steering wheel removal

[Guest JT]

Tom, while you're working on other areas I would give the steering wheel a daily shot of PB blaster or whatever you're using and let time work for you.

[Restorer32]

What you do is this. Hang the column from a ceiling joist in your shop. Then hang all of your most expensive trim items, headlights, taillights, etc. from the wheel. I can almost guarantee that the wheel will fall off, likely in the middle of the night. If there is a more frustrating endeavor than restoring antique cars I have yet to find it.

[R W Burgess]

Jeff, I think marriage comes in there somewhere, doesn't it? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Tom M]

Thanks I needed a laugh. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

But isn't that the truth it always the expensive stuff that breaks.

[Restorer32]

Marriage can be pretty frustrating also but I only have 1 wife whereas I have about 15 restoration projects underway at any one time.

[West Peterson]

Tom

Although I know you've been thinking a lot about this part of your restoration, and have even had the patience to wade through these replys... but with other items where frustration starts to develop, the best thing is to walk away and let the blood pressure settle down. In many cases, as you lay at night trying to fall asleep, an answer will come to you. I have found that the only way I can work on an extremely frustrating part of a restoration is to make sure I start fresh. Going into the garage after work to immediately work on something that has been frustrating only results in parts (or light fixtures) getting flung across the garage (don't do that if your wife is within earshot!). I have to leave some items for first thing Saturday morning.

[tbirdman]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Marriage can be pretty frustrating also but I only have 1 wife whereas I have about 15 restoration projects underway at any one time. </div></div>

Yes but with a classic car...

1. The body usually gets in better shape over time

2. If there's a problem with it usually makes a noise

3. If there is a problem with it, you usually can fix it

Now I will duck for cover. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[tbirdman]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I took a look at my extra steering columns last night and no brilliant ideas sprang to mind. The wooden puller is worth a try but I don't see how it could exert enough force to break the wheel loose. </div></div>

I think the idea behind the wood puller would be steady and even pressure on the base of the steering wheel. As others suggested, keep squirting it daily with some kind of lubricant.

The thing I do like about these cars is that you can work on them for a few hours and then walk away. It's amazing how the next day things sometimes get clearer.

[West Peterson]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now I will duck for cover. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

Good idea. I would. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

[Tom M]

Before I went out to the garage my wife warned me to be careful not to break anything and low and behold it happen. She called me in for dinner I ate, went down stairs login here and she happen to come down and ask what I was you doing so I told her what happen and she gave me an ear full and left. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

[West Peterson]

You told her... the TRUTH? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Do you need a place to sleep? I got an extra chair in my den. You can't have the couch, cuz that's mine for the time being. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

[Tom M]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Never avoid the chance to skirt the issue! </div></div> I try this but she reads right through me. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

[Johan Boltendal]

Sorry to learn about your steering wheel trouble, you should use a C shape casting, with an U shape at the bottom where it slides around the outer tube, the U shaped holder was fitted with a fibre plate to prevent damaging the steering wheel.

At the top there is a screw turning against the inner tube with a special fitting to prevent damaging the thread.You might want to weld a puller like this together to prevent further damaging. If you want a picture sent me an email jbmk@planet.nl

Johan

[Tom M]

Johan,

A few threads back Ken posted a link to a site that sells them. See attachment. Is that the kind of tool you are talking about?

[Johan Boltendal]

No it is not the same device, it's like a C ,open at one end closed at the other, very thick and strong, to take the force, when the screw is tightened, it functions like a one armed fixed puller, so to speak. U shaped at the bottom

single screw at the top. As said e-mail me if you like a picture, Johan

[Guest 1956Packard]

Johan:

Thanks for the offer of a picture. Do you think you could post it to here so everyone can take a look? I'd appreciate seeing it.

Thanks

Geoff

[Johan Boltendal]

Tom has received the pictures, he is welcome to share these with you on the forum. Johan

[Tom M]

Pictures from Johan. Thanks

[Tom M]

Here is the second one. Thanks again Johan

Now to see if I can come up with some ideas where to find a "C-CLAMP" like the pictures?

Maybe Harbor Freight??