1971 Journey
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Happy New Year to all.
While many of you are still possibly celebrating I decided to try out my Qucikjacks in anger.
Have been meaning to check that my Borgeson steering box was perfectly centred as it has always gone further to right and left so.....
Up on lifts.
Disconnected the relay rod ready to check the exact centre box.
Enough for today :-)
While many of you are still possibly celebrating I decided to try out my Qucikjacks in anger.
Have been meaning to check that my Borgeson steering box was perfectly centred as it has always gone further to right and left so.....
Up on lifts.
Disconnected the relay rod ready to check the exact centre box.
Enough for today :-)
Last edited by CraigH; Apr 10, 2023 at 05:14 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,286
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Craig.
Happy New Year!
Car looks terrific and what a good place you have to work on it.
Santa brought me a pair of Quick Jacks for Christmas and they're quite nice for someone with a lowish ceiling, and a lowish toy-car budget!
They'll certainly change getting under the car for this old man!
Regards,
Alan
Happy New Year!
Car looks terrific and what a good place you have to work on it.
Santa brought me a pair of Quick Jacks for Christmas and they're quite nice for someone with a lowish ceiling, and a lowish toy-car budget!
They'll certainly change getting under the car for this old man!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Hi Craig.
Happy New Year!
Car looks terrific and what a good place you have to work on it.
Santa brought me a pair of Quick Jacks for Christmas and they're quite nice for someone with a lowish ceiling, and a lowish toy-car budget!
They'll certainly change getting under the car for this old man!
Regards,
Alan
Happy New Year!
Car looks terrific and what a good place you have to work on it.
Santa brought me a pair of Quick Jacks for Christmas and they're quite nice for someone with a lowish ceiling, and a lowish toy-car budget!
They'll certainly change getting under the car for this old man!
Regards,
Alan
Yes certainly a great option in flat or low roof garages. I agree it changes the getting under the car experience totally.
I am going to be 56 this year and I can see how my body wil appreciate it. Also things like cleaning or polishing will be easier.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Well I was out by a bit 
Dowloaded a degree wheel image and printed and stuck to cardboard.
Then tested steering at both ends of movement. Then set it to center, and i could feel it getting tighter.
And realised how far I was out when i looked at the steering wheel.
So now the column will need to come out and be re-seated in the rag joint.
Got to say after reading posts by @zwede I thought I may have been off centre given i had a little wander on straight heavily crowned highways and i could not feel it get any tighter near center.
Tried all sorts of things but lets hope this was the issue.
Dowloaded a degree wheel image and printed and stuck to cardboard.
Then tested steering at both ends of movement. Then set it to center, and i could feel it getting tighter.
And realised how far I was out when i looked at the steering wheel.
So now the column will need to come out and be re-seated in the rag joint.
Got to say after reading posts by @zwede I thought I may have been off centre given i had a little wander on straight heavily crowned highways and i could not feel it get any tighter near center.
Tried all sorts of things but lets hope this was the issue.
Last edited by CraigH; Apr 10, 2023 at 05:14 AM.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I will need to have a closer look, hook up the idler arm etc and see if the pitman arm is in the correct spot. I think it still is as on center it sits roughly pointing straight back.
May need to move the idler arm end out a few turns to line it all up underneath then move to steering column.
A few more steps.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Closing out from my thread in the Tech/performance all is now bolted up, aligned and the on-center steering is chalk and cheese compared to before.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591239632
I think the problem i had originally was centering the steering box when it was in car and drag link was connected.
Because the Borgeson box has more throw than the vette steering will allow (without hitting stops on lower a-arms) I was getting an invalid center (as box can't have been near center when bolted up.
With the drag link off it was easy to get to both ends of its sweep and then set center.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591239632
I think the problem i had originally was centering the steering box when it was in car and drag link was connected.
Because the Borgeson box has more throw than the vette steering will allow (without hitting stops on lower a-arms) I was getting an invalid center (as box can't have been near center when bolted up.
