[C1] '61 steering column support misalignment
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 40
From: Overland Park, KS
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
'61 steering column support misalignment
When putting things back together found that the left side bolt of the steering column support doesn't line up well enough to be able to insert a bolt. The right side is fine because it doesn't line up with the pedal support. I've tried some reasonable prying to get it to line up but still can't move it enough. My estimate is that I only need 1/8" to get things aligned.
And suggestions (hopefully easy) about how to fix this as I don't think it's a good idea for one of the bolts to be missing. Or is my best alternative to "hog out" the brace just a small amount? Since the windshield and much more have been out I can see how things might have shifted.
And suggestions (hopefully easy) about how to fix this as I don't think it's a good idea for one of the bolts to be missing. Or is my best alternative to "hog out" the brace just a small amount? Since the windshield and much more have been out I can see how things might have shifted.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
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From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
you could try and loosen all the mounting bolts for the column/sector box and the column's supports and then see if you can move it around enough to get the bolt in.
or, it's not off by much, so trim what you need and bolt it up. won't be a problem...
Bill
or, it's not off by much, so trim what you need and bolt it up. won't be a problem...
Bill
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 40
From: Overland Park, KS
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
Steering Column Support
This is a better pic of the problem. I'll take a look and see if this will likely gain me the amount I need. Or maybe go for the easier solution and use the Dremel to hog it out.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
Or follow Bills advise and loosen the column where it bolts to the frame and shim that as need after getting the upper bolts started.
Doug
Doug
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Army
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,184
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From: Overland Park, KS
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
I'll look at that and give it a try. Without looking at reference materials or putting it up in the air it looks like there are only a couple of 3/8" bolts to loosen after marking where everything else is at.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: CT
What Bill says - that's the solution. Just did this myself
Le Mans Master
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,184
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From: Overland Park, KS
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
Before / After
Normally I would agree with you. I did a complete rewire and rework including the column, had the "binnacle" out for repaint and cleanup, a new dash pad since the old one had been put in by cutting it and just stuffing in so that it looked good until over the years it shrunk, the posts out for rechrome, a new windshield that's correctly coded, etc.
The column support was out to assist with dropping the column which in retrospect I could have just loosen it up 1/2" and not had this problem. Just crazy that it won't align now.
The column support was out to assist with dropping the column which in retrospect I could have just loosen it up 1/2" and not had this problem. Just crazy that it won't align now.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
Normally I would agree with you. I did a complete rewire and rework including the column, had the "binnacle" out for repaint and cleanup, a new dash pad since the old one had been put in by cutting it and just stuffing in so that it looked good until over the years it shrunk, the posts out for rechrome, a new windshield that's correctly coded, etc.
The column support was out to assist with dropping the column which in retrospect I could have just loosen it up 1/2" and not had this problem. Just crazy that it won't align now.
The column support was out to assist with dropping the column which in retrospect I could have just loosen it up 1/2" and not had this problem. Just crazy that it won't align now.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 40
From: Overland Park, KS
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
Going ahead with it
I scratched the lower and rear positions into the frame as a reference starting marks. Roughly how much can I move the position assuming the guy in 1982 didn't make any modifications? Any special suggestions when I tighten it back down?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 40
From: Overland Park, KS
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
I think this is "barking up the wrong tree". The problem isn't the steering column but the relationship of the pedal assembly to the dash.
We have a club event tomorrow but I'm going to work on this on Sunday.
We have a club event tomorrow but I'm going to work on this on Sunday.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
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From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
Bill