Recently I bought an F100 steering box/column
already converted for Model A usage. It is the F100 steering box grafted
onto a Model A steering column. Hmm, it didn't fit my Model A very well,
the mounting holes were drilled in the wrong place and the mounting flange
wasn't flat to the Model A frame. Even so, the hard work was already done,
namely cutting and welding the F100 steering rod to the Model A steering rod.
This hot rod conversion is supposed to make the steering easier and not leak
steering oil like the model A boxes do. My 28 RPU already steering easily
with the shortened pitman arm, but I got the F100 column cheap for $200 on
fleabay from a hot rodder who didn't know what he had, so I'll give it a try.
Various people will do the mods for you for $600 or so if you supply them the
F100 box as well. I also bought an F100 steering box on fleabay and may
convert it as well. I haven't found any detailed pictures on the web about
how to do this, so here they are. If you are handy, you should be able to
figure out what to do with these pictures.
This is another one of my reversible touring
modifications to my 28 AR RPU. I've done several others like hydraulic
brakes, 12 volt battery, electric fuel shutoff, Mallory distributor with
electronic ignition, and 35 Ford wheels with radial tires.
You have to modify the F100 box end plate to hold the A
headlight switch. The model A housing end plate for the 2 tooth steering box
with it's larger pipe is used.
I had to fill in some holes in the wrong place. A
machine shop welded in some steel plugs with nickel rod. I then
drilled and tapped the holes for 3/8 24 bolts. Model A mounting bolts
are 7/16 16 but it looked like to me there wasn't meat on the F100 for a
7/16 bolt, at least not on this F100 box. Look closely, I put some
bondo on the flange so that the box would mount flush with the frame.
I put grease on the frame and bondo on the flange and put it in place until
it hardened. Looks like to me about 1/8 inch max thickness. After I
put the bondo on, I marked and drilled the holes being careful to drill them
square and level. I bought a new seal.
Here are the F100 steering gears. Note also that the end
of the F100 pittman shaft has been modified to use a model A pittman arm.
The one on the right is for the F100. You can also use an F100 arm with it's round hole without the extra
machining. Note the tubing the small worm gear is pressed on to has a
too small hole. The tube must be replaced.
A
sleeve is required inside the model A steering column to fit it onto the
F100 box.
Dimensions of the sleeve are approximately 1.36" inside
and 1.69" outside. A lip has been turned also
It's a little
tight going thru the firewall.
Here is where
the F100 steering rod is welded to the model A rod
The mounting plate must be cut down and re-drilled for
the model A mounting holes.
The Mr Texas Place
