[AJD] 1928 Model D

Dave Ernst shop at cccomm.net
Sat Dec 3 12:24:21 PST 2005


Just a rant.............

The rack and pinion as well as the u-joints were completely shot. 8 bushings
in the u-joints none of them the same size inner or outer diameter. Finally
made a tool post grinder to make the crosses round, but all different
diameters.
Used about 5 pounds of brass building up the rack and pinion gears then
ground them to fit. In the middle of it all assembly became a problem due to
length of the new shaft and bushing through the front axle. Had to mount the
steering column bracket at the steering wheel, but it was severely egg
shaped also. Off to the big lathe and a day later finally had a mounting
bracket made on the cross slide that would hold the bracket to be bored.
That took 15 minutes. Then trying to fit everything together the back
housing that bolts to the axle (the part that contains the pinion) couldn't
be assembled because the 1 1/4" round A frame rod is in the way. Only
solution was either remove that or lengthen the keyway in the shaft that
holds the ring gear so it could slide further forward for assembly. Off to
the lather again. The design of this thing allows the keyway to float or
slide with the gear on the shaft as the wheel is turned. Dammed primitive
mechanism, but a time consuming bitch as well as an enjoyable challenge.
Friends drop by and leave shaking their head......
Pic of this monstrosity is at,
http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=3009545&a=31672053&p=73305451

Dave E 





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