Ok, I'm trying to finish installing the under dash steering bracket.. Something is off, at least I think it is.. The plastic "bushings" or clips are out of align with the bracket when lined up with the studs.. What am I missing..?
Steering column install...
- Thread starter nodemon
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Mine was like that. The expanded metal portion of the column gets smashed pretty easily and throws it out of alignment. I cut the expanded metal out and replaced with some exhaust tubing of the same size.
When you say "expanded metal" are you referring to the mesh part?
Hmmm.. It was good when I removed it.. no smashing while restoring it...makes sense though.
Yes, the part that looks like patio furniture
That's how I'm taking it...I hope not... I just got all this back together..
Be careful with that. That is a crush zone that collapses in the event of a front end collision. Replace that with a solid section and no telling what would happen in a collision.
rmchrgr
Skate And Destroy
Maybe install the firewall plate after you have the column bracket where you want it. I can't remember if there are slots in that lower bracket where it bolts to the column to but if there is, leave those bolts slightly loose until you have it all positioned. There should be a small amount of fore and aft adjustment.
The breakaway biscuits, plastic shear pins in the steering shaft and the mesh section were all designed to allow the column to collapse on itself in case of a front end impact. Leave that stuff alone. Replacing the mesh section with a solid piece is not a good idea. By doing that you're effectively turning the column into a spear.
The breakaway biscuits, plastic shear pins in the steering shaft and the mesh section were all designed to allow the column to collapse on itself in case of a front end impact. Leave that stuff alone. Replacing the mesh section with a solid piece is not a good idea. By doing that you're effectively turning the column into a spear.
How would one stretch it back..? Would that mesh area being "collapsed" also mean the shaft is ruined..? Isn't there a safety issue if the shaft is collapsed..?
I'll give that a try.. Can you see or tell if that mesh has collapsed some..? It's kind of "wavy" to begin with, right..?
So I assume that you know not to bottom the shaft in the coupler. There is a measurement for proper depth (see pic at gauge hole). The two bolt flange at the firewall is left loose and the column is slid back or forward to get the proper depth engagement at the coupler. Once it is set, the flange bolts get tightened squeezing the rubber O ring as do the support bracket nuts.
I get impaled by the column
I did not know that there was a measurement..I will check what mine is.. Thanks for that info..! Hope it's that simple.
My old man learned all about that column in '70 ditching the bee.. !
Yup, it's there for a reason that's for sure. No body plans on crashing.
I think you nailed it..! I'm way too deep..(that's what she said)...lol As long as my conversion is right.
Do as someone said.
Get everything bolted up THEN tighten things.
It is really hard to collapse the outer housing tube It is not collapsed.
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Because you successfully bent over the tabs (red) you