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HI, I guess I have finally decided to have my steering box re-built. (1949). The manual doesn't say much about removing it, I assume I need to remove the steering wheel, disconnect linkages etc and then pull the steering shaft and box out through the interior of the car. Is this correct? Has anyone done this? How difficult is it to do? My interior is pretty nice, I don't really like the idea of having to pull the box from the inside of the car--Any suggestions? I plan to send the box out to have it rebuilt, I think it is best to have it done once and done right. The box is really loose and the adjustment screw is way in, someone messed with it long before I got the car. thanks
The box is attached to a bracket. The bracket attaches to the frame. THE BOLTS ON THE BRACKET TO THE BOX AND THE BOLTS ON THE BRACKET TO THE FRAME, are well known to come loose on the 1949 and 1950 models. So, before you think about having to rebuild the box, make sure these bolts are good a tight. Take it for a drive and see if the problem is nothing more than the bolts.
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Taking the thing out. Remove the floor pan. Pull everything out through the cockpit. Also, rebuild the center bearing before you pull the box. It may be the center bearing that is the problem.
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If you pull the box, call me and we can talk about the rebuilding of the box. I am in the Desoto Directory.
James Douglas.
