8 replies to this topic

[Trail of Dead]

Ok fellow TMF'ers....I'm trying to find out what tilt steering columns I can fit in my '82 Mayfair. I know people do the Corsa EPAS columns but I am not trying to run one of those in this Mini (I am saving that for a different project). For my current project I am just looking for a column that offers tilt....nothing more. I just can't stand the near flat angle of the standard column (even with a drop bracket it is still annoying), it makes me feel like I am driving a bumper car.

I am wondering if anyone can recommend a tilt column that can go in with out that much effort....I'm not concerned about ignition stuff as I am switching to a push-button start/ignition key on the lower dash rail. Give me some ideas! Then I'll know what to look for when going to the scrappy!

[Guess-Works.com]

Not so much a tilt option, but if you can get hold of one the steering column from an allegro was/is a popular alternative...

Because of the use of Two UJ's it means the steering column can be positioned in a more horizontal position...

The Corsa system is generally used as a power steering conversion...

[Wil_h]

Maestro and Montgo colums have 2 UJs and the same splines. This gives a good idea:

Edited by Wil_h, 30 December 2009 - 10:34 AM.

[Ethel]

I'm using a SD1 column which has an easy to mount tilt and slide clamp - had to make up a stub shaft as there's only one UJ.

Probably hard to find one now.

[Trail of Dead]

Maestro and Montgo colums have 2 UJs and the same splines. This gives a good idea:

Will this steering column mount in the existing bracketry? It looks just as skinny as the Austin column shaft.

[Ethel]

No jointed column will be solid enough in the standard Mini bracket. You'll need at least 2 solid points, one of those is the rack on Minis as the column is 1 piece between it and the bracket.

[Trail of Dead]

No jointed column will be solid enough in the standard Mini bracket. You'll need at least 2 solid points, one of those is the rack on Minis as the column is 1 piece between it and the bracket.

I guess I am a little confused with the wording of your suggestion. Are you saying I can mount it where the standard column mounts but ALSO need to secure it in a second area? Does it need to be installed the same way in Wil h's picture? If so that may make it kinda hard for me to get in the car without being a contortionist or sitting in the back seat

[Ethel]

you could use the existing mount (if it fits) then knock up something like the lower 2 bars of Wil's to mount the outer column above the UJ's. Wil's setup looks ok but you can't have it both ways, the wheel is going to have a column in the middle.

[Trail of Dead]

I think I'm going to keep searching then. I am looking to see if maybe a Pontiac Fiero column would be the right size. The GM columns would be nice as they are straight like the Austin column but actually have the tilt function up top....this would keep it compact.