How do you overhaul the steering box?
In our technical library are many hundreds (if not thousnads) of service manuals, technical documents and how-tos for the vehicles we own (and some we don’t!). But there is one bus for which we have almost no documentation: our 1937 Hayes-Anderson ‘Teardrop’. And so when our mechanical advisor Lawrence Walker was asked “how to remove to steering box for overhaul”, he knew there would not be a simple answer.
It had been determined that there was no access available from underneath the vehicle. Lawrence then removed the radiator grill and road-side headlight to view the positioning of the box. His theory? the body was built around the steering box. Not good news. But he noticed that on that on the engine firewall in the driver’s compartment was a oddly positioned access panel. He believes that another unlucky mechanic had been tasked in years gone by with overhauling the steering box. Did they cut the panel? Were they successful in overhauling the box? Or was the panel cut and then it became evident the steering box was still unaccessible? That is for Lawrence to find out!
(Above from left: the steering box can be seen through the cutout to the right of the radiator. The view from the headlight opening. 2nd/3rd row: The panel in the firewall.)
This episode is probably the first of many as we prepare the Hayes for its 90th birthday in 2027. The bus can be driven, but it is not roadworthy. TMS would very much like to put the bus on public display during the celebration. Would you like to help accomplish this?
We are looking for someone who can oversee the restoration. Only a partial mechanical assessment of the coach has been completed. We have identified issues with steering, front end, oil leakage, and electrical wiring problems. Our goal by mid 2027 is to be able to drive the bus to shows and events in the Metro area (avoiding high speed running on freeways.)
The scope of the volunteer restoration manager would include assembling a small team of advisors; assessing the mechanical problems; proposing an action plan; sourcing parts or find machine shops able to fabricate parts.
Passionate about Hayes trucks? Or have project management experience? Please contact the TMS President, Bryan Larrabee (president@transitmuseumsociety.org)
You can read more in this document
Thank you for reading! Long live the oldest (operating) bus in BC!