to the US version.

07-14-2013, 05:07 AM	#7
mike42 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Gaylord, Michigan Posts: 1,606	Re: Optimum steering potential... Very nice !!