The Ford Barn

JoeCB · 05-07-2022, 06:01 PM

Just a question about the orientation of the spokes... Is there a preference and/or is one "correct" ? Spokes horizontal and vertical or at 45* angles, when driving straight ahead?

Joe B

Patrick L. · 05-07-2022, 06:21 PM

Nope, whichever you prefer.

gdmn852 · 05-07-2022, 06:43 PM

1930-31 steering wheels are keyed at two locations so you can set it either way, I like it at 45 so easier to see speedometer,keep me from getting speeding tickets that way .

Flathead · 05-07-2022, 07:19 PM

I like 45 also.

Synchro909 · 05-07-2022, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flathead

I like 45 also.

Ditto.

nkaminar · 05-08-2022, 06:23 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

In the service bulletins Ford said that the steering wheel could be re oriented if the customer wanted it. Depending on the pitman arm, steering box, and drag link, the steering wheel may be oriented at some odd angle. With my F100 box the wheel is at 30 degrees.

Bill G · 05-08-2022, 10:21 AM

I thought the X pattern was suggested by Ford so that the instrument panel could be better seen while driving straight ahead.

Ruth · 05-08-2022, 10:44 AM

I never really thought about it, I think it is in the X position.

burner31 · 05-08-2022, 11:09 AM

Which ever position feels good in your hand is correct, and just to be clear...my instruments are in the "middle" of my dash, so the steering wheel does not obstruct their view...Henry was a genius

BillCNC · 05-09-2022, 08:54 AM

I have mine in the + position, It let's me have my arm out the window and my fingers at the 9-0 clock spoke for easy and comfortable one handed steering. However, I do worry about the lower spoke and my stomach if I ever rear-end someone hard.

Regards
Bill

David R. · 05-09-2022, 10:38 AM

I like 45 because I like to drive with one hand at bottom of wheel on straight roads

1931 flamingo · 05-09-2022, 01:38 PM

If you decide to change it do NOT bend the Horn rod. Paul in CT

rotorwrench · 05-09-2022, 06:35 PM

The early spline type wheel can be moved on the shaft. The keyed wheels are limited to where the key position is. The steering shaft key way is set when the front wheels and the steering box are centered at assembly and adjustment after overhaul or during repairs.

The Geezer · 08-21-2022, 11:31 AM

I would love to see the look on the dispatchers face when the officer called in a “Speeding Ticket” on a Model A! I never had a ticket so I might try to get one for speeding in my A just for “S—-S and Giggles” !

Marshall V. Daut · 08-21-2022, 12:22 PM

"Geezer" -
Maybe this article from the November/December, 2001 issue of "The Restorer" will answer your question?
Marshall

05-07-2022, 06:01 PM	#1
JoeCB Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Farmington MI Posts: 284	steering wheel orientation Just a question about the orientation of the spokes... Is there a preference and/or is one "correct" ? Spokes horizontal and vertical or at 45* angles, when driving straight ahead? Joe B

05-07-2022, 06:21 PM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: steering wheel orientation Nope, whichever you prefer.

05-07-2022, 06:43 PM	#3
gdmn852 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Erie Pa Posts: 689	Re: steering wheel orientation 1930-31 steering wheels are keyed at two locations so you can set it either way, I like it at 45 so easier to see speedometer,keep me from getting speeding tickets that way .

05-07-2022, 07:19 PM	#4
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,499	Re: steering wheel orientation I like 45 also.

05-08-2022, 06:23 AM	#6
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,901	Re: steering wheel orientation Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) In the service bulletins Ford said that the steering wheel could be re oriented if the customer wanted it. Depending on the pitman arm, steering box, and drag link, the steering wheel may be oriented at some odd angle. With my F100 box the wheel is at 30 degrees. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-08-2022, 10:21 AM	#7
Bill G Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Walla Walla, WA Posts: 1,045	Re: steering wheel orientation I thought the X pattern was suggested by Ford so that the instrument panel could be better seen while driving straight ahead.

05-08-2022, 10:44 AM	#8
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,339	Re: steering wheel orientation I never really thought about it, I think it is in the X position. __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread"

05-08-2022, 11:09 AM	#9
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: steering wheel orientation Which ever position feels good in your hand is correct, and just to be clear...my instruments are in the "middle" of my dash, so the steering wheel does not obstruct their view...Henry was a genius __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

05-09-2022, 08:54 AM	#10
BillCNC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: SoCal Desert Posts: 826	Re: steering wheel orientation I have mine in the + position, It let's me have my arm out the window and my fingers at the 9-0 clock spoke for easy and comfortable one handed steering. However, I do worry about the lower spoke and my stomach if I ever rear-end someone hard. Regards Bill

05-09-2022, 10:38 AM	#11
David R. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: West Virginia Posts: 430	Re: steering wheel orientation I like 45 because I like to drive with one hand at bottom of wheel on straight roads

05-09-2022, 01:38 PM	#12
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: steering wheel orientation If you decide to change it do NOT bend the Horn rod. Paul in CT

05-09-2022, 06:35 PM	#13
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: steering wheel orientation The early spline type wheel can be moved on the shaft. The keyed wheels are limited to where the key position is. The steering shaft key way is set when the front wheels and the steering box are centered at assembly and adjustment after overhaul or during repairs.

08-21-2022, 11:31 AM	#14
The Geezer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: The Villages FL Posts: 135	Re: steering wheel orientation I would love to see the look on the dispatchers face when the officer called in a “Speeding Ticket” on a Model A! I never had a ticket so I might try to get one for speeding in my A just for “S—-S and Giggles” ! __________________ “Finally driving a car older than me!”