'36 Terraplane steering wheel removal?

[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
The steering wheel on my 'plane is pretty cracked up and needs a restoration. I figured out how to get the horn button off, finally, and I see the "Jesus" nut, but how am I gonna get the wheel off with-out more damage? Anyone familier with this operation? Thanks.

Comments

  • Most times just loosening the nut untill it is flush at the top of the shaft, puting some upward pressure on the wheel with your knees and free hand and give the nut/shaft a couple good whacks with a brass hammer pops it loose. Little PB Blaster or other penitrating fluid helps.
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    Ayuh, I had a machinist make me a split ring with a major diameter big enough to get a puller on, and a turned-down diameter that fit up inside the lower part of the wheel so it pulled on the metal and not the plastic, and an inside diameter that was just slightly bigger than the column.



    I hold it in place with a hose clamp, and use a 2 or 3 jaw puller on them.



    Loosen the nut until it's flush with the top of the column. That way the puller won't booger the thread, and when it breaks loose it won't behead ya.
  • Richard E.
    Richard E. Senior Contributor
    I just removed the nut and whacked it from underneath with my hand and it popped right off. Mine is also a '36 Terraplane.
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