How do I stop gear shift rod from twisting on Steering Column?

[Deleted User]

My '49 Hudson has the "3 on the tree" gear shift rod that runs down the top of the steering column. Just behind the steering wheel is a collar that wraps around the steering wheel column and connects to the top of the shift rod assembly. The collar contains a screw that tightens the collar onto the column. The collar also contains a small set screw that appaers as if it should go into a small hole in the steering column. Unfortunately this small hole has turned too far in the counter clockwise direction. If I twist the collar so that the set screw goes into the hole I cannot shift gears. If I tighten the set screw against the steering column I have a fair ability to shift gears but the collar starts twisting and soon it is once again out of aliignment. I am guesing the steering wheel column contains an inner rod that connects to the steering wheel, an outer steel sleeve** that is connected to the geer box and dashboard for strength and postion and an outer chrome plated sleeve.

** What keeps the outer steel sleeve in position? I do not think it should be rotating. With everything as tight as I can get it I still see some movement on the chrome sleeve when I try to shift gears.

[Deleted User]

dbputman wrote:

My '49 Hudson has the "3 on the tree" gear shift rod that runs down the top of the steering column. Just behind the steering wheel is a collar that wraps around the steering wheel column and connects to the top of the shift rod assembly. The collar contains a screw that tightens the collar onto the column. The collar also contains a small set screw that appaers as if it should go into a small hole in the steering column. Unfortunately this small hole has turned too far in the counter clockwise direction. If I twist the collar so that the set screw goes into the hole I cannot shift gears. If I tighten the set screw against the steering column I have a fair ability to shift gears but the collar starts twisting and soon it is once again out of aliignment. I am guesing the steering wheel column contains an inner rod that connects to the steering wheel, an outer steel sleeve** that is connected to the geer box and dashboard for strength and postion and an outer chrome plated sleeve.

** What keeps the outer steel sleeve in position? I do not think it should be rotating. With everything as tight as I can get it I still see some movement on the chrome sleeve when I try to shift gears.

A the base of the chromed column is a diecast circular part that goes around the bottom of the steering column jacket and holds the shifter cable in place. Just below this piece is a clamp that likely needs to be tightened. That piece will hold the jacket in place on the column. You need to make sure both the diecast piece and the steel clamp are secured squarely in place. One uses a standard screw and the other uses a cap screw.Once this is done your column should not slip around while shifting. Good luck.