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Old 06-12-2018, 08:45 AM   #1
TomballMottershaw
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Default steering box mounting frame holes

I have an A with 2 Tooth box,
the box moves... when you use the steering wheel.

I'm guessing the holes on the frame are "waller'ed'" out ( oval )

besides welding it up and re-drilling the holes in the frame,
is there a method to repair this that's simpler ?
like bushings around the bolt or special filler washer ?

I'm just trying to get this car so it can be in the 4th July parade...
I just got the engine out now, so I have some room work.

I'm thinking that this is not a good spot to use JB-Weld.
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Old 06-12-2018, 08:59 AM   #2
SeaSlugs
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

Might try to make a bushing the thickness of the frame rail then use a heavy washer on the outside under the nut. Might have to drill the frame rail holes more round to make a good bushing. Not as good as welding and redrilling but much easier.

Or might look into going the next size up im metric sizes and see if you can get a tighter bolt fit and really snug em up.
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Old 06-12-2018, 09:03 AM   #3
Bill in NJ
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

I had the same problem with mine. The nuts were not tight enough to frame. Took the cotters pins out and tightened the bolts and that solved it.. ( for me) Put new cotter pins back in.
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Old 06-12-2018, 05:00 PM   #4
duke36
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

Drill frame holes out to next round size and use lip or non lip bushings
(Acme Industrial), or steel (not plastic) bushing from big box or hardware stores with i.d.hole to fit steering box bolts. Cut it to fit frame rail thickness.
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:55 AM   #5
TomballMottershaw
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

for reference, attached are my over sized frame holes for the steering box.
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File Type: jpg steeringbox_frame_holes2.JPG (48.7 KB, 224 views)
File Type: jpg steeringbox_frame_holes.JPG (46.5 KB, 201 views)
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:17 AM   #6
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

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If you use bushings, fabricate them from steel with a wall thickness of 0.13". The wall needs to be seamless. The ID should be a line fit to the steering mounting bolts. Open the holes in the frame using the a sector shaft housing as a hole locating tool. The bushings should be a light press fit into the frame.
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:18 AM   #7
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

You might try fitting the spacer bushings used in the original style front radius ball mounting kit. With a little rattail filing of the holes in the frame, you might be able to slip the spacers in so that the bolts will tighten up against the frame. The steering box bolts are the same 3/8" size as the longer, special wishbone mounting bolts. If the spacers fit inside the enlarged frame holes after some judicious rat tail filing, simply cut thinner wafers from the spacers and possibly Crazy Glue them in place so that they don't come out while assembling the steering box and bolts to the frame.
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:19 AM   #8
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

I was typing while Bob was posting. Similar thought process, though, just a different way of arriving at the same destination.
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:19 AM   #9
Brentwood Bob
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

What I did was trace the pattern from the factory holes in the passenger/right frame. Weld up the driver side one hole at a time, use the pattern after transfer to plate steel. Bolt pattern in place. Drill a pilot hole and finish to final hole diameter. Now bolt plate to finished bolt hole after welding up the other hole and do other hole. And since it is now summer do the work outside under a big tree
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:48 AM   #10
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

I would just do as Bill in NJ did. You might also think about installing a late '31 style of brace at the top of the steering column. I think these are available from Snyders?
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:58 AM   #11
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

I'd do the same as Brentwood Bob. When you get your pattern made, compare it to the steering box. Get a thick piece of copper and clamp it to the opposite side of the frame when welding. Grind your weld smooth and do the same procedure for the opposite side. Buy new bolts and nuts from Snyder's.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/s...x-mounting-set

The nuts go on the outside of the frame, not enough clearance on the gear box side for the nuts, unless the steering box is worn. Get them gooden tite and replace the anti rattler.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/s...n-anti-rattler

Make sure the clamp is drawn up all the way to the mount.

It would be a good idea to replace the pitman arm bolt also

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/pitman-arm-bolt
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Old 06-13-2018, 11:00 AM   #12
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Brierley View Post
I would just do as Bill in NJ did. You might also think about installing a late '31 style of brace at the top of the steering column. I think these are available from Snyders?
Jim will the brace for the late model fit a 28-29? The one they show that I've seen is for 30-31.
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Old 06-13-2018, 08:10 PM   #13
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

the holes are slotted some at the factory--this is to allow for slight differences in body positions at the upper mount
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Old 06-14-2018, 01:01 AM   #14
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ View Post
the holes are slotted some at the factory--this is to allow for slight differences in body positions at the upper mount
Yep, and I'd just make sure the mounting bolts are real tight.
Also make sure the pitman arm bolt is real tight.
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Old 06-14-2018, 08:14 AM   #15
TomballMottershaw
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

update, & resolved for now.
I agree the best solution is to weld the holes and re-drill, but this is not viable now.

I used the 12mm fine pitch thread bolts, with the nuts on the inside and a grade 8 lock washer under the head on the outside, I had to grind a bit off one nut's shoulder so it would fit next to the housing shaft.

I used an air impact driver to seat the nuts, as they had to driven into the sector shaft casting, the bolt head side lock washer will spread the load to a larger area of the frame. ( and the metric bolt head is large too )

not a "points" based solution, but it will keep the car pointed down the road.

next:
after testing, when the engine is back in I'll add some thread lock glue to keep them under full clamping power.

... how many metric threaded bolts on your A ?

thanks for the metric bolt suggestion!

regards
john.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg steering_box_outside2.jpg (62.0 KB, 121 views)
File Type: jpg steering_box_outside.jpg (59.5 KB, 112 views)
File Type: jpg steering_box_inside_nut.jpg (46.3 KB, 118 views)
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Old 06-14-2018, 10:00 AM   #16
fredski53
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

Aren't the hole enlongated from the factory? I thought this was due to the frame having different bodies and steering wheel angles.
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Old 06-14-2018, 10:41 AM   #17
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

Dennis, Not sure if the late brace will fit the 28-29, I kind of doubt it??? One could be made for them if you are a welder.
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Old 06-14-2018, 10:48 AM   #18
Brentwood Bob
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

Shorter Bolts would avoid interference with the pitman arm if the box decides to work loose.
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Old 06-14-2018, 11:01 AM   #19
TomballMottershaw
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

re: Bob B. --> I think when I do version #2 I'll cut the bolts shorter, I have them pointing inwards, so there is no change of interference.
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Old 06-14-2018, 11:39 AM   #20
Bob C
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Default Re: steering box mounting frame holes

You need to fabricate a plate to use the 31 column support in a 28-29.
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