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Technical Vega Cross Steering in Model A

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Richard Reed, Apr 5, 2018.

  1. Richard Reed
    Joined: Jun 17, 2016
    Posts: 175

    Richard Reed
    Member
    from Maine

    Has anyone done a Vega Cross Steering install in a Model A? I am in the process of aligning the box on the frame. I have just installed a panhard bar in the front of the axle. I need to get the box in a parallel height with the panhard bar. Looking for some pictures and measurements if you have them. This is an AV8 project by the way.
    Thank you
     
  2. pete and jakes parts book has some diagrams. You might also find them online.
     
  3. Richard Reed
    Joined: Jun 17, 2016
    Posts: 175

    Richard Reed
    Member
    from Maine

    I have their book but it doesn`t get into the geometry as to whether the the panhard bar and the drag link need to be on the same or not.
     
  4. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,404

    alchemy
    Member

    Panhard bar and drag link should both be parallel to the ground at ride height, but don't need to be on the same plane. Some guys get all weird about making the pitman arm parallel to the ground too, but I think a little down in front angle should be fine, and might make it easier to hook up the shaft to the column.
     

  5. AZ_Nick
    Joined: Nov 29, 2015
    Posts: 40

    AZ_Nick

    Panhard bar has nothing to do with your steering geometry. Make sure when you setup your vega box the motor and column are set so all linkage is viable. I use a big C clamp to hold the vega box and bracket in place while everything gets sorted, then weld away.
     
  6. 2935ford
    Joined: Jan 6, 2006
    Posts: 3,843

    2935ford
    Member

    I run a Vega box on my '29 Roadster flathead V8.......it's like having power steering! :)
     
    pat59 likes this.
  7. Richard Reed
    Joined: Jun 17, 2016
    Posts: 175

    Richard Reed
    Member
    from Maine

    Thank you for the info gentlemen. I see what I need to do now.
     
  8. mgtstumpy
    Joined: Jul 20, 2006
    Posts: 9,214

    mgtstumpy
    Member

  9. The CE sheet really helps.
     
  10. iafraser39
    Joined: Aug 2, 2009
    Posts: 186

    iafraser39
    Member
    from Warmland

    I had an after market Vegas box in my model A.
    It was very hard steering and needed constant adjustment.
    Go with the unisteer mavel unit, its far superior in my opinion,
    and the kit takes about an hour to install.
     
  11. trollst
    Joined: Jan 27, 2012
    Posts: 2,108

    trollst
    Member

    Misunderstood by a lot of folks, model a's are ideal for a vega box, I install them about an inch and a half higher than the tie rod, so when the weight is finally in the car the pitman arm is paralell with the tie rod. If done right, the car should steer like it has power steering.
     
    oliver westlund and pat59 like this.
  12. Blue Moon Garage
    Joined: Mar 1, 2009
    Posts: 405

    Blue Moon Garage
    Member

    TCI custom built frames for Mod. A comes with Vega steering box.
     
  13. This may be a significant factor: "I had an after market Vegas box"
     
    Just Gary, pat59 and kidcampbell71 like this.
  14. sloppy jalopies
    Joined: Jun 29, 2015
    Posts: 5,256

    sloppy jalopies
    Member

    IMO... use 3/4" outside diameter plastic pvc pipes as steering shafts, tierod and draglink, cut to fine tune, grab another and move on if you cut one too short... get it right in plastic, transfer to steel...
    ... HIH.
     
    Vanness, Just Gary and pat59 like this.
  15. make sure you put the bracket on with the gussets welded in...it will flex the frame if you don't when the car is stationary and you are turning the wheels
     
  16. dumprat
    Joined: Dec 27, 2006
    Posts: 3,479

    dumprat
    Member
    from b.c.

    In an ideal world the panhard and the tie rod would be at the exact same angle and very close to the same length. This is common knowledge to guys who build long travel 4x4 stuff.
     
    BigChief likes this.
  17. Stan Back
    Joined: Mar 9, 2007
    Posts: 2,178

    Stan Back
    Member
    from California

    Don't know if this would help -- it's been that way for 100 Sedan Frame -2 copy.jpg 0s of miles and 25+ years . . .
     
  18. Never2old
    Joined: Oct 14, 2010
    Posts: 737

    Never2old
    Member
    from so cal

    Just finishing the '29 RPU with a Unisteer R&P.
    Very easy steering but not much travel.
    If it pisses me off enough I'll yank it.
     
  19. Vic Walter
    Joined: Jan 21, 2018
    Posts: 150

    Vic Walter
    Member

    Vega box with cross steering setup is not bad geometry by any means, but the problem with the box is the 20 to 1 ratio, this is what makes it feel like power steering, but driving response is slow. Flaming River and surely others offer a 16:1 vega box, but at $650 a pop it's not easy to justify.
     
  20. threewindow
    Joined: Nov 26, 2012
    Posts: 80

    threewindow
    Member

    I alway's put some STP in my vega box's. It makes a lot of difference.
     
    sloppy jalopies likes this.

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