C1 Steering column
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Re: C1 Steering column (kenmo)
If you replace the steering system with a R&P style setup, you will need to install a series of shafts and u-joints to operate it. This will, as a side effect, give you a collapsable column.
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Metro MI
Re: C1 Steering column (kenmo)
Why? Are you planning to hit something?
Since rear-enders are statistically high on the accident list you might also want to install a good set of head rests to save on whiplash. While your at it, those side doors don't offer much protection either, (ever look inside one?) you might want to consider some sort of roll cage with side impact bars. Don't forget a good set of Simpson shoulder harnesses and safety retraints.
Seriously, drive it like you are riding a motorcycle, very defensively, and look, once, twice, three times even, before pulling out into traffic. You'll be okay.
Since rear-enders are statistically high on the accident list you might also want to install a good set of head rests to save on whiplash. While your at it, those side doors don't offer much protection either, (ever look inside one?) you might want to consider some sort of roll cage with side impact bars. Don't forget a good set of Simpson shoulder harnesses and safety retraints.
Seriously, drive it like you are riding a motorcycle, very defensively, and look, once, twice, three times even, before pulling out into traffic. You'll be okay.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,158
Likes: 395
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada NS
Re: C1 Steering column (Solid327)
It would be nice to have a more modern steering column because
1) Tilting - a column that tilts would be more comfortable for exist and entry
2) Modern turn signal switch - on occassion I have problems with signal/brake lights
3) Safety - yes a colaspable column is more safe
4) Hazard lights....a few times I had to pull over
due to problems
1) Tilting - a column that tilts would be more comfortable for exist and entry
2) Modern turn signal switch - on occassion I have problems with signal/brake lights
3) Safety - yes a colaspable column is more safe
4) Hazard lights....a few times I had to pull over
due to problems
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 844
Likes: 2
Re: C1 Steering column (kenmo)
If Ralph Nadar was around in the 50's he'd certainly have banished the C1 column from earth as he did our beloved Knock-offs and Corvair :D
There's no direct aftermarket C1 retrofit that I'm aware with the collapsible feature (first appeared in vettes in 1967), but there may be a way to rig a racing unit in there to accomplish the same; (www.woodwardsteering.com/hot.htm). Regarding Tilt columns, unfortunately there's simply not enough room b/n the C1 steering wheel and dash to fit the hardware (double joint etc) necessary for the tilt function...in fact theres barely enough room for the just the switch bowl. I think the cover of Al Knochs catalog (2002 or 2003 ?) shows a "custom" C3 tilt/tele installed in a C1, but IMO it looks rather silly.
There's no direct aftermarket C1 retrofit that I'm aware with the collapsible feature (first appeared in vettes in 1967), but there may be a way to rig a racing unit in there to accomplish the same; (www.woodwardsteering.com/hot.htm). Regarding Tilt columns, unfortunately there's simply not enough room b/n the C1 steering wheel and dash to fit the hardware (double joint etc) necessary for the tilt function...in fact theres barely enough room for the just the switch bowl. I think the cover of Al Knochs catalog (2002 or 2003 ?) shows a "custom" C3 tilt/tele installed in a C1, but IMO it looks rather silly.
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Brett Foote
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 116
From: AUSTIN Tx
Re: C1 Steering column (kenmo)
Kenmo,
I am puzzeled about your reluctance to put a R&P unit in the car to accomplish the goal of a collapsible column. There is no way that you can use the original box and put another column in it. The worm gear and the shaft all the way from the box to the wheel is one piece as is the column. If you really want a collapsible column then I think that this is the only way to get there!
You gain the additional advantage of a more precise steering box. As for the tilt mechanisim, I would agree with the other poster that it would add to much length to the column to make it very drivable. There is so little room between the wheel and my body as it is that I could not imagine adding another 3-4" of length to the column. The bottom of the instrument cluster is the limiting factor, and there is only so much distance between it and your body.
Regards, John McGraw
I am puzzeled about your reluctance to put a R&P unit in the car to accomplish the goal of a collapsible column. There is no way that you can use the original box and put another column in it. The worm gear and the shaft all the way from the box to the wheel is one piece as is the column. If you really want a collapsible column then I think that this is the only way to get there!
You gain the additional advantage of a more precise steering box. As for the tilt mechanisim, I would agree with the other poster that it would add to much length to the column to make it very drivable. There is so little room between the wheel and my body as it is that I could not imagine adding another 3-4" of length to the column. The bottom of the instrument cluster is the limiting factor, and there is only so much distance between it and your body.
Regards, John McGraw
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 862
Likes: 2
Re: C1 Steering column (John McGraw)
:withstupid: Gotta agree with John. After reinstalling my steering box day before yesterday, the whole time I kept thinking I should get a rack and pinion setup, and new front end, for that matter, all for less than $3k!
I think I solved the safety issue, anyway. Instead of those Grade 8 bolts, I used wooden dowels to hold the steering box in place. That way, if I'm in a head-on collision, the dowels will snap and I'll be spared an implaling! See, I'm always thinking! ;)
- Mike Greene
I think I solved the safety issue, anyway. Instead of those Grade 8 bolts, I used wooden dowels to hold the steering box in place. That way, if I'm in a head-on collision, the dowels will snap and I'll be spared an implaling! See, I'm always thinking! ;)
- Mike Greene
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,158
Likes: 395
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada NS
Re: C1 Steering column (58Mike)
I'm not aware of any rack and pinion conversion kits unless you totally swap out the complete from end (Fatman Fab, Total Cost, Jim Meyers, etc)....
My front end is completely rebuilt so I jsut want a safer steering column....
My front end is completely rebuilt so I jsut want a safer steering column....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,158
Likes: 395
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada NS
Re: C1 Steering column (kenmo)
At lunch I was browsing the local newstand and was browsing thru Super Rod magazine and noticed an ad for Fatman Fabs for a r&p conversion for 1955-57 Chevys.....
I went to Fatman's website but I could not find any info on this product. I'm curious if they offer this kit for C1's....
If I find anything, I'll post it here.....
I went to Fatman's website but I could not find any info on this product. I'm curious if they offer this kit for C1's....
If I find anything, I'll post it here.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 844
Likes: 2
Re: C1 Steering column (kenmo)
I hear ya on that "impaling" thing. I was scrounging Fiero parts :rolleyes: in the bone yards in the 80's and occasionally came across wrecks with evidence of operator "skewering"...and they HAD collapsable columns (I've thunk twice before climbing behind the wheel of rear engined cars ever since).
I'f anyones interested in C1 R&P steering, I'd approach Steeroids on when they're gonna have a C1 application ready; http://www.steeroids.com/Products/ST...e__63-_82.html
I'f anyones interested in C1 R&P steering, I'd approach Steeroids on when they're gonna have a C1 application ready; http://www.steeroids.com/Products/ST...e__63-_82.html
