GEM '62

Just wondering if there is an available collapsible steering column that can be fitted to a 62. In a head on collision those old steering columns are often lethal, so I was wondering if there is a way to make them safer.

Frankie the Fink

I'm not aware of any such off-the-shelf modification...

wmf62

considering the box and the column are one unit; no

if you do a steering conversion I guess you could use a double-D section in the shaft that would allow the shaft to telescope

Bill

Low Rider

Didn’t some of the early collapsible D shafts have a break away rivet that would let the D shaft move forward? You might be able to modify that and make it work..

GEM '62

Found a lot of different examples of collapsible double D shafts. I need to find a place to see a couple in person, to get a better feel on making a mod.

Frankie the Fink

Just my opinion, but you are gonna rip up and modify your car for questionable benefit. The circumstances would have to be EXACTLY right for you to get impaled by the solid steering column. And, frankly, if that happened you're prob dead anyway. I had a nasty front-ender in a C2 (T-boned an Escalade) and nothing structural happened except a front frame horn tweaked slightly. The C1/C2s are tougher than you think.

Look at this recent C1 Chicago crash - note the steering wheel. Seriously, if this guy didn't get the shaft through the chest then what do you think it would take ? And, more importantly, would you survive such an impact even with a modified column ?

Would you want to ? The lack of a shoulder harness and headrest would at least break your neck.

I think if this worries you that much you should drive a more modern car

wmf62

it was just a plastic pin installed for convenience and handling during installation; not intended as a safety device

Bill

65GGvert

That column would have to collapse more than a couple inches to make a difference.

jerry gollnick

Go to Summit racing web site. do steering column search many, many available. I put one in my 64 road race car and it was an easy install.

wmf62

using a double-D you could make it collapse 6" or more, depending on the amount of straight shaft you have you can replace.

it's not you hitting the steering wheel, it's the front end collapsing and pushing the steering shaft backwards that I would be concerned with.

Bill

Plasticman

I think you guys are forgetting that on a C1, the whole column would require collapsing (not just the shaft)........

Plasticman

Frankie the Fink

You mean having 4" of column protruding out your back after a crash isn't better than 6"?

Again, major mod for questionable benefit

GTOguy

This^^^. The column and box are one unit, just like my 1937 Chrysler. Until the rag joint design came out in the 1950's with the shaft attached to the box at its input shaft, this was the norm. GM modified their steering shafts in the A-body cars in 1967 with a collapsible expanded wire section and called it "Energy Absorbing". The pre-67 cars had a solid shaft, but had the rag joint, which could shear if the car hit at an angle. My advise for a safer C1 is to drive with due diligence and avoid crashing it in the first place. These are NOT safe cars, period. But that doesn't mean they can't be enjoyed. Everything in this world involves risk, in varying degrees. You alone must decide if the risk is worth the reward.

GEM '62

I do drive several modern cars but none are as much fun as one of the old ones. I do put a lot of miles on my 62 and try to drive as defensive as possible. There are more and more crazy, distracted drivers out there and if it's possible to make a vehicle safer, at a reasonable cost, then it is something to consider. The point of my thread was to investigate what might be available and if anyone on the forum had actually done it. It looks like there are some options, but, it also seems that the prize may not be worth the chase.

Frankie the Fink

Wasn't completely trying to dissuade you, but, in my personal crash experience the chief benefit would have been from a shoulder harness - it would have kept me from doing a steering wheel taste test.....

GEM '62

Did you find a way to install a shoulder harness?

Frankie the Fink

wmf62

John
I understand the column/shaft/box are integral to each other. back in post 3 I said that if he used an aftermarket column he could use a double-D shaft. could probably figure out a way to use the original steering box (minus the column jacket and part of the shaft), but I wouldn't.

Bill

solidaxel

I cut my stock column below the VIN Double D the shaft and placed a bearing on the end of the collar and Double D on a late model intermediate shaft to the power rack & Pinion