The Ford Barn

GaryU. · 04-23-2019, 06:25 PM

I've adjusted the steering on the '38 Convertible a little and have this question. What is the proper orientation of the banjo steering wheel? Right now it has one spoke(s) facing straight up when the wheels are straight ahead and the pitman arm is straight down. But the steering lock is offset as seen in the second picture and last is a Ford picture featuring a '38 Deluxe with a young gal behind the wheel. So what is the the proper orientation, think the standard steering wheel has one spoke down, is the Deluxe opposite? UPDATED!!

40cpe · 04-23-2019, 06:33 PM

One spoke down.

petehoovie · 04-23-2019, 06:53 PM

One spoke down gives you better access to your turn signal lever and a better view of your gauges....

GaryU. · 04-23-2019, 07:05 PM

Looks like some more work to be done on this adjustment. Was even more wonky when I first got the car.

DavidG · 04-23-2019, 07:16 PM

Does the steering wheel have two slotted key ways opposite one another or just one. If only one, you don't have a choice as to the wheel spoke orientation. If two, which is highly likely, then you have two spoke orientation choices. (Unfortunately, the only way to determine the key way count is to remove the horn button/light switch rod assembly or at least far enough to look behind it.)

TonyM · 04-23-2019, 08:56 PM

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My 1937 Ford Banjo Steering Wheel is oriented with one spoke up while driving straight, just like the lady in the photo.

Ken/Alabama · 04-23-2019, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyM

My 1937 Ford Banjo Steering Wheel is oriented with one spoke up while driving straight, just like the lady in the photo.

So is the Zephyr wheel

ford38v8 · 04-23-2019, 10:38 PM

Gary, Compare the three photos you posted. You'll see that there are two thumb bumps, one on the left, one on the right, several inches below the spokes. There are only two such bumps on the inside diameter, although many finger bumps on the backside of the wheel. From this then, you can see that the model in the picture has her eyes front as the cameraman directed, but hasn't the foggiest where she's going, even though it's obvious to us that her wheels are into a left turn.

GaryU. · 04-24-2019, 04:17 AM

Thanks for replys, will try some more adjusting this weekend. Both the drag link and tie rod adjusters had not been moved in a very long time, had to use some heat and penetrant to free them up. Will update on what I find. Right now the drag link sleeve is adjusted all the way in.

Mart · 04-24-2019, 04:26 AM

It would probably be best to assess where the sweet spot is on the steering box first. That would be done with the drag link disconnected. Hopefully when the box is at the sweet spot (least play) it is at the straight ahead position. At this point the steering wheel should either be two up or one up. With the wheels also in the straight ahead position the drag link can be adjusted until it just slots into place.

GaryU. · 04-28-2019, 07:07 PM

Looked everything over and found the threads for both the drag link and ball joint were as far as they could go in the sleeve joining them together. This was after I had freed up the frozen sleeve and adjusted as far as I could go.There were a good amount of threads still exposed so I cut 1/4 inch of threads from both drag link and ball joint. Got it back together and now steering wheel is in proper position.Toe-in good as well. Test drive later this week I hope. Pictures show the progression from when I first got car, after initial work and currently.

04-23-2019, 06:33 PM	#2
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: Banjo wheel orientation? One spoke down.

04-23-2019, 06:53 PM	#3
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 8,125	Re: Banjo wheel orientation? One spoke down gives you better access to your turn signal lever and a better view of your gauges.... __________________ The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... *"Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!"* "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0

04-23-2019, 07:05 PM	#4
GaryU. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Posts: 821	Re: Banjo wheel orientation? Looks like some more work to be done on this adjustment. Was even more wonky when I first got the car.

04-23-2019, 07:16 PM	#5
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: Banjo wheel orientation? Does the steering wheel have two slotted key ways opposite one another or just one. If only one, you don't have a choice as to the wheel spoke orientation. If two, which is highly likely, then you have two spoke orientation choices. (Unfortunately, the only way to determine the key way count is to remove the horn button/light switch rod assembly or at least far enough to look behind it.)

04-23-2019, 10:38 PM	#8
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,644	Re: Banjo wheel orientation? Gary, Compare the three photos you posted. You'll see that there are two thumb bumps, one on the left, one on the right, several inches below the spokes. There are only two such bumps on the inside diameter, although many finger bumps on the backside of the wheel. From this then, you can see that the model in the picture has her eyes front as the cameraman directed, but hasn't the foggiest where she's going, even though it's obvious to us that her wheels are into a left turn. __________________ Alan

04-24-2019, 04:17 AM	#9
GaryU. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Posts: 821	Re: Banjo wheel orientation? Thanks for replys, will try some more adjusting this weekend. Both the drag link and tie rod adjusters had not been moved in a very long time, had to use some heat and penetrant to free them up. Will update on what I find. Right now the drag link sleeve is adjusted all the way in.

04-24-2019, 04:26 AM	#10
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 8,750	Re: Banjo wheel orientation? It would probably be best to assess where the sweet spot is on the steering box first. That would be done with the drag link disconnected. Hopefully when the box is at the sweet spot (least play) it is at the straight ahead position. At this point the steering wheel should either be two up or one up. With the wheels also in the straight ahead position the drag link can be adjusted until it just slots into place.