Q:
While I have owned several classic cars over the years, I am currently building my first real hot rod. The car is a glass bodied 1934 Ford Roadster with a Mustang II front suspension. I have installed a 454ci big block Chevy motor and a set of shorty block hugger headers. Needless to say, everything fits tight between the rails. Now I need to route the steering shaft, and can’t figure out how to get everything connected, yet clear the exhaust. I asked a friend who has built a couple of cars and he told me I needed to install hanger bearings on each length of steering shaft and make sure I had all of my steering joints properly phased. He went on to explain it a little further but I left not really sure what to do next. Can you give me a little direction on what I need to do next?
Dave Jensen
Des Moines, IA
A
Your problem is common amongst hot rod builders; there is simply a limited amount of space between the frame rails of most 30’s cars. Throw in a Big Block motor and the problem only gets worse, but like most problems there’s always a solution.
Typically two types of steering shafts are used in building hot rod steering systems; they are splined shaft and double-D (photo 1). My recommendation would be to use the double-D style shaft as the joints will then automatically phase themselves. Phasing is simply the alignment of steering joints on opposite ends of the same section of steering shaft, (photo 2) they need to be aligned to ensure they’ll work together and that none of the components are put into a bind.
Planning out your steering setup is an important next step. I have seen pro-builders use wooden dowels and duct tape, to mock up their systems, as the two are relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of steel rod. Generally speaking the simpler the better, fewer joints and shaft sections are ideal but not always achievable. Support bearings are only needed if more than 2 steering joints are used (photo 3). These systems will require one support bearing for each additional universal joint. Support bearings should be located close to any additional joints to prevent them from “looping” as the steering is engaged.
Here are some important precautions you should consider when designing your system:
SHAFT SIZE
Never use steering shaft sizes less than 3/4-inch. Even a 5/8-inch shaft is 42-percent weaker than a 3/4-inch shaft diameter.
NO FLEX CABLE
Ford used a flex cable on the Pinto in the ’70s even though it proved unreliable, a problem compounded in a front-heavy hot rod.
NO WELDING
While common for racing enthusiasts, many states have laws against welding on steering components. Heat transmitted to the universal joints can cause them to fail prematurely; additionally, hairline cracks in a weld can go unseen and fail under stress.
COLLAPSIBILITY
Design your system with some means of directing the energy away from the driver in the event of a collision. This can be done by either incorporating some angles in the system to deflect the column away from the driver or by using a telescopic steering shaft or collapsible column.
Finally, the steering joint manufacturers have a vested interest in doing everything they can to ensure you use their components in the manner they were designed. Check out their web sites for a host of additional products and information.
Mark Simpson
Managing Editor
What glass bodied kit are you using, I built a 34 ford cabriolet by street beasts! Remember to install terminal blocks for grounding so you won,t have any problems.
Thanks Bill for the advice. We’re not certain which body Dave Jenson was using on his ’34 Ford Roadster project, but you bring up a good point about building a fiberglass car… Ground everything!
Mark
Classic Car Restoration Club
Would it be easier to put steering column in then fight with/adjust Headers to fit??
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I put Unisteer rack and pinion in my 1969 Chevelle SS 396. Was wondering if there is a header I can use off the shelf or do I need a custom exhaust. Or if I use double knuckles can I make it around the exhaust?
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I’m rebuilding a 1962 Corvair (early model 769, 4 door) and was wondering if I could use a collapsible steering wheel (for safety)? If so, would you have any idea of which type might fit?
Hi Brent,
Thank you fro being patient while I got the answer form the expert, here is his reply:
We are not aware of a bolt-in kit or bolt-in column from a different application.
With that being said, almost all solutions will require some fabrication.
Other columns are adaptable but will require building dash and floor mounts.
Also companies like Ididit offer universal collapsible columns.
Wrench Safe,
Mark
Classic Car Restoration Club
I have 3 steering knuckles !
What steering box would work on a 30 Ford A pickup
Hello David,
You might want to checkout the new boxes offered by E-Z Steer ( http://www.ezsteer.net (http://www.ezsteer.net/) ).
They bolt right in place and perform much better than stock units, some even claim it’s like power steering.
Hot rodders have also long used the 1949-52 Ford F1 pickup boxes as well but some fabrication will be required.
If your car is modified, I’ll need to know what your configuration is to offer correct advice.
Wrench safe,
Mark CCRC Video Membership
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I have a 96 mustang GT I have aquired another 4.6 liter that’s locked up. I want to learn how to rebuild it from scratch. Can anyone set me in the right direction. For some directions and rrquirements to begin this rebuild. Plz I am a novice when it comes to internal mechanics of a engine but I do have a Haynes manual for all bolts and nuts torque requirements.
Hello Joshua,
Don’t feel intimidated by the complexity of rebuilding an engine. There isn’t an engine builder alive who didn’t once say “I’ve never done this before”.
A good manual is a great start. But sooner or later you’re going to need to have a good engine/machine shop to work with as well.
Working closely with them will also improve your odds of success.
Tear down is fairly easy, just avoid damaging anything, keep everything organized (every nut, bolt, piston, lifter, bearing cap etc.) so you know exactly where it came from.
Once your engine is completely torn down, you’ll need to take it to the machine shop for cleaning and inspection, as well as performing any machine work that needs to be done.
For your first build, I suggest leaving the head teardown and assembly to your engine builder.
You’re engine builder is probably best suited to assemble the short block, then bring everything home to complete the reassembly per your instruction manual directions.
Wrench Safe,
Mark CCRC Video Membership
I would add to the documentation details Mark mentioned… pictures, pictures, pictures and bag-and-tag components that belong together. You can’t take too many in every step of breakdown and you cant be too descriptive in tagging. Wish I had taken these steps more seriously starting out! Good luck and go for it!