Steering Column Modification

[Scoota G]

Hey just wondering if anyone has ground the plate from the bottom of their steering column and moved either up or down? Looking for the smallest amount of clearance in my V8 Zed between the exhaust and the steering shaft.

 

I suppose if it doesn't work i can always change it back.

[PeterAllen]

Are you just trying to get clearance so it will fit or are you chasing the 10mm clearance an engineer will be looking for? Either way you are modifying an ADR compliant component and you will be up the creek if the engineer spots it.

[Scoota G]

Do you have any experience in modification of vehicles?

[Riceburner]

Would a thicker coupling spacer work? Providing the unis can take the greater angle.

 

Some pics mite be helpful to see where the extra room is required.

[MaygZ]

You know I've never done it.  In fact you know I've done very little 

 

Make sure that you keep an angle in the column as if it is straight it increases it's chance of coming into the cabin with a frontal impact.

 

MaygZ

[Scoota G]

Would a thicker coupling spacer work? Providing the unis can take the greater angle.

No that wouldn't work. The steering has 26mm of adjusment at the top mounting for variances in manafacturing. I would say all steering columns are welded in a Jig . There i can grind the plate off and move it up a maximum of 15mm and increase the angle of the steering shaft getting it further away from the exhaust and closer to the chassis rail on that side.

Make sure that you keep an angle in the column as it it is straight it increases it's chance of coming into the cabin with a frontal impact.

 

MaygZ

I'm increasing the angle so that won't be an issue.

 

I'm looking forward to getting into an accident now just so i can test all my modifications. 

[KatoKid]

Scoota, not sure what you're meaning but have a look at the last page on my thread http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,6400.375.html Ive left the plate on and just redrilled the holes so the column is all the way to one side. Assume you want to move it the opposite direction but either way will work.

 

[Scoota G]

Ive left the plate on and just redrilled the holes so the column is all the way to one side. Assume you want to move it the opposite direction but either way will work.

 

I like it, i all ready moved the plate but if i need any more i can follow your idea. The only place i'm lacking clearance is on the number one header tube now but i can notch some more tube out and leaves me stacks of room. Ta Muchly.