VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Upper Mast Jacket Bushing for horn - 37 Sedan

Upper Mast Jacket Bushing for '37 Sedan
Help is need to determine how far in do I install the Upper Mast Jacket Bushing in the steering column for the horn to work properly.
I am unable to find my notes has to how many inches the original jacket bushing was into the steering column (perhaps in my dreams I made note of the bushing).
I have searched the forums but do not find the answer needed - I did notice that one is to be very careful when installing the bushing.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Jim P

Hopefully someone has that number written down. I did that a few years ago but did not keep the note after I reinstalled the bushing.

If no one responds with a good dimension then I would consider a trail and error approach.

The key is that the bushing has to be far enough in so that the wires on the horn button only contact it when you push the horn button. Maybe you can do some measuring to determine the starting point.

Disconnect the horn so you do not drive yourself crazy. Install the bushing deep enough so you can install the wheel. Install the button and connect the horn. I expect the horn will blow continuously.

Run out and disconnect the horn! Then remove the steering wheel and use a deep wheel socket of piece of tubing to push the bushing in a little deeper. Try again!

The correct depth is when the horn blows only when you push the button.

The key is to not push the bushing too deep. If you do you will have to remove the mast jacket and push the bushing back out.

Currently the steering wheel of my 37 Sedan is not on the steering shaft. I try to measure it and will give feedback.
I know that my steering column has such a small stop like a dent up to which the bearing can be inserted.
Tino

"I know that my steering column has such a small stop like a dent up to which the bearing can be inserted."

Take note of that statement. It is the answer to many of your questions.

On my 38, the vertical position of the mast is adjustable and held in place by the clamp above the steering box. Therefore the position of the bushing relative to the steering wheel can be adjusted.

True, however there is a correct depth that the bearing is installed and is usually a dent in the steering column that limits how far down the bearing is to be installed.

Hi!
The distance of this dent from the top of the steering column is 3 inches.
There is a little knotch in the bushing that has to be aligned to the dent.
So at the end the distance is 2 inches from the top of the steering column to the top of the bushing.
From the dent to the top of the steering shaft I measured 4.75 inches. Could be more important to know.
Tino

Just to comment on my experience with the bushing in my 38:

I bought my bushing from Chevs of the 40s. I would not count on the bushing being exactly the same as the original, in vertical dimensions. In addition, my bushing is nylon in the middle. It is fairly snug on the steering shaft. When it is hot out, the bushing binds a little and squeaks and creaks every time I move the wheel.

A thank you to all of your replies ....
When installing the bushing it was suggested to use either diluted dish detergent or mineral oil and very gently tap into place.
Most likely I will have the same binding and squeaks and creaks due to hot weather when turning the steering shaft.
Would any of you suggest a light coating of the bushing nylon portion and / or the shaft with mineral oil to possibly
limit the squeaking/creaking and potential binding? Is a different lubricant recommended?
.

My '38 has the original bushing. It was squeaking when I turned a corner. I placed two or three drops of light machine oil on the shaft at/above the bushing so that it could work it's way down into the bushing during use. The squeak went away. Air tool oil is what I used.

For those of you who are following this posting ..... I have the bushing started in the column .. and a light synthetic oil is used to coat the inner column and the center of the bushing .. I have the bushing about 1/4" (or slightly less) started into the column and it is being very stubborn to go any farther.
I am using a PVC pipe about the same as the bushing's outer diameter and lightly tapping to get the bushing to continue going in ... but it isn't.
Is the trick to use a little more force to get the bushing to go in, or do I need to hold my mouth in a different position? Before I use more force on my tapping and will forever regret before asking .... I shall await a reply
The bushing came from either C40s or the FS.

I took some threaded rod and used it to extract the old one and pull the new one in. I didn`t like the idea of pounding on it.