How To Install a 1933/34 Ford Steering Box In A Model A Hot Rod!!!

Now that we have a dash board fitted into our 1929 Ford Roadster Pickup, we can get started on mocking up a steering box. If you have ever driven a Model A, you know that the steering box is quite hard to turn. Matt has a spare 1933/34 Ford steering box that tucks nicely into the frame rails and will steer much smoother. Matt works on relocating the box back a few inches back to clear the back of the flathead v8 and shorten the shaft to get the steering wheel into a perfect location. Next up are pedals and and a drive shaft and we can take it for a test drive!!
- Get 10% Off Your Eastwood Order With The Coupon Code ITG15 At Checkout * Some Products Excluded -
- Eastwood Digital Tig 200 - www.eastwood.com/tig-200-digi...
- Eastwood Panoramic View True Color Helmet - www.eastwood.com/panoramic-vi...
- Blair Rotabroach Combo Kit - www.eastwood.com/blair-rotabr...
Wanna send us something?
Iron Trap Garage
PO Box 6
New Berlinville, PA
19545
Amazon Wishlist - www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
Matt's Instagram - @irontrap - / irontrap
Mike's Instagram - @mhammsteak - / mhammsteak
Iron Trap Parts Instagram - @irontrapfinds - / irontrapfinds
Iron Trap eBay - www.ebay.com/usr/irontrapgarage/
Email us - [e-mail]
Get Your Iron Trap Merch Here - irontrapgarage.bigcartel.com

[@stevenkarnisky411]

This is becoming a real gem, guys! By the time you finish it will be too nice to use as a shop truck!

[@donaldsillence6853]

Having two people to help now seems to be working out well in terms of getting things done. Steve has been a great addition to you and Mike.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Slowly getting things done finally!

[@MrVelocity111]

Heys guy don’t forget to tell the viewers to make a line up mark on both pieces for the keyway so the steering wheel will be clocked correctly (FYI) great jobs have a good day

[@michaelguinn5736]

Morning Matt & Steve!! It's amazing how fast your shop truck is moving along!! Even with all the mods you had to do, the steering install looks factory!! Be safe!! God Bless!!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yep I find I use a ton of the small little drops for this sort of stuff!

[@thomasst.martin3308]

I really like the look, Auburn dash and '40 steering wheel. The first Model A roadster pickup I ever saw was at a local drag strip. A real seat of the pants place. The starting line was at the swamp and the finish was just before US Highway 8. Years later they reversed the course, and started at the Highway and ended before the swamp. The roadster pickup was channeled and ran a flathead with finned aluminum heads and 4 deuces. The paint was gray primer followed by lots of blue smoke. But when you're 15 it was great fun.

[@johnelliott7375]

How I could not resist this last comment, the old equipment is the best way to get it done. Over and out.

[@pappabob29]

This one "mod" is a really HUGE, and very clean, step forward!!! Over the years I remember seeing so many "butcher" jobs related to this same steering box/engine clearance issue. This solution seems so simple, logical, very practical/effective as well as quite "normal" looking. I've only done this once on a 29 CCPU but I went the "modern" answer using a Vega box with cross steering. Made my own column and column drop. Please show how you mounted/anchored the drop at the dash. I "pie cut" some square tubing so it matched the bottom shape of the dash while it ran from side to side of the "A" pillars for the drop support. Used a "U" joint at the steering box and had a shaft machined at the top end to match the early Ford wheels. Given access to the old parts (and you have more than that), your answer looks "old school" which fits right in to the ITG scene!!! 👍👍👍🛠⚙️🔩🗜😘✌️

[@THEoriginaljmelford]

Matt. I am enjoying your build on this truck! I was always told by the professionals and all of my training instructors in the 1960's told me, that you turn off the acetylene first so the oxygen blows out the flame or the flame could go back up the hose into the tank. Usually those rules are put about because it happened once. Jim

[@danielkeel9265]

Yep, although those fancy flash arresters (that are compulsory here in Australia) remove the issue. The trade school instructor still drilled it into us!

[@THEoriginaljmelford]

@@danielkeel9265 Thank you for verifying my statement! The other warning we got was that if we were transporting or had laid a bottle of acetylene on it's side we had to wait 30 minutes after the bottle was upright before we could use it. I was told that was so the liquid would settle back down to the bottom. Jim

[@johnelliott7375]

Don't think I quit watching I have just enough time to share and finish watching , and eat before I leave for church. TTYL

[@onehotpinto]

My new favorite project. These videos give me motivation to work on my current project, although not a 30s, 40s, or even a 50s car (65 T-Bird) it's still old and work intensive. Keep up the good work.

[@TrashcanGarage]

18:50 and now we know why Matt was standing on the work bench in last week's photo. 👍

[@danterry6328]

So much of the time I have no clue what your doing, but I dig watching you do it.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha thank you!

[@andrewgraham9977]

That truck is my new favorite hot rod you have. The `39 sedan slipped to second place.

[@robertjean659]

Great work. With welding and heating of steering components here in Oz they would need to be X-rayed. Love this truck build 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@craigcaggiano431]

Enjoyed this video, using some parts you have at your shop and the right tools you use daily you created a custom steering column.

