Spark and accelerator control rods...

[Steve Plucker]

Has anyone successfully restored the ORIGINAL Spark and Accelerator Control Rods: A-9742, A-9747, and A-9757?

We all have them and seen them with broken springs so they are not useable.

What can we do to restore these rods with broken springs so as to have a workable rod that is back to original shape and condition?

Thanks.

Pluck

[100IH]

It's been a long time but I have done several. Find the pin,knock or drill it out, replace the springs, stake the pins in place. One slick move was buy new rods in nickel plate from Berts. They were excellent and nowhere the cost of re-plating and welding the worn flat spot under the rod.

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by 100IH

It's been a long time but I have done several. Find the pin,knock or drill it out, replace the springs, stake the pins in place. One slick move was buy new rods in nickel plate from Berts. They were excellent and nowhere the cost of re-plating and welding the worn flat spot under the rod.

I do not understand...there are no "pins" in these rods to knock out...are there?

Just the one rod, two springs and two sliding cups.

Pluck

[Keith]

I recall seeing an article on restoring them in either the Restorer or Model A News awhile ago. Keith

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

I do not understand...there are no "pins" in these rods to knock out...are there?

Just the one rod, two springs and two sliding cups.

Pluck

I think 100IH is referring to the "rods" with the levers that go up the steering column. They would connect to the "rods" you are asking about. Sometimes picture help so we all know which part you are asking about.

[Dan Partain]

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Steve, I'm curious about those also. I've been able to find good ones most of the time so far.

[Steve Plucker]

Dan,

Yes, those are the ones...There has to be a secret to their restoration.

As stated in post #1: "Spark and Accelerator Control Rods: A-9742, A-9747, and A-9757" At least that is what the nomenclature used in the Parts Price Lists.

The others are refered to as "Steering Gear Control Rods" (A-3540).

Pluck

[Joe K]

"New" I would consider a poor substitute. Larger ends swaged on but look "clunky." That is unless the replacement mentioned above is something other than "Vintique."

Right now I straightened an original steering column to distributor rod - it appears to have been painted black. Fortunately for me the springs are not broken although obviously the only way in would be to "undo" that swage - hardly possible. It would be nice to clean everything out before painting/coating.

My somewhat passe Judging Standards indicates the Throttle links (of which the distributor link SHOULD be a part?) C,Z which is Cadmium or Zinc plated. As the repops seem to come, more-or less.

So right now I'm at a sort of conundrum regarding what to do with this link. Otherwise its in great shape.

Joe K

[Bob Bidonde]

What follows is conjecture.



Disassembly of the rods for restoration is not practical in my opinion. At best, clean the rods and have them plated or use a rattle can of dull aluminum paint to cosmetically restore the rods. Exposing the springs to the acidic baths of plating could do some damage to them.


The repro rods I have seen have aluminum end caps in contrast to the original rods that have steel end caps.



Lets reverse engineer the manufacture of the rods to get some idea of why the rods should not be disassembled for restoration. My guess is that:
> Rods were made from rod stock that was plated with zinc /cadmium so the springs were not exposed to acidic chemical baths of plating;

> Rod stock was cut to length;
> 2 springs were slid onto the each rod, and the rod's ends were formed by forging / stamping into a half-cup shape. The end cup shape traps the springs;
> Meanwhile, the end caps were blanked (AKA stamped) from zinc / cadmium plated sheet stock. This operation gave the blank a shape that would form into the opening necessary to engage the ball fittings on the steering column, distributor advance arm and carburetor throttle;
> The springs were likely purchased and used as is. The springs may have been wound from bare or from plated wire stock;

> Next came the final assembly. The rod end with a spring went into a holding fixture. Using a die and press, the blanked end cap was formed over the rod and spring. This final assembly may have been done simultaneously on both ends of each rod.

> There is a likelihood that Ford bought the rods from a supplier ready for use.

[Stew Masche]

A&L offer NICE replacements

[swo4rd]

when you paint or cadd plat them...be sure to stick a dowl in the head to keep it open to paint/plate the part that is under the head and will be exposed when deployed...
or don't and learn the other way...

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by swo4rd

when you paint or cadd plat them...be sure to stick a dowl in the head to keep it open to paint/plate the part that is under the head and will be exposed when deployed...
or don't and learn the other way...

Like the two nails galvanized together in the 1lb box.



Joe K