VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 mast jacket bushing - 36 Master

I've now rebuilt my steering box, and am about to put the steering wheel on. I have a new upper mast jacket bushing purchased from the Filling Station. How far do I need to drive this into the mast jacket? There seems to be a taper about 2 inches down from the top where it should seat, but I can't drive it past the point where the top of the bushing is flush with the top of the mast jacket. Do I need to hone out the inside of the mast jacket?

Randy:
It has been a few years, but this is what I seem to remember:
1. Push the mast jacket flush with the top of the steering column.
2. Install the half moon key.
3. Install the steering wheel with the dish and nut.
I believe the steering wheel installation will push the mast jacket into the proper placement.

I hope I remembered this correctly.
Richard

Randy, I just looked at mine and that jogged a few memories. The bushing needs to be far enough down in the column so the brass ring will contact with the horn button wires only when pressed. On the outside of my column you see an indentation that acts as a stop for the bushing. Now, If the installation of the steering wheel doesn't push It far enough and I don't think It will, you will need to clean the Inside of the column and add a little lube to the bushing before pushing further.
Richard

Thanks. I'll pop it back out, add some lube and try again.

That worked. I used a small flap sander on my Dremel and cleaned the inside of the mast jacket. A little lube and it went in with minimal force.

Great, glad it worked.
Richard