3 Attachment(s)
Progress report and pictures
So I spent a few hours today delving deeper into the steering issue. I removed the bent drag link and track rod. A friend with a press and experience said he's sure he can straighten them up.
I had suspected the steering relay was stiff, but it's fine. The problem is that the outer tube of the steering column moves in and out of the box itself. This is especially pronounced at full steering lock.
Originally, a 1953 would have had an alloy steering box, but it now has a steel one. From what I can tell, it's still an 80" box, so probably from an earlier car, rather than from a later one. Unless anyone has any other suggestions (and I'm all ears), I'm going to remove the steering box and see what's going on inside it.
The good news is that I didn't uncover any horrors when I removed the fender.
Jeremy
Some progress and some excuses
First let me say that your 110 looks amazing. I can't wait to see it!
I have a long list of excuses for not making more progress on the 1953. But it is safely stored in a new addition to my workshop, waiting for the grass to grow up between the new driveway pavers (the inspiration for that solution came from Stuart Echols' driveway).
The steering would be completely fixed if I had realized that the splines inside the steering wheel are toast. I have a spare, so I just need to change it, although that task is slightly more complicated in an 80" because of the tube that passes through to bottom of the steering box. It will absolutely be at the ROVERS picnic this summer.
My view after 4 months: It's really old. Maybe not decrepit, but geriatric. The 1951 that I bought for parts is too good not to build. As soon as I have a couple of other projects out of the way, I am going to embark on a long-term build of the 1951 as a competent trail truck.
Thanks for asking, Derek.
Regards,
Jeremy