The Ford Barn

Dave O · 11-30-2017, 02:35 PM

After installing the new steering wheel, the light switch turns with the wheel. is there a washer under the light switch handle that I have left out?

Great Lakes Greg · 11-30-2017, 03:02 PM

Yep. It is a little brass deal that goes on your light switch rod.

Marshall V. Daut · 11-30-2017, 03:09 PM

Most repo light switch rods are slightly thicker than originals, so that little brass collar that fits so nicely on original rods will not usually fit on new ones. I have found that if I just take 80 grit sandpaper and sand all round the area on the aluminum light switch rod where comes into contact against the steering shaft and steering wheel hub, the tightness is eased and the switch won't turn when the steering wheel does. Finish with 220, then 400 grit or finer. You may also want to take a rattail file and clean up the last 1/2" inside of the steering shaft. It can get distorted when removing the steering wheel or from heavy-handed hammer use with a "knocker". If you can move the rod up and down in the area contacting the shaft and wheel hub without it catching (before putting on the steering wheel), you should be o.k. Be sure to put some oil or grease on the last inch or two of the steering shaft.
Marshall

Paul Mike · 11-30-2017, 03:16 PM

Berts # A-3529 Horn Rod Upper Brass Bushing

Dave O · 11-30-2017, 08:00 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'm pretty sure I installed the bushing but I will double check. The horn rod is the orignal rod so there should not be any fitment issues. I may have found the culprit. The light switch fits inside a recess in the steering wheel. The recess is not concentric with the switch and appears to be catching the switch on one side. You might be able to see a gap in the lower left quadrant of the switch in the photo, but not on the other side. A little work with the Dremel sanding drum should do the trick.

Larry Jenkins · 11-30-2017, 09:45 PM

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Small, thin brass washer with a flange on the top. Pretty "dainty."

Tacoma Bob · 11-30-2017, 10:26 PM

Just went through this and I was lucky. The horn rod will not tolerate much of a bend. Easy does it.

RandyinUtah · 11-30-2017, 10:36 PM

You have found your problem and thanks for reporting back with the results. FWIW I had this same issue years ago with a repro wheel and just opened up the area where the light rod seats in the wheel.

11-30-2017, 02:35 PM	#1
Dave O Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Waxahachie, Tx Posts: 88	Steering Wheel Install - What did I do wrong? After installing the new steering wheel, the light switch turns with the wheel. is there a washer under the light switch handle that I have left out?

11-30-2017, 03:02 PM	#2
Great Lakes Greg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,369	Re: Steering Wheel Install - What did I do wrong? Yep. It is a little brass deal that goes on your light switch rod.

11-30-2017, 03:09 PM	#3
Marshall V. Daut Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 2,112	Re: Steering Wheel Install - What did I do wrong? Most repo light switch rods are slightly thicker than originals, so that little brass collar that fits so nicely on original rods will not usually fit on new ones. I have found that if I just take 80 grit sandpaper and sand all round the area on the aluminum light switch rod where comes into contact against the steering shaft and steering wheel hub, the tightness is eased and the switch won't turn when the steering wheel does. Finish with 220, then 400 grit or finer. You may also want to take a rattail file and clean up the last 1/2" inside of the steering shaft. It can get distorted when removing the steering wheel or from heavy-handed hammer use with a "knocker". If you can move the rod up and down in the area contacting the shaft and wheel hub without it catching (before putting on the steering wheel), you should be o.k. Be sure to put some oil or grease on the last inch or two of the steering shaft. Marshall

11-30-2017, 03:16 PM	#4
Paul Mike Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 28	Re: Steering Wheel Install - What did I do wrong? Berts # A-3529 Horn Rod Upper Brass Bushing

11-30-2017, 09:45 PM	#6
Larry Jenkins BANNED Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: East Central Iowa Posts: 1,275	Re: Steering Wheel Install - What did I do wrong? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Small, thin brass washer with a flange on the top. Pretty "dainty." __________________ Good enough.. Isn't.

11-30-2017, 10:26 PM	#7
Tacoma Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,025	Re: Steering Wheel Install - What did I do wrong? Just went through this and I was lucky. The horn rod will not tolerate much of a bend. Easy does it.

11-30-2017, 10:36 PM	#8
RandyinUtah Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 242	Re: Steering Wheel Install - What did I do wrong? You have found your problem and thanks for reporting back with the results. FWIW I had this same issue years ago with a repro wheel and just opened up the area where the light rod seats in the wheel.