11 replies to this topic

[proccy13]

Hi all,

 

I have a 1984 Mini CIty E and wanted to change the mk4 steering column to a mk1/2 look with the slimmer cowel and put the ignition on the dash switch panel. 

 

Is it possible to take off the ignition from the column to make it slim enough to fit the older mk cowel? I'd also like to keep the left hand side indicator/light stork already on the column but take off the right hand side wiper function and add this to a switch panel on the dash, would this work with the slimmer cowel?

 

Please let me know.

 

Thanks!

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[Itsaminithing]

The answer to your questions are both Yes   .... & No!!!

The bracket on the shroud for attaching the cowl is in a different place on a Mk1 steering column (from memory i think my Mk3 column/shroud may be shorter than my Mk7 so you might not even get away with just fitting the Mk1 shroud to your Mk4 column)

Your existing indicator switch will need to be removed from the mounting plate & MIGHT fit with a bit of modding (i can't guarantee it will fit as i haven't attempted this modification).

The Mk1 cowl has the indicator on the RH -so you'll need a cowl from a LHD Mini in order to have an indicator on the L/H side.

 

It would be far easier just to fit a complete LHD Mk1 column/shroud/indicator -but then you lose the light aspect of the stork.

Edited by Itsaminithing, 04 May 2020 - 07:16 AM.

[proccy13]

The answer to your questions are both Yes   .... & No!!!

The bracket on the shroud for attaching the cowl is in a different place on a Mk1 steering column (from memory i think my Mk3 column/shroud may be shorter than my Mk7 so you might not even get away with just fitting the Mk1 shroud to your Mk4 column)

Your existing indicator switch will need to be removed from the mounting plate & MIGHT fit with a bit of modding (i can't guarantee it will fit as i haven't attempted this modification).

The Mk1 cowl has the indicator on the RH -so you'll need a cowl from a LHD Mini in order to have an indicator on the L/H side.

 

It would be far easier just to fit a complete LHD Mk1 column/shroud/indicator -but then you lose the light aspect of the stork.

 

 

Hi, 

 

Thank you for this. Is moving the attaching bracket a pain and does anyone know if a mk1/2 cowel is long enough to fit on my mk4/the indicator switch fits under too? 

 

Thanks!

[nicklouse]

Just buy a complete earlier steering assy anD swap over with suitable wiring changes.

[imack]

I fitted the mk2 / very early mk3 cowling to my 72 mk3. I just made some new brackets and welded them to the outer column.
The mk2/3 indicator switch is a snug fit under the cowl, not sure you'll get a mk3 switch under it.
The cowl comes right down to the column drop bracket.

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[johnR]

I tried to convert a later column to an early one - the main insurmountable problem is the horn. The early column has a rod through it for this - there's no other neat way of achieving a working horn button on the steering wheel. Its easy enough to move all the other switch functions to the dash. I ended up doing as Nicklouse suggests and sourced an early column (not many about though) If you go down this route read the section in my blog about earthing which is critical for the operation of the horn and indicator green light.

[proccy13]

Hi johnR and imack,

 

 I don't mind moving the horn to the dash, is this still an MOT pass even if the 84' mini has it on the steering wheel originally? What brackets did you have to make up imack? I don't want to change the column for an older mk, if i wanted to keep the mk4 indicator switch on the left hand side would I need to find a left hand drive cowel? I've heard the steering lock on a mk4 can make things even tighter for a mk2 cowel too. 

 

Thanks and sorry for all the questions!

 

I tried to convert a later column to an early one - the main insurmountable problem is the horn. The early column has a rod through it for this - there's no other neat way of achieving a working horn button on the steering wheel. Its easy enough to move all the other switch functions to the dash. I ended up doing as Nicklouse suggests and sourced an early column (not many about though) If you go down this route read the section in my blog about earthing which is critical for the operation of the horn and indicator green light.

 

 

 

 

I fitted the mk2 / very early mk3 cowling to my 72 mk3. I just made some new brackets and welded them to the outer column.
The mk2/3 indicator switch is a snug fit under the cowl, not sure you'll get a mk3 switch under it.
The cowl comes right down to the column drop bracket.

[imack]

Horn button can be anywhere so long as it's within reach ot the driver.
I just made up a couple of 'L' shaped brackets and welded them to the column for the upper mounts. Its all a bit of trial and error really as you need to get the indicator stalk in the right position. The lower mounts I just drilled and tapped the outer column as the inner diameter of the cowl is the same as the column diameter.
Theres no chance of fitting it with a column lock and probably no chance of fitting it with a mk4 indicator switch.

The mk2/3 switch is tight, looking at the pictures I'd say theres no way of getting a mk4 monstrosity in there. Plus you'd need to cut the top for the self cancelling mechanism.

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Edited by imack, 04 May 2020 - 07:38 PM.

[proccy13]

Ahh looking like its going to be more expensive than I thought. Does the mk2 indicator stalk not have the horizontal push and pull headlight controls like the mk4? If not, how do you control this, I really dont want to insert a foot light switch. 

 

Sounds like searching for a mk2 column might be the best way...

[imack]

Mk2/3 switch is functionally identical to a mk4.

[proccy13]

Okay great. So you think its possible to take off both stalks off the mk4, add the the horn, and wiper functions off the right mk4 stalk to the dash, put the mk2 indicator switch straight into the old mk4 female connector for same functionality (now on the right hand side), remove the column lock (is this possible or is it built into the column?) and make some new mounts for the slimmer cowel?

 

Thanks for helping

[imack]

I don't know how a mk4 switch attaches to the column, a mk2 switch just uses a simple 'U' clamp. A mk2 switch uses a completely different self cancelling mechanism. The mk4 cancels via pins in the back of the steering wheel and the mechanism in the switch protrudes through the top of the cowling. Mk2 self cancelling is all contained within the cowling via a collar with post on the inner column,I dont think this part is available new any more. The mk2 switch has the horn built in like the mk4 so no need for a dash switch. You'll need to check wiring diagrams for your car and a mk2 switch before connecting anything up,I doubt you can just plug it in.
Column lock should just unbolt via shear bolts but you may have insurance issues if removed and you dont inform them,after all it's a security device.