[@e.s.bryant765]

Thanks for the new video! I am enjoying watching this project come together.

[@johnelliott7375]

A true fab man just whips out a rule and goes to town , awesome.

[@johnelliott7375]

Good morning I love my Iron trap garage before Church on my Sunday mornings.

[@donames6941]

Matt i was showed to turn off red one first because thats the gas and it clean out the unburn gas that could keep burning and burn your Oring inside the way you do it

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Great job, now you only have to deal with the loose nut behind the wheel !😄

[@randomyank7777]

Ah , a method to the madness , lol . Needed the dash , to set the steering box & column . Needed the engine to help set steering box back to a non-interference position behind the original , to set the length of the steering column . Nice work , guys ! Always great to see a build in-process . It's never just "bolt it on" . It's lay out , set up , modification , mock up , adjustments , initial assembly , disassembly , prime & paint , & final assembly , fit & finish . That "shop truck" is going to be a sweet ride ! At this point , it's easily moveable now . One piece at a time , one step at a time . Great video , ITG !

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yep a lot of put it on, modify it, take it off, rinse and repeat! Thanks Rob!

[@kalinagoedge2777]

You all work together as a smooth team!

[@Racemojo]

Great video Matt! Funny how our projects are going in the same direction. I've had my eyes peeled for a good 34 box for a while now, I want the look of how guys built a car when they got back from the war and the F-1 would be just a little too new for the look I'm going for! Your roadster truck project has been keeping me motivated on mine! Matt- Mojo Speed Shop and Lounge

[@IronTrapGarage]

Awesome!

[@shotsrodder]

Great tips as usual Matt 👍 I’m really digging this build 👌 I did a similar build two years ago. But as a speedster pickup. I’ll try to send you some pics.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Awesome! Simple and old school is fun!

[@87mini]

Great scene with you working on the truck and the birds singing their springtime songs. Appropriate that a tired old truck is getting ready to hatch into a new life! And I envy that hole puncher! There are probably six dozen half done plugs behind the bench where my grinder is mounted that have flown there over the years! Great progress, and excellent design choices. This will be a jewel!

[@jasonkocinski3193]

Thanks for doing this part of the truck at this time. I have been trying to figure out what to do with my project truck for its steering/ gearbox. This helps out greatly.

[@380.motorsports]

So many good tips and tricks in this video to improve your steering. This little truck is coming along really nice.

[@johnelliott7375]

I would love to have one of those cars.

[@davidvansickle563]

I love these type videos on steering, very interesting to me. I really like this build and I’m excited to follow your progress on it.

[@johnkranz4004]

Looks very nice job Matt

[@terrancesweeney1870]

Great work Matt and Steve.

[@stevesimons6333]

Can't believe you are wearing a white shirt in the shop! Nice work as usual and good information.

[@bobgaylord8883]

Great job, as usual !

[@protc]

Another great how to. This kinda info is hard to come by. Thank you.

[@museuminsider1814]

I LOVE that you used the Auburn dash in this. I was curious if/ how you used a column drop and how you attached it. In the video you mentioned that you used a combo of both. cool.

[@mg-lz3kk]

So very cool! Nice work!

[@johnbehneman1546]

Great upgrade!!!! Something to consider, Great video, and thanks for sharing.

[@jeffmay1926]

Great job super cool

[@billbeyer657]

You made a difficult job look easy Matt. Great workmanship.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks!

[@chuckb9867]

It looks like the truck is my new favorite hot rod I wish moon was helping today

[@pinwizz69]

Awesome, one more item checked off the list to get the shop truck on the road. Next thing ya know, Matt will be wearing a lab coat and we'll be addressing him as Herr Professor as the Iron Trap Garage vocational school instructor. With an old fashioned blackboard and wood pointer stick to explain the diagram of his latest modifications including angles, diameters, lengths and other criteria to make something fit.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Ha!

[@charlesherrick7400]

Wonderful teaching video.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hopefully it’s helpful!

[@squidgameisaliarisawnosqui5341]

Can't wait to see this one done to cool great video ty Steve

[@classactkirk]

I love this truck,great video

[@mattymcdonald6769]

Hi the steering wheel looks right in place cool love it from matty in Scotland

[@usmclee65]

Great job, thanks!

[@georgeezzell4474]

Looks great.

[@g.o.b.2558]

Sweet 👌

[@tjhamer3]

one more good vid Thanks for not saying any thing about the back ground noise.

[@tomcarlson3913]

"This is one of my best purchases"...Handle falls off.🤣

[@richardsiddon610]

Better and better. 🙂.

[@williamarmstrong1045]

Great video, all your videos are very informative and I love watching them. Personally, I could use more pictures around what you did on the frame, especially from the inside looking out, probably tough to get a decent pic from that angle

[@IronTrapGarage]

It’s the same as stock. One big hole in the center with 3 holes that match the flange on the box. I had to use two small shims (aka washers) to get the steering angle to match the dash location, but otherwise no major modifications.

