Collapsible steering column

Go here for info on chassis construction, body work and suspensions
Post Reply
Retro Boy
Senior Member
Posts: 1325
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 10:22 am
Location: Freeling SA
Contact:

Collapsible steering column

Post by Retro Boy »

Hey all.
Can the collapsible segment be in the shaft from the rack before a uni at the base of the column?
Cheers
https://www.facebook.com/OldRaceCarsHotRodsInSheds
User avatar
46 deluxe
Old Hand
Posts: 3656
Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2003 12:50 am
Location: geelong vic

Re: Collapsible steering column

Post by 46 deluxe »

Speak to an engineer , but my thought is between the firewall and steering wheel .
scott
User avatar
chris spokes
Senior Member
Posts: 1977
Joined: Wed Jun 12, 2002 8:16 pm
Location: the Bellarine Peninsula vic

Re: Collapsible steering column

Post by chris spokes »

i would say no because the collapsible part needs to be inside the car as it needs to protect your chest as a result of a crash
User avatar
FRANK BASILE
Old Hand
Posts: 13902
Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 3:14 pm

Re: Collapsible steering column

Post by FRANK BASILE »

Collapsible columns have the inner shaft 2 piece double D male/female slide together and retained in place with injected moulded nylon/plastic pins. I have shortened or lengthened these by drilling out the pins, also did same to separate to replace a lower half with a different splined end from another column to suit my chosen uni joints. It seems that no matter what make, the Double D is standard. I have an XB Falcon collapsible column in my 49 pick up. The lower half of the shaft is from a late 90,s Ford Courier [Mazda Bravo]. I did this to enable the use of a sliding uni joint coupling from one of those vehicles for my Jag rubber mounted front end. Once length is established. Drill 2 new holes similar in size to originals and use plastic knitting needles as pins, mushroom the ends over with a soldering iron. The slide fit is firm anyway ,needing tapping to separate as well as join. The outers on collapsible columns are also 2 piece if you look at them. And the mounting to dash is designed to give way going forward. Hope this sheds some light.
OZ-E-Rodders Rod and Kustom Club Member #31
User avatar
FRANK BASILE
Old Hand
Posts: 13902
Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 3:14 pm

Re: Collapsible steering column

Post by FRANK BASILE »

And Scott is right. The whole concept is to absorb energy when you hit the steering wheel. The outer and inner columns collapse to the floor, and also the outer mounting bracket is fixed as to shear away as the column is shunted forward.
OZ-E-Rodders Rod and Kustom Club Member #31
Post Reply