I’m currently mocking up the steering in my 35 Coupe. I have a ‘40 steering box and column installed but the column is resting directly in front of the rear exhaust port of the drivers side head. What is the simplest way I can correct this? Thanks Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Thats a tough one. I think you may have to raise the engine a bit and cut some of the outer steering tube out to clear. Other option is to go with some other type of steering. Keep us posted.
did you use the Hurst mounts? I didn't modify anything on my 40 except I ground a tiny bit off the rear ear of the exhaust manifold
I've seen that the 35/6 steering box mount is slightly different from 37/40 ones. I think (?) the later ones tuck the box tighter to the frame. This is not gospel, so please fact check! Whatever it is, there is a difference in the orientation.
Here are some bad pics. Looks like I only had to grind for the column shift. If you are running manifolds you should be ok
I'll be following this one. There has to be a work around with as many Caddys found their way into early Fords.
Yes I’m using the hurst mounts with the 1 1/2 inch spacers, which puts the motor pretty high. I’m still playing with the pinion angle too and the back of the motor/trans definitely has to come up some so perhaps I’ll gain some clearance there. My plan is to have the exhaust (headers) run out through the inner fender wells. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
On the 390 Cad manifold on the drivers side rear port curves up and away from the steering column . This probably doesn't help the OP as I believe it is a 331 with smaller ports. But as there has been lots of Cads swapped into 35- 41 Fords I'm sure the answer is at hand.
I'm wondering if you could gain clearance by using the Sanderson headers? Mark's clears, but not by much. These won't flow much better than the stock manifolds.
He has a 40 box and column. I would think he already has the mounting plate? I'll be using the same setup wit my 390 Caddy in my 36.
Actually my 1935 steering box mounting plate was adapted to accept the ‘40 box so that may be one of my issues. Thanks Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
390 Cad in a '40. About a 1/2 inch clearance, the gasket makes it look closer. Ground the manifold plus knocked off the corner from the shift support.
He does, the 35/36 version in his frame. But you can take it out and swap in a 37/40 version for better positioning. I've seen it done. It requires some rivet removal and the sourcing of a later plate/bracket.
With the '35, I would lower the '40 steering gear & re-drill the existing mounting bracket. Not a big deal to change to a '37-'40 type bracket, a few rivets plus a spot weld to separate.
At the other end, what are you doing for the dash mount and are you using the column shift (it's not in your picture?)
No column shift I’m using a 39 Lasalle trans with a floor shift conversion. However I’ll need some type of column drop at the top end as I’m about 2 1/4 inches below the dash. I’m looking better and better at the manifold however because I had the motor not even close to level. I jacked up the back of the trans and It’s definitely better Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I said manifold but I meant the exhaust port at the head Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Can you cut a relief/notch in the outer mast then weld in a new piece lower/closer to the steering shaft? Maybe flip the piece that was cut out. I might not give much, but maybe just enough. Forgive my computer skills-
Ahhhh.......Yeah you can buy the 37/40 for about $50. https://www.ebay.com/itm/4022098886...0Xi4Pb5JTbx_e5oMIUap44ll9A2sHoMBoCliIQAvD_BwE
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