[@williamarmstrong1045]

Thank you, yes, I wondered about shims and alignment, my grandfather, uncle and dad owned a farm equipment company and the shop looked just like your place, only with tractors in various states of repair! It feels like home when I watch!

[@BrianSmart1959]

Have you ever tried using a tubing cutter, the kind that plumbers use to cut copper tubing? I use mine to cut all kinds of steel, aluminum, plastic, etc. pipe and tubing. It might not do the blade any favors, but it makes a nice exact even cut, and you can replace the blade. I've even cut solid rods with it a couple of times.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yep I actually have a few different sizes from eastwood but of course all my blades were chipped and broken. I blame the last guy that used them! (Me!)

[@cliffordmarkell40]

Rosebud torch tip

[@gregl1824]

What a great video . Love the angles it was shot and the explanation. Will the truck get a roll bar behind the seat like they used to run back in the day?

[@garycamara9955]

We have cut the shaft you can make a 3/4DD shaft by machining an eighth inch flat on each side. Then just install borgessen or other U joint or 2.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Sure could do that but this doesn’t need ujoint

[@MrBenh1976]

Very nice informative video Are yall going to put rear finders on the truck bed

[@petermanship2001]

heat the shifter and bend to clear the steering and looks very good

[@IronTrapGarage]

It’s old chrome. We’ll cold bend it to save the chrome. But that’s the basic idea.

[@dontrump9362]

Good content but would be better if you showed folks how you cut the shaft and the sleeve for the steering. 👍

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hacksaw cut the shaft. We showed that. The sleeve was a piece close to the size we wanted from our drop bin. I turned it down to length in the lathe.

[@steveaguinaga3821]

Wish you could explain the internals of the steering column. I have 2 . 32 and pre 32. I'm a little lost on the chopping and fitting so you have the steering wheel teeth for fitting

[@kenpecora7526]

In a future video, would you explain what causes bump steer

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

OSHA deals with occupations, this is an obsession way out of their league, however if they can cure the roadster door pinch problem, they could be considered useful for once.

[@jscheu71]

Is it really progress if you don't smash your hand at least once? Any updates on the second floor?

[@rogermiller8262]

I read or saw somewhere that for the best steering set up you should try to get the drag link parallel or at the same angle as the wishbone. Have you heard this or am I incorrect? Very helpful video.

[@IronTrapGarage]

That is ideal yes. I reference this towards the end of the video

[@fredwicker5400]

Painful watching you with the hack saw. Get the Milwaukie battery powered portaband saw. One of the best tools I've owned!

[@IronTrapGarage]

A little hard work never hurt anyone.

[@onehotpinto]

Matt's young and full of energy. When you get older you think of easier ways to get it done. I use a DeWalt battery powered port-a-band myself.

[@johnelliott7375]

Can not mistake the sanding going on in the background. LOL

[@waynespyker5731]

Added character.

[@dennisschickling2249]

Nice Video. #STAYSAFE #PHILLYPHILLY 🇺🇸

[@dantomlinson4407]

How about another "Tools that don't Suck"

[@RichieCat4223]

6:01 Wouldn't it be better to have the seat (bottom and back) in place ?

[@IronTrapGarage]

Sure in an ideal world but there is plenty of room for a seat.

[@davidnichols1363]

Your builds are great ,did you see the 37 build that Brent did on Half ass Costoms? I know that this is your dog but it would be nice for the shop truck to have some real style that Iron Trap deserves..

[@IronTrapGarage]

Not sure we understand.. Define real style?

[@davidnichols1363]

@@IronTrapGarage you guys do amazing work ,maybe my interpretation would be to kick a good paint job out with the logo in antiquated letters. Just a thought ,like I said, it's your dog.

[@northvegassailrabbit3642]

What happened to your sweet chop saw?

[@gerrikupicki4060]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@gerrikupicki4060]

🙂👍👏

[@williamcarey6592]

Would be better with a 37-39 box as a get are self returning.

[@IronTrapGarage]

That’s cross steer. We don’t want cross steer on this project. “Self returning” is in the caster and toe. All steering boxes self return if the alignment is set up correctly.

[@williamcarey6592]

@@IronTrapGarage Thank you you are correct

[@georgelashomb5575]

So i take it your not boxing the frame ?

[@IronTrapGarage]

Nope. Engine isn’t anything wild.

[@AndyGeesGarage]

Why not just push the engine over half an inch to the passenger side to clear the steering shaft?

[@IronTrapGarage]

That then throws 18 other things off. Rather leave the engine where it’s supposed to be..

[@AndyGeesGarage]

@@IronTrapGarageI was just thinking it would be easier than shortening the column but then it would probably need to be shortened even if it was in the stock A location anyway just because of body differences between the Model A and 33/34 bodies. It’s a cool car and I love the lakes era style you are going with it. Speed shop shop truck built with left over speed parts. Super cool.

[@michaelwillette5738]

Matt, There is still a place for a good ol' hacksaw, contrary to what some say. Sometimes one can be more precise, leaving less work to finish the cut. Just a lot more elbow grease.