Modern Drivetrain Swap into '65 Valiant
I just wanted to show how I modified the Valiant's steering column to fit the Miata pedal assembly and steering linkage. Of everything I've done to the car, this was by far the most interesting bit of fab work.
First I disassembled both the Valiant's and the Miata steering columns. Then I cut both shafts and columns to keep the steering wheel close to the OEM location.
I welded the shafts together with a sleeve and welded the Mopar column onto the Miata's base where it bolts to the firewall.
Using parts from both columns allowed me to keep the Plymouth upper column bearing and steering wheel assembly stock, while still keeping the stock bearing and bolt-in assembly from the Miata. The distance from the firewall to the steering rack itself is slightly different from the Mazda, so I'll likely have to extend the lower shaft with a sleeve in the same way.
I still have to fully brace the pedal assembly and perhaps modify the pedal positions, but overall I'm pretty happy with how it turned out! The good thing about using the Miata parts is that lots of kits exist to bolt in different motors to that subframe, which should all be pretty much plug-and-play should I choose to go that route in the future.
I just wanted to show how I modified the Valiant's steering column to fit the Miata pedal assembly and steering linkage. Of everything I've done to the car, this was by far the most interesting bit of fab work.
First I disassembled both the Valiant's and the Miata steering columns. Then I cut both shafts and columns to keep the steering wheel close to the OEM location.
I welded the shafts together with a sleeve and welded the Mopar column onto the Miata's base where it bolts to the firewall.
Using parts from both columns allowed me to keep the Plymouth upper column bearing and steering wheel assembly stock, while still keeping the stock bearing and bolt-in assembly from the Miata. The distance from the firewall to the steering rack itself is slightly different from the Mazda, so I'll likely have to extend the lower shaft with a sleeve in the same way.
I still have to fully brace the pedal assembly and perhaps modify the pedal positions, but overall I'm pretty happy with how it turned out! The good thing about using the Miata parts is that lots of kits exist to bolt in different motors to that subframe, which should all be pretty much plug-and-play should I choose to go that route in the future.
