DSpringer

Trying to resolve exessive slop in the steering of my '41 Zephyr. Installed new tie-rod ends and removed shims from the steering box, which seems tight now. I suspect worn kingpins but will be checking wheel bearings. I bought a set of kkingpins for a '41 Ford but it looks like they have a smaller diameter - 0.810" vs. the 0.933" that I measured after removing the lower retaining screw and cap. Merv Adkins used to offer them but he's been out of the game for a few years. Trying Whelihan and Boos-Herrel but they've been slow to respond. Seems like our old reliable parts sources are slowly fading away. Dave

Does anyone know of a source for kingpin sets (kingpins, bearings, locking pins, shims, etc.) I bought a set for a '41 Ford thinking they would fit but on closer examination it looks like they have a smaller diameter. Dave

Haven't been on LZOC in quite a while. Just take the Zephyr out for a spin every month or so and everything still works, so no reason to. Thankfully I have an Earl Brown-built distributor in reserve. But Tom, I am curious what you use to read RPM and how you connect it. Dave 1941 Zephyr Sedan (in family since new) 1969 Saab 96 V4 1973 Sonett V4

Inspecting the worm gear and race I saw no evidence of wear. I removed two of the .020" and two of the .010" shims, effectively cutting the overall shim thickness in half from .120" to .060". That, and adjusting the steering gear adjustment screw for minimal drag seems to have solved the problem.

Yes, thanks for the suggestions. I've done all those tests. I can't detect any play in the wheels so the king pins seem o.k. The tie rod ends and drag link are tight though I might replace them anyway while I'm at it. When I have someone move the steering wheel the pitman arm doesn't move until the steering wheel is rocked back and forth over the 1-1/2" range I mentioned. So it looks like I will have to replace the steering shaft/worm drive and the shaft & roller assembly if not the entire box. Do you know of anyone that rebuilds steering gear boxes? In the meantime I'm going to continue to play with shims and see what I get. The Chasis Parts Catalog shows just two in the diagram (for 1946 cars), a 0.010" and a 0.020". Mine has five 0.020" and two 0.010". Tight spots are preferable to a huge amount of slop, but breakage.... -Dave

Jeff, I have 1-1/2" of free play in the steering wheel measured where the spoke attaches to the wheel. Makes it wild to drive, especially in strong wind. Is it true I can tighten it up by removing shims (3563 & 3564 in the Chassis Parts Catalog)? Any experience with that? -Dave

Just down the road from me in Winters. Nice work!

John, I'm considering this for my '41 Zephyr if I can find the parts. Do you need to enlarge the tunnel to get it to fit? Seems like a fairly major undertaking. Dave

Here's another: https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1941-lincoln-continental?utm_medium=email&utm_source=auctions_newsletter&utm_campaign=2020-03-19 Hampton Blue and paisley seats?

It's been about 7 years since I installed the windshield on my '41, but if I recall correctly, the seal I got from Narragansett in the 80's was continuous but has a seam on the bottom side and centered on the glass. I would install it on the glass and join the ends with 3M super weatherstrip adhesive while taping it firmly in place while it sets. It is probably form-fitted to go on that way and should be of the proper length. The glass installs from the inside. Be sure to use the proper kind of sealant. I made a 2x4 prop to hold the glass in place while I installed the trim, which is what secures it. If you have the dashboard out for woodgraining, be sure to install it first because the windshield trim must be removed to install the dash.

I would try Merv Adkins for a used tank. He's at the top of the list under Sources & Tech Info. As for the rag top, I would join LZOC, request the membership directory, and scan for members with 06H56 cars. Most of those listed have phone numbers or email addresses and might know where to point you.

Thanks, guys. Will try both and report back.

Along with Narragansett Reproductions we lost LeBaron Bonney (in Chapter 7) recently. They supplied the broadcloth for my '41 Sedan. I think the only one left is SMS Auto Fabrics, but their selection is more limited. After a lot of looking ten years ago I couldn't find anyone who provided interior kits. I had an upholsterer use the shabby fabric I provided as a pattern.

I have a lot of play in my steering, which gives me white knuckles especially when driving in windy conditions. The old Earl Brown article in the latest TWOTZ talks about replacing all the bushings in the steering box with bearings, but the car is fully restored and I never could figure out how to pull the steering column and box when I had it torn apart. The nut securing the Pittman arm was loose but tightening that didn't completely solve the problem. I guess replacing the tie rod ends is next.

Love to see the old postings from Rolf and Dee. Are you still out there Dee?