With the drag link off it was easy to get to both ends of its sweep and then set center.
Last edited by CraigH; Apr 10, 2023 at 05:14 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 87
From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
How do you like the quick jack? Does the car feel very stable on it?
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,234
Likes: 1,672
From: Long Island
It's been a while but the following post may help with the steering
Borgeson Rag Joint 90 Degrees off... the thread is in the install area of the C3's. Shows a steering wheel 90 degrees off as your picture.
I put the Borgeson unit in my C3 1971 last December and have no issues except there is some extra travel. I centered the box and then centered the steering wheel and slipped it into the rag joint - perfect.
I know that it has to use a good tight manual steering coupler from the Pitman arm to the relay rod for the unit to work properly. If I remember right - the Pitman arm can only go on one way. I'm not sure if it can go on upside down? It's been a while.
I moved the tie rods into the inner holes.. thus a little extra travel. My friend did not and does not have the extra throw.. His steering feels lighter.. as it should - no bad side effects.
Love the lift..
Borgeson Rag Joint 90 Degrees off... the thread is in the install area of the C3's. Shows a steering wheel 90 degrees off as your picture.
I put the Borgeson unit in my C3 1971 last December and have no issues except there is some extra travel. I centered the box and then centered the steering wheel and slipped it into the rag joint - perfect.
I know that it has to use a good tight manual steering coupler from the Pitman arm to the relay rod for the unit to work properly. If I remember right - the Pitman arm can only go on one way. I'm not sure if it can go on upside down? It's been a while.
I moved the tie rods into the inner holes.. thus a little extra travel. My friend did not and does not have the extra throw.. His steering feels lighter.. as it should - no bad side effects.
Love the lift..
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
It is amazingly stable, great access underneath and no hint of movement at all while working on it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
It's been a while but the following post may help with the steering
Borgeson Rag Joint 90 Degrees off... the thread is in the install area of the C3's. Shows a steering wheel 90 degrees off as your picture.
I put the Borgeson unit in my C3 1971 last December and have no issues except there is some extra travel. I centered the box and then centered the steering wheel and slipped it into the rag joint - perfect.
I know that it has to use a good tight manual steering coupler from the Pitman arm to the relay rod for the unit to work properly. If I remember right - the Pitman arm can only go on one way. I'm not sure if it can go on upside down? It's been a while.
I moved the tie rods into the inner holes.. thus a little extra travel. My friend did not and does not have the extra throw.. His steering feels lighter.. as it should - no bad side effects.
Love the lift..
Borgeson Rag Joint 90 Degrees off... the thread is in the install area of the C3's. Shows a steering wheel 90 degrees off as your picture.
I put the Borgeson unit in my C3 1971 last December and have no issues except there is some extra travel. I centered the box and then centered the steering wheel and slipped it into the rag joint - perfect.
I know that it has to use a good tight manual steering coupler from the Pitman arm to the relay rod for the unit to work properly. If I remember right - the Pitman arm can only go on one way. I'm not sure if it can go on upside down? It's been a while.
I moved the tie rods into the inner holes.. thus a little extra travel. My friend did not and does not have the extra throw.. His steering feels lighter.. as it should - no bad side effects.
Love the lift..
I had a look at the thread you mentioned and I am running the drag link adapter Borgeson provided, however it looks a little different to the one in the other thread
The important thing is the distance from the part that mounts to the pitman arm and the end that threads on the drag link.
Last edited by CraigH; Apr 10, 2023 at 11:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Well look what i found.
I am positive the box is now perfectly entered but steering wheel is cocked at 90 degrees.
I pulled out my Borgeson instructions supplied with the kit here in Australia dated 4/14/2009
INSTALLATION CONT.
Reinstall your modified column and be sure to securely fasten all original mounting bolts and hardware. Securely tighten all setscrews and then loc nuts on the rag joint.
However the instructions dated 2/09/11
INSTALLATION CONT.
