|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
04-08-2019, 01:18 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC
Posts: 3,386
|
35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Greetings Everyone.
I need the horn rod out of my '35 Fordoor. To do that I want to lower the steering column to avoid damage to the fragile horn rod. Two bolts originally held the column drop to the dash. One of them was designed as an anti-theft device and the head of the bolt was broken off at manufacture (as I understand it). My question is what techniques have worked for you to get this headless bolt out? I've gotten a couple of suggestions from my support group, but before I get medieval on it I thought I'd throw it out here for discussion. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful replies! P.S. In the first pic you can see a dust-covered wheatback penny sitting between the two bolts, didn't get a chance to check it out closely yet but I can't imagine how it came to be there, or how long it was in there!
__________________
-Jeff H Have you thought about supporting the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum? |
04-08-2019, 03:14 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 642
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Cut ir off with a hacksaw Blade & then unscrew the other bolt !!! kerk
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
04-08-2019, 03:46 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: North Pole, Alaska
Posts: 2,646
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
I would clean the top of it, lay a nut on top of it then weld it with a Mig, it would come right out.
|
04-08-2019, 03:57 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Powell, TN
Posts: 2,500
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
penetrating oil first, top and bottom then ignition plyers. Maybe a small chisel to get it started turning.
|
04-08-2019, 04:17 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tinley Park Ill
Posts: 1,053
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Use a hacksaw to cut a grove in the bolt. then use a screw driver to remove the bolt. Penetrating oil is your friend
This worked on my 40 |
04-08-2019, 04:17 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tinley Park Ill
Posts: 1,053
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
04-08-2019, 04:21 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tinley Park Ill
Posts: 1,053
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
I just looked at your pictures. You may get lucky and can cut the groove in the bottom of the bolt. I had to do mine from the top, but it still worked
|
04-08-2019, 04:22 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oamaru, New Zealand
Posts: 414
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
I drill a hole in the centre... a good soak of penetrating oil,then use an ez out.
|
04-08-2019, 05:56 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 8,893
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
If you can apply a locking plier to it, that's the easiest method. If not, cut a slot and use a short, wide blade screw driver.
Lord knows I've removed many. Every one has been removed with one or the other method I'd mentioned.
__________________
"I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you". |
04-09-2019, 08:26 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland
Posts: 10,856
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
If you decide to use a hacksaw to cut that bolt between the bottom of dash and top of column drop, be very careful you don't mess up your column drop mounting like the one in attached pictures. I bought a complete steering column and didn't notice this damage until I got it home.
Unfortunately, some folks should not be working on these old cars, IMO. Also, be careful using the easy out method. They break very easily, and then your real problems begin.
__________________
John "Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein |
04-09-2019, 05:49 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC
Posts: 3,386
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Thank you FordBarn'ers! I'll be working this out over the next couple of days (he said confidently).
I'll try to get some pictures. Whatever happens, I sure hope I don't end up with something destroyed like this...
__________________
-Jeff H Have you thought about supporting the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum? Last edited by VeryTangled; 04-09-2019 at 05:56 PM. |
04-09-2019, 06:43 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,247
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
That ain't destroyed. A little careful work with "JB WELD", and it'll be as good as new (after paint). The important thing is that there are no real structural problems to deal with.
|
04-09-2019, 08:12 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC
Posts: 3,386
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
To me, that IS destroyed. JB Weld is nowhere on my cars, so far, fingers crossed. Steering stuff, to me, qualifies as structural.
Sorry for being a little salty tonight.
__________________
-Jeff H Have you thought about supporting the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum? |
04-09-2019, 08:52 PM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: sw minnesota
Posts: 4,529
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
and, it looks like it was a lot of work to do that much destruction. i do the "weld on a nut" theory myself.
|
04-10-2019, 08:56 AM | #15 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,247
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Quote:
The satisfaction of completing a successful "bring back" usually far exceeds the money saved by not having to buy a new piece. You should try it some time. |
|
04-10-2019, 11:31 AM | #16 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 8,893
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Quote:
My personal issue is I have a difficult time seeing a part repaired that way as little more than a pig in a dress. That pig might look nice, but it's still a pig. Properly restoring a vehicle, anything for that matter, is to recreate the beauty throughout the piece, not simply what can be visually seen.
