Steering Wheel Loose!

[stellj]

Help please, I dont know enough about these trucks yet and have encountered a temp problem hopefully. I was backing the 64 up and maneuvering it into a garage where I am doing body work and the steering wheel itself just started spinning. I removed the horn cap and the nut right inside the cap was loose. Is this something the previous owner did not have tight enough or is there something else causing this? It is a 64 without power steering and has and aftermarket wood steering wheel with horn button mounted to dash. I tighting the nut up and it seems to work for now, but I definately do not want this to happen again, especially cruising down the road. Thanks for any help.

[mikecarson]

PO left the nut loose, most likely.

[Ford4jack]

Whoa
If you have a aftermarket wheel make sure its bolted to the hub that is splined onto the steering shaft.
In addition to the center nut.

If your wheel is splined and just attches with a big nut you ought to check the splines.

could you load a picture of this wheel center?

[61 Merc]

With an aftermarket steering wheel, there should also be some bolts that go through into the hub, which should be splined ot match the steering shaft. If memory serves me, there should be three small bolts or maybe lugs on the adapter, plus the big nut.

[stellj]

THanks all, I will check it out in depth more. I have been reworking my roof now for the past few weeks in my spare time, but before I move it again I will definately check it all out.

[Casey 65]

the new Custom Classic Trucks magazine has a article on changing steering wheels with a lot of good photos. Check that out for a aftermarket steering wheel installation. A big help if you inherited one from a PO and don't have the installation instructions or diagram.