Collapsible steering column

[bb]

Hi all,

This is just a refresh on Dano's original post that's aged a bit now.

I am looking for a collapsible steering column that is minimal in size, something quality that's clean and thin like the classic ratrod type from ididit or flaming river products. Has anyone used any of these on their machine?

I am aware of the cheap import plastic bush tilt columns that break as a side note.

Also I don't know of donor car columns that aren't quite large but I'm open to suggestions.

Cheers
Brenton

[shaginwagin]

Hi Brenton,  I think something has been writen about this, and someone will correct me if I am wrong.  Is a collapsable steering column to stop you from crushing your chest in a front on accident.  The steering wheel/column on most vehicles is at an almost straight on angle to your chest so therefore as you go forward your chest will be almost flat against the steering wheel. Thereby pushing the steering wheel down along the steering column.  The steering wheel /column on any beford I have owned is at a totally different angle to a car, almost upright.  If in an accident in a beddie you are not going to push the steering wheel down along the column for it to collapse. You will end up pushing the steering wheel towards the dash and the solid mounting of the steering wheel to the dash wont help. With a collapsable column it may give a bit and bend the column where it is supposed to collapse. Yes I have done a v6 conversion and yes I have installed vs steering wheel column  because matches in with the vs dash. Dont mean to upset anyone, undoubtly if im wrong someone will tell.

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Hi shagin,

Sounds right about the collapse part.

My column is half way through a custom conversion from the previous owner. At the moment it's a steel lance set-up on the impale angle. This is on a parallel,  flat to chest sport configuration apparently.

From my view it doesn't seem very safe and probably not passable to get rego. I noticed someone else here also had trouble if they weren't using a collapsible column due to their engine upgrade. Mine is also a v8 conversion

Cheers
Brenton

[shaginwagin]

hi , I used the vs column as ive got the vs dash, but everything else is vn wiring switches the lot, lot easier to install all the commodore bits and the vs dash  and steering wheel from the vs looks better. it is a collapsable column.  had to use parts of both beddie and vs steering column mounts to make it fit, and a slight adjustment for the floor mounting plate, I think it was redrill bolt holes for the floor,  and the dash brackets had well placed bolts so no welding.   the steering also hooks up the the transit power steering rack.   I think the only way for a collapsable steering column to work rloperly on a beddie is if you stand up on the seat and drop down onto the steering wheel, but you aren,t allowed to stand on the seat when you are driving.    lol.

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Haha batmobile entry style u reckon 

Makes me wonder if my seats are in the same position as normal. They are ford xb seats in a custom frame due to the engine being positioned back a little

Another trip to the wreckers to do some measurements I think