12 replies to this topic

[Sammy D]

I'm thinking about fitting a steering column from a car that has UV joints so that I can have the steering wheel "straight" infront of me rather than poking up like a go kart.

I think I remember seeing an Alfa column fitted before, but wondered if there is a common one that people use.

I guess it's just a matter of cut and shut and the splines on the Mini rack are probably specific for the Mini column.

[Ethel]

Fiesta has been done a bit I think?

I have a Rover SD1's in my Midas using the stub end off a mini to connect it to the rack, but it was a direct fit - I added the stub to clear the pedals better. Metro's have a rubber coupling that could provide the parts to make an easy connection.

[Sammy D]

Hmmn oh right.

I was thinking of heading down to the scrappy and finding a column that has a UV joint and then cutting the joint out and modifying the mini column with the joint. I just thought that way I could save myself all the hastle wiring, although I only have indicators on my column.

[Ethel]

That should work but you'll have to work out some extra support for the column (if you add a UJ) and, of course, altering the angle of the wheel will also lower it unless you alter the geometry a fair bit.

[Sammy D]

Yeah I might see what I can find.

Well when I sit in my seats, my bum is about 50mm from the floor so I need it lower anyway ;P

[mini_kel]

Yeah I might see what I can find.

Well when I sit in my seats, my bum is about 50mm from the floor so I need it lower anyway ;P

R u using a lowered column bracket already?

[Sammy D]

No, but they only drop it what like 2 inches or so, which is not enough!

[koss]

The ford universal steering joint fitted to fiestas and a few other models fits the mini rack if its of any help.
Cost about £20 to £25 new on ebay.

 steering.JPG   16.96K   4 downloads

[Sammy D]

Now that's interesting!

Thanks!

[Burt]

The ford universal steering joint fitted to fiestas and a few other models fits the mini rack if its of any help.
Cost about £20 to £25 new on ebay.

 steering.JPG   16.96K   4 downloads

Am i right in thinking that this joint just needs to be bolted? no welding?

[sprintmini]

There was an article in mini magazine showing how keith calver had modified his steering column to give him a vertical steering wheel, he used rose joints and brackets to support the new column and used socket swivel joints welded onto the steel shaft.
Looked good and he stated it worked fine for racing.
I wonder if he was asked would he do a write up for the magazine or in calvers corner on the minispares website?

[Guess-Works.com]

I have also hear of Allegro stering columns being used as it's almost a direct replacement.... but its more of an issue getting hold of them nowadays...

[Ethel]

I'd think socket set UJ's would be a poor choice for something as critical as steering.