Re: Shortening steering column
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 115
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From: stockport Cheshire
Re: Shortening steering column
I Have been looking into ways of shortening or adjusting my steering column to give me more room behind the wheel. I have been told that if I remove the column (have already) that I can get the fire wall bracket and the under console bracket removed and welded further up the column. This looks like it makes sense but it would make the shaft to long for the rag joint, again I have been told that the shaft is made collaspable in the event of an accident and if I hit the bottom of the shaft it will move up the column without doing any damage. Has anyone done this? If so how hard do you need to hit it and what problems did you have?
Many thanks:
Mark.........
Many thanks:
Mark.........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Shortening steering column (British Mark)
What year Vette do you have? I strongly urge you not to try and shorten the OEM column in your car. It was designed to protect you in a severe frontal collision and the things you describe will certainly compromise the design.
If you have a 1976 or earlier Corvette, I would suggest trying to install a 1977 through 1982 steering column. All of the critical attaching points are the same and the newer column will place your steering wheel about 2 inches closer to the instrument panel. The only area that I am not sure about is the plastic closeout panel right under the column. The new column has a slightly larger diameter in that area.
You can find a more complete story on this installation by going to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. The very first paper is 77+ Steering Column in Early C3s. It should be a big help.
Good Luck!
If you have a 1976 or earlier Corvette, I would suggest trying to install a 1977 through 1982 steering column. All of the critical attaching points are the same and the newer column will place your steering wheel about 2 inches closer to the instrument panel. The only area that I am not sure about is the plastic closeout panel right under the column. The new column has a slightly larger diameter in that area.
You can find a more complete story on this installation by going to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. The very first paper is 77+ Steering Column in Early C3s. It should be a big help.
Good Luck!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 115
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From: stockport Cheshire
Re: Shortening steering column (Jim Shea)
Thanks Jim,
I apreciate your advice it is a 1970 vett, If the column is designed to collapse in an accident will it not still collapse even if it has say an inch of the shaft already pushed further into the collumn. Not that I want to "bubba" things up as you say, Just trying to understand why it wont work.
Regards Mark.....
I apreciate your advice it is a 1970 vett, If the column is designed to collapse in an accident will it not still collapse even if it has say an inch of the shaft already pushed further into the collumn. Not that I want to "bubba" things up as you say, Just trying to understand why it wont work.
Regards Mark.....
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: Shortening steering column (British Mark)
Jim isn't saying it can't be done, he just doesn't recommend it, and I agree. The inner shaft (the actual steering shaft) is 2 parts; one inside the other with a plastic pin that is designed to shear and collapse the shaft when contact is made with the wheel. The outer part of the column (the housing) is also designed to crush a small amount. Now a person could study the design, incorporate all the features of the original design, and probably be OK, but I wouldn't risk it. Also, I hate to sound like a lawyer, but the personal liability if you sold it would be a problem.
You do have the advantage of living outside the US on the liability issue :D .
Hans
[Modified by Wrencher, 10:42 AM 8/12/2002]
You do have the advantage of living outside the US on the liability issue :D .
Hans
[Modified by Wrencher, 10:42 AM 8/12/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Shortening steering column (British Mark)
With a stock steering setup, I would not want to collapse the column any either...but with a rack/pinion conversion taking the output shaft off at a 30* angle and down and then down again into the rack,..I see no problems...
but my comment is that one inch or so is not worth messing with...3-4 inches, yes....2 inches...well that later column is larger diameter, but combined with your present housing in a custom install, it's workable...that's what mine is a later column in my '72....smaller wheel too, that later wheel is a bolt on, and just may suffice for your needs without messing with the column...try it...
GENE
but my comment is that one inch or so is not worth messing with...3-4 inches, yes....2 inches...well that later column is larger diameter, but combined with your present housing in a custom install, it's workable...that's what mine is a later column in my '72....smaller wheel too, that later wheel is a bolt on, and just may suffice for your needs without messing with the column...try it...
GENE
