54 steering column

[John S.]

I am rebuilding a 54. I have removed the steering column with the body - however I still cannot remove the column. The steering box hits the inner wheel well when I try to slide it forward to remove it. Is there a trick to this or do I have to cut the wheel well ?

[Gary H.]

Re: 54 steering column

John, Do not cut anything, I had the same problem when I started the restoration on my 53. What you need to do is seperate the mast from the steering box, this will leave you with only the steering shaft and then you will have enought room at the dash to manover the box. Now to remove the mast you need a helper. You will have to heat the steering box ( with a propane torch) where the mast is pressed in, your helper will hold the column inside the car at the dash. Then use a soft bar, brass, and with a #5 hammer strike the steering box and the mast will come out, eventually. Don"t worry it works. Gary

[John S.]

Re: 54 steering column

Thanks Gary. How the He!! did they build this thing ? Disassembling the column is the only way I could see to remove it, I just couldn't believe that was required. Wonders never cease >>>>

[Gary H.]

Re: 54 steering column

John, I forgot to include one other thing. Before you take the mast off scribe a line around the mast where it enters the box, and punch a dot on the mast to align it with the box, use the casting seam on the box for the reference point. Doing this will allow you to push the mast in to the origional depth in the box and the dot will make sure you get the mast aligned properly at the steering wheel end. Good luck......G

[John H.]

Re: 54 steering column

You shouldn't have to separate the mast jacket tube from the steering gear casting to remove the assembly; it was installed as one piece originally. Have you removed/loosened the plate where the tube goes through the firewall to get some more lateral movement?

[Steven N.]

Re: 54 steering column

You don't have to remove anything or cut anything. It takes 2 people and takes some work. I''ve removed quite a few with no problems.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 54 steering column

Something isn't right.

The steering column almost falls out with the body off the frame.

Chuck

[Gary H.]

Re: 54 steering column

My mistake....Bye