__________________
"I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you". Last edited by Kube; 04-10-2019 at 12:52 PM. |
|
04-10-2019, 07:01 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,247
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
"Kube" - As I said, "to each his own". You seem to be a guy whose main interest is 1000 point restorations. I think that's great. I love to look at them in museums. However, I don't think most of the folks on this forum are that interested in show cars they can't drive. My "pig in a dress" might be the difference in getting a car on the road or not. I believe most of the guys on here are like me, just trying to get their car as good as they can and get it on the road. "Gold-Chainers" need not apply.
I stand by my statement. |
04-10-2019, 07:10 PM | #18 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 8,893
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Quote:
I'm not certain that I made my point clear in my last post... I know it's mostly just me... I was never able to make things "good enough". Lord knows there are many times, I wish I could. Methinks that would make life easier at times. On the plus side, I enjoy the challenge of what I do.
__________________
"I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you". |
|
04-10-2019, 08:35 PM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,247
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
"Kube" - I also respect your opinion. I really wish we could all afford to expend the time and money to do restorations to the standards that you ascribe to. Alas, for most of us mere mortals that are just trying to get our vehicles down the road, that's just not possible. My goal for the next summer is to get my '51 in shape to leave Minnesota, visit some friends in Iowa, stop by the Auburn meet, and continue east for several weeks to visit friends in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. A real "Dream Trip", in the tradition of "Old Henry". I just wish I can be as good a photographer as he is.
Hopefully, I will run into you somewhere along the way and we can continue this banter. Sly Stone said it best - "Different strokes for different folks" |
04-11-2019, 07:29 AM | #20 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: north,royalton ohio
Posts: 82
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
yes
|
04-11-2019, 07:35 AM | #21 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
Posts: 10,855
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Use vise grips on the threaded shank and twist it out little by little until you get a good grip on it. Slot idea works good too.
|
04-11-2019, 07:36 AM | #22 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 8,893
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Quote:
Good song, good message...
__________________
"I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you". |
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
04-11-2019, 08:11 AM | #23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland
Posts: 10,856
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Guys....please keep this post on track with suggestions for Jeff (VeryTangled) on how he might attack removing that break-off bolt holding the column drop/steering column to the dash. If you want to "banter" on other subjects, you could always use PM's.
The damaged column drop, that I posted pictures of in an earlier reply, will be properly repaired to be as good as original....but NOT by using JB Weld.
__________________
John "Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein |
04-11-2019, 09:39 AM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: North Pole, Alaska
Posts: 2,646
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
So, did you get it out yet?
|
04-11-2019, 12:55 PM | #25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Yucaipa, CA
Posts: 1,091
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
I bought this at a swap meet 30-year's ago, not having a clue what it was used for? It said K.R. Wilson on it so I was hoping it was some kind of Ford tool? I'm pretty sure its for taking out the anti-theft bolt. If I turn the outer nut it pushes those teeth forward and they would bite into the broken bolt. Then the bigger nut rotates the teeth which would back the bolt out. I've never tried it. I've never seen another tool like it.
|
04-11-2019, 01:29 PM | #26 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 866
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
04-11-2019, 05:13 PM | #27 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Yucaipa, CA
Posts: 1,091
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Quote:
A left handed drill bit might take one of those bolts out? We used them for taking broken bolts out at work. You had to drill them out anyway for the easy-out. A lot of times the counter clockwise drilling unscrews the broken bolt right out and you never need the easy-out. Except, this is not a broken thread but a tightened bolt so its not coming loose as easily. We also welded nuts to the broken bolts if they were broke off in cast iron. A MIG weld will not stick to the cast iron and the heat helps break loose stuck threads. I smear anti-seize on everything so the next guy will be able to get it a part. |
|
04-11-2019, 06:05 PM | #28 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC
Posts: 3,386
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
I think tomorrow is the day for the serious attempts. I don't want to start off on the wrong foot on this job.
