I've finally gotten back out into the garage to pay some attention to the Homebuilt Hot Rod again. This time around, I'm going to tackle what's hopefully going to push this project onward toward a somewhat timely completion-the steering system installation.
At this point, it's worth mentioning I've had some steering issues in the past, as many are aware (and won't let me live down). That said, I've since learned the value of a name-brand thread locking compound and have decided to use it liberally this time around.
The chassis assembly is in the home stretch. The final segments of the initial assembly will be the fitting and installation of the steering system (a mixture of Speedway Motors and Flaming River components) and the Chassis Engineering front shock mounts. Now, earlier in my ramblings I had mentioned I'd be using side-steer versus cross-steer, as well as a reversed Corvair steering gear. Well, I changed my mind-I'm still using the Corvair box; it's just that I decided to swap it out for a non-reversed stock-style gear instead. I did this mainly because I didn't like the look of the reversed box sitting on top of the framerail-my eyes just kept wandering back to that big old chuck of metal sitting there midway between the firewall and the front wheels. The standard steering box enabled me to fabricate a mounting bracket so I could mount it inboard and below the bottom of the left framerail (though above the scrub line in the event of a flat tire) so it isn't quite as noticeable.
I had previously fabbed and installed a clutch and brake pedal assembly; unfortunately, I pretty much blocked the lowermost portion of the firewall when I did so, preventing me from installing the steering column, so it exited the interior of the truck where I had originally intended it to. Because of my lack of planning, the column now had to exit the cab much higher up on the firewall, and in turn, at much less of an angle. The column ended up much closer to horizontal than intended; as a result, it extended farther into the cab than I'd originally planned-an all-too-common problem for me, it seems. Anyway, the bottom line was that instead of re-doing the pedal assembly, I spent the afternoon shortening a perfectly good Flaming River steering column by nearly 9 inches. I know, I know, but it was a judgment call-and I'm not known for sterling judgment at times.
As you'll see here, everything worked out in the end. The steering system is now configured, and the installation of my front shock mounts is basically all that's left. Once those are done, it'll be time to strip the truck down to a bare frame and do my finish welding, grinding, and painting. That accomplished, I'll then reinstall the suspension, plumbing, and driveline, and then get going on the bodywork and paint. Until then, take a look at what I've gotten done this time, and then get back to work on yours.
A Flaming River billet aluminum...
A Flaming River billet aluminum roadster column (PN FR3301) is used in this particular build. Its smooth tapered shape goes great in any traditional setting and its dual roller-bearing design ensures smooth operation. The FR3301 is 30 inches in length and contains a 3/4-inch-diameter 36-spline shaft. I also used a matching pair of FR steering joints.
A quick trip to the Speedway...
A quick trip to the Speedway Motors Web site garnered me some of the components shown here and in the first image. I clicked on Street Rod Parts on the main Web site menu, and then went to the steering subsection. From there, one more stab at the mouse brought me to the tie-rod/draglink section where I chose and ordered up a 45-inch-wide (PN 91632504-45) tie-rod kit (which comes complete with the threaded tie rod, a pair of 11/16-inch tie-rod ends, and 11/16-inch jamb nuts). I chose a 25 1/2-inch-long (PN 91632504-25.5) tie-rod kit-again with 11/16-inch-diameter tie-rod ends and jamb nuts-for use as a draglink from the Corvair box (another Flaming River item, though purchased through Speedway) to the steering arm (PN 7204010, a '37-48 Ford hoop-style).