I recently purchased a couple of Neal Jennings’ Hudson/Gemmer/‘33/4 Ford steering boxes. When I removed the Left exhaust header from the Flathead (‘33 3 window), I discovered that the tubes had rusted holes. I ordered a similar appearing header kit for car, expecting a rather simple swap. Once I installed the new steering box, I found that the rear tube wasn’t even close to clearing the new steering box. By the time that I learned of the availability of Red’s Headers for this specific application, it was too late to return the earlier purchased set. A guy just a few miles from my home had purchased a nice, survivor ‘34 5 window coupe and was replacing the entire chassis. A friend called me, thinking that I might be interested. The guy made me a good deal on the chassis, the seat, original firewall, windshield frame, spare tire & cover, and a new aftermarket rear spreader bar. The timing of this purchase was perfect. Rather than working around a complete, assembled car with shiny paint, I was able to modify my incorrect header, using the extra NHRP steering box and the just purchased original chassis. The job of fabricating a new rear tube was made so much simpler when not having to work around the body & fenders of my 3 window. Now, I have to decide how much of the purchase that I’m going to keep. It’s tempting to hang onto all of it, but there’s only a couple pieces that I wanted for my 5 window project. That original chassis is amazing.., even the Emergency brake works.
That'd be a dream come true purchase for me and my someday 34 project, but I weep for the future of the survivor 5w coupe that donated those pieces.
Oh, yes, there are photos. This is the coupe that I bought from the third owner, who had lovingly cared for the car for 47/48 years, until failing health caused him to select it’s next caretaker. When I bought the car, it hadn’t been out of the basement in 41 years. The paint is 52 year old Lacquer. The car has been sheltered since new, never rusted or even a door ding. It was nine years from the time I first saw the car until I was as able to bring it home to Tennessee (it’s first time leaving the county why it had been since new). I posted photos on the H.A.M.B. , following my first viewing of the car It was in phenomenal condition . It wears a ‘34 hood & grill, which was done by the original owner sometime before parking the car in 1946. I’ve not spoken with anyone that knows exactly when the hood & grill were changed.
The donor 5 window belongs to a successful local businessman. He purchased an entire new chassis from Pete & Jake’s. He wanted a modern, comfortable, high quality Streetrod. His decision allows him to have the kind of car that appeals to him and the old parts will go into builds that focus more on the much earlier style build(s). My 5 window project is an early 1960’s drag car inspired project. These pieces will further my projects, as well as those that purchase the pieces that I don’t keep. We each get what we want, making this a win-win for all involved.
Looks like someone was planning to run that flathead with no water pumps. (Later heads and early water inlets)
You will really like the Neal Jennings steering boxes. I used one in my 32 pickup and it was a pleasure to drive.
Thank you. Mr. Jennings is a wealth of information, as well as being willing to share his knowledge. Initially, I thought about converting to a F1 steering box. But, the F1 box would have meant modifying the frame - something that I didn’t want to do. The F1 column is 2”longer and the sector portion of the housing is larger, compared to the original steering box/column. Also, the worm gear is below the sector gear, meaning the steering column angle is changed. Neal’s assembly is a direct bolt in, with the steering quality of the F1 unit. I’m looking forward to my next drive in the ‘33.
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