It's one more day that I wish I had all the KRW tools to work on these cars! That one flathead fever posted looks like it would do the job lickety split! Edit to add 24 hours later: After closer reading (thanks for the tip JM) I realize this tool is for another part of the drop, not the mounting bolt I'm after. Alas, still a very cool piece of engineering!
__________________
-Jeff H Have you thought about supporting the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum? Last edited by VeryTangled; 04-12-2019 at 07:40 PM. |
04-11-2019, 10:01 PM | #29 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Yucaipa, CA
Posts: 1,091
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
I think I would try the slot idea first and if that does not work I'd use an easy-out. I've had good success cutting screwdriver slots with one of those real narrow Dremal cutoff wheels. You need to definitely where goggles because the cutoff wheels are pretty fragile and easily turn into eyeball shrapnel. Get a tight fitting flat bladed screwdriver that has the built in spot on the shank to put a wrench on so you have some twisting leverage. One hand can forces the blade tight into the slot so it doesn't strip it out the slot. The other hand turns the wrench which reals it loose.
When you buy your screwdrivers make sure they have the spot to put a box wrench on them. Snap-On screwdrivers are the best, they will take out screws others screwdrivers will not but at $20.00 to $30.00 "each" its pretty hard to justify buying them for occasional home use. The ones I have I bought used. Here is a photo of some William brand screwdrivers on Amazon. They have the spot to put a box wrench on the shank next to the handle. It makes a big difference having that wrench on there doing the twisting. They also have the rough finish on their tips which make them grab better. The other thing you can try is an impact driver to break the bolt loose. The problem with them is half the time they work and the other half they strip out the slot. It depends on the hardness of the screw or bolt. Last edited by Flathead Fever; 04-11-2019 at 10:39 PM. |
04-11-2019, 11:05 PM | #30 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC
Posts: 3,386
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Flathead Fever, thanks for the helpful ideas.
__________________
-Jeff H Have you thought about supporting the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum? |
04-13-2019, 12:20 PM | #31 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC
Posts: 3,386
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Hi Everyone. Problem solved, it really wasn't that hard. Once I got a grip that I was happy with, I turned it a little both ways. It felt as if the tool was slipping on the bolt, but it was actually turning! Yippee.
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions! The penny turned out to be 1948.
__________________
-Jeff H Have you thought about supporting the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum? |
04-13-2019, 01:40 PM | #32 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: sw minnesota
Posts: 4,529
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
it appears that you would agree if i said "you can never have too many vise grips" !
|
04-13-2019, 02:51 PM | #33 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC
Posts: 3,386
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
I am extremely lucky to have excellent access to the tool room and shop floor at a college. Our hammer collection is jaw dropping.
__________________
-Jeff H Have you thought about supporting the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum? |
04-14-2019, 06:02 AM | #34 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 642
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Just removed a cut off bolt from a 1936 complete assembly - it will be at fitchburg ! kerk
|
04-14-2019, 06:06 AM | #35 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland
Posts: 10,856
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Way to go Jeff!! That's a nice collection of Vise Grips!!
I'm thinking the date of that wheatback penny could have been a significant date for the previous owner; i.e. birthday, anniversary, etc. We did things like that for good luck. Sorta like we did as kids by putting pennies in our loafers.
__________________
John "Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein |
03-10-2023, 02:31 PM | #36 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Lower Mainland B.C. Canada
Posts: 132
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Just for purposes of posterity here is a photo of a small nut tig welded to the original column drop bolt to remove the bolt.
|
03-10-2023, 03:21 PM | #37 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Holland Mi
Posts: 622
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Now what, it's out. how many of us actually use a break off bolt to reassemble. I know I didn't.
|
03-10-2023, 06:39 PM | #38 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 321
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
since you got it out, cut a slot in it with a hacksaw, then re-use it, get it tight put some puddy in slot; and don't tell anyone
|
03-10-2023, 09:06 PM | #39 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 3,222
|
Re: 35 Steering Column Drop Break-off Bolt Removal
Here’s how it’s done.
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|