14 replies to this topic

[MR J]

Hi All,

 

 I'm wanting to convert my 94 Mini to a pre 76 Mk3 steering column set up. Are the columns basically the same but with the brackets for the cowls in different places or are they a totally different assembly?

[johnv]

I know the cowling and ignition position are different on a mk3

[MR J]

I know the cowling and ignition position are different on a mk3

I'm looking at putting a mk3 ignition barrel and lock onto a Mk4 column, just wanted to know if the mounting positions are the same, I can weld on some tabs for the cowl to fit.

[imack]

Indicator self cancelling mechanism is different on mk3.
Mk3 cowling doesn't just screw straight to the outer column like mk4, it has a plastic 'wishbone' that straddles the column and then the cowl screws to the wishbone.

Edited by imack, 17 December 2020 - 07:08 PM.

[MR J]

Indicator self cancelling mechanism is different on mk3.
Mk3 cowling doesn't just screw straight to the outer column like mk4, it has a plastic 'wishbone' that straddles the column and then the cowl screws to the wishbone.

Looks like i may have to get creative with the 3d printer.
Do you have a picture of the wishbone?

[MR J]

From what I remember I thought the bottom half screwed to the column bracket from the inside and then the upper half then screwed to the bottom half

Attached Files

•  Classic-Mini-MK3-Steering-Column-And-Shroud-With.jpg   17.83K   20 downloads

[Itsaminithing]

Not the same.... but they are interchangeable (if you swop over the whole thing), as imack pointed out you need the plastic wishbone to screw the upper column shroud onto.

 

From memory i think the mk3 steering column & outer shroud are shorter than the MPI one (not sure about the SPI).

The Mk3 Mini outer column measures 58.8mm.

If you do need a longer column then find a complete set-up off a MK3 ADO16 (1300 austin/VDP/Morris/MG or GT), the outer column measures 62.5mm.

 

[imack]

Indicator self cancelling mechanism is different on mk3.
Mk3 cowling doesn't just screw straight to the outer column like mk4, it has a plastic 'wishbone' that straddles the column and then the cowl screws to the wishbone.

Looks like i may have to get creative with the 3d printer.
Do you have a picture of the wishbone?

I'll get a picture of the wishbone later for you. Also as mentioned by johnv the ignition lock is completely different to a mk4 and pretty difficult to come by and the switch on the end of the lock is just about impossible to find.
Mk3 ignition lock is at 90 degrees to the column, a mk4 is at an angle.
Probably easier to fit a complete column if you can find one, they do crop up occasionally.

Edited by imack, 18 December 2020 - 06:16 AM.

[nicklouse]

Inner and outer columns are different. 

[Itsaminithing]

 

 

.... the switch on the end of the lock is just about impossible to find.

NOS Mini ones can be difficult to find, but many BLMC cars had the same switch with a different plug/connectors so they can be can be modified to fit.

If you have a Neiman lock the easiest one to find will probably be a MG connector https://www.theminif...h/?fromsearch=1 ).

 

Edited by Itsaminithing, 18 December 2020 - 10:47 AM.

[MR J]

Found a pic of the wishbone, should be a doddle to recreate a 3d printed version.

Attached Files

•  Screenshot_20201218-125126_eBay.jpg   18.14K   15 downloads

Edited by MR J, 18 December 2020 - 01:44 PM.

[nicklouse]

You do have the MK3 inner column? As the later will not align with the steering lock.

[MR J]

You do have the MK3 inner column? As the later will not align with the steering lock.

No, just the Mk4+ column. I may need to source a pukka Mk3 one then or just delete the steering lock if I can't find one.

[ben.harris]

I know this is a bit of a thread resurrection, but on the off-chance it helps anyone here and as I based the design of it on the photo that "Mr J" posted above, I've created a 3D printed reproduction version of the wishbone for the Mk3 steering column shroud.

 

If anyone wants a copy of the .STL file for it, I've uploaded it to Printables and it can be found here: Classic Mini Mk3 (70-75) Steering Column Wishbone. I'll also post it on the Library Of 3D Printable Mini Releated Designs thread, as it may be useful on there too.

 

 bracket.jpg   81.34K   1 downloads

 

 fitted.jpg   64.68K   1 downloads

[Ethel]

I've hacked steering columns about: cut holes in outers for locks. Don't see why a slot for the lock couldn't be machined in the inner - it's designed to be weaker at the bottom anyway. There are also similar locks still available (MGB for one) that might allow a sleeve to be added to the inner for the purpose. Finding an original should be a whole lot easier & safer though.