Reinstall your modified column and be sure to securely fasten all original mounting bolts and hardware. Securely tighten all setscrews and then loc nuts on the rag joint. The existing flat spot on the steering column shaft is not intended to be used for the set screw. Use of this flat spot can cause the steering wheel to be crooked after installation. It will be necessary to file a small flat for the set screw to seat into when installing.
Well that explains the steering wheel being offset.
Now I just need to correct that and look closer at the pitman arm offset.
One step forward :-)
I am positive the box is now perfectly entered but steering wheel is cocked at 90 degrees.
I pulled out my Borgeson instructions supplied with the kit here in Australia dated 4/14/2009
INSTALLATION CONT.
Reinstall your modified column and be sure to securely fasten all original mounting bolts and hardware. Securely tighten all setscrews and then loc nuts on the rag joint.
However the instructions dated 2/09/11
INSTALLATION CONT.
Reinstall your modified column and be sure to securely fasten all original mounting bolts and hardware. Securely tighten all setscrews and then loc nuts on the rag joint. The existing flat spot on the steering column shaft is not intended to be used for the set screw. Use of this flat spot can cause the steering wheel to be crooked after installation. It will be necessary to file a small flat for the set screw to seat into when installing.
Well that explains the steering wheel being offset.
Now I just need to correct that and look closer at the pitman arm offset.
One step forward :-)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have progressed with my issues around centring the Borgeson box.
It is now centred, drives great but the pitman arm is clocked a little one way (adjusted through tie rods)
So i followed up a comment made by Paul in another thread
I contacted Jeff at Borgeson and advised him of my problem, told him year of manufacture etc and asked for some advice.
Answer straight back was that a few boxes in 2009 slipped through with incorrect shafts in them and mine was likely one of them.
Even though I am well out of warrantee he offered a new box. Just needed to ship it to Australia.
I then advised AussieJohn who sells the boxes here in Australia and he offered to send me a replacement locally and sort out the warranty box with Jeff.
Amazing customer service and the box turned up today.
Will try and fit it up soon.
Again a big thanks to Borgeson and AussieJohn. Great after sales support.
It is now centred, drives great but the pitman arm is clocked a little one way (adjusted through tie rods)
So i followed up a comment made by Paul in another thread
Answer straight back was that a few boxes in 2009 slipped through with incorrect shafts in them and mine was likely one of them.
Even though I am well out of warrantee he offered a new box. Just needed to ship it to Australia.
I then advised AussieJohn who sells the boxes here in Australia and he offered to send me a replacement locally and sort out the warranty box with Jeff.
Amazing customer service and the box turned up today.
Will try and fit it up soon.
Again a big thanks to Borgeson and AussieJohn. Great after sales support.
Last edited by CraigH; Feb 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Gave the vette a good wash today.
Had purchased a snow gun a while back so tried it out on the vette.
Makes cleaning a bit easier.
Had purchased a snow gun a while back so tried it out on the vette.
Makes cleaning a bit easier.
Last edited by CraigH; Apr 10, 2023 at 05:14 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Also worth mentioning that I ran into an issue with my Quickjack 5000. Was slow to lower and one side went up quicker.
Levanta, Bendpak here in Australia are the distributor so I gave them a call.
Amanda from Levanta got onto Quickjack in the US and got me a part shipped over very quickly.
Turned up yesterday with instructions etc and once swapped over all is back to normal. Working great.
Another example of good customer service and being so far away from the manufacturers its appreciated.
Levanta, Bendpak here in Australia are the distributor so I gave them a call.
Amanda from Levanta got onto Quickjack in the US and got me a part shipped over very quickly.
Turned up yesterday with instructions etc and once swapped over all is back to normal. Working great.
Another example of good customer service and being so far away from the manufacturers its appreciated.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1,196
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
After the wash, back in the garage, jacked it up and finished cleaning at a better height :-)
Last edited by CraigH; Apr 10, 2023 at 05:14 AM.