Spent all afternoon installing wishbone ball cover

[mrtexas]

Finally got the repro rubber ball cover installed on my 41 front wishbone. I had to make some makeshift tools and then used a hydraulic jack to force the 3/4 inch opening on the rubber ball cover over the 1 1/2 inch ball. Would an original ball cover have been easier?

[PeteVS]

Does the rubber ball have a hole at the "back" end? If so, hold the open end of the rubber ball against the ball on the wishbone. Then, put your compressed air nozzle on the little hole on the back of the rubber ball. Shoot a little bit of air into it and it will literally leap onto the wishbone like magic. (This has been discussed in the past. Fortunately, I had read it before it was my time to install one.)

[4dFord/SC]

I installed one on a 1940 wishbone today. Used some liquid soap and a little elbow grease, and it slipped right on. Maybe 41's are different.

[fordor41]

I slightly oil the edge of the large hole. Then grease my palm and cover the small hole in the other end then push. This causes a pressure build up and it pops right on.

[DavidG]

One of the K.R. Wilson tools works as claimed (a fifteen second job).

[weemark]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I put a little talcum powder on my ball and the wishbones before trying to get it on the wishbones.

I like the sound of using compressed air to help get it on,.

[19Fordy]

That doesn't look like the correct ball. The correct ball is smooth with no outside (or inside)ribs. Part # B3446 for 1938,39, 40, 41 Ford Ford with 112 in. wheelbase. Let us know if the metal ball cover fits properly. Here's the correct ball.
http://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/fordp...?number=B-3446

[weemark]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

That doesn't look like the correct ball. The correct ball is smooth with no outside (or inside)ribs. Part # B3446 for 1938,39, 40, 41 Ford Ford with 112 in. wheelbase. Let us know if the metal ball cover fits properly. Here's the correct ball.
http://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/fordp...?number=B-3446

That link shows it is the correct ball, b-3446 is only suitable for 32-40 passenger and 32-41 pickup, if you look at the ball underneath with part no. 11a-3446-a it says it is suitable for 41-48 passenger.

[19Fordy]

I didn't see that. Sure would be interesting to test each and see which goes on easier.
But, it's a moot now.

[Gerald cook]

I tried several of these methods with no success. In my case I used a 1/2 x 6” bolt in my vise and turned the rubber ball inside out it doesn’t need to be completely inside out then I took the reversed rubber ball and easily pushed it on the wishbone. Jerry

[Kube]

I have set the new rubber in boiling water for a few minutes. Goes over the steel ball in a matter of seconds.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Kube

I have set the new rubber in boiling water for a few minutes. Goes over the steel ball in a matter of seconds.

Same

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by Gerald cook

I tried several of these methods with no success. In my case I used a 1/2 x 6” bolt in my vise and turned the rubber ball inside out it doesn’t need to be completely inside out then I took the reversed rubber ball and easily pushed it on the wishbone. Jerry

That's what I've done too but I like the idea of parboiling it first :-)

Glenn

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by Kube

I have set the new rubber in boiling water for a few minutes. Goes over the steel ball in a matter of seconds.

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Same

Originally Posted by glennpm

That's what I've done too but I like the idea of parboiling it first :-)

Glenn

Can we call that a "Hot Tip"

[glennpm]

Yes!

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by rockfla

Can we call that a "Hot Tip"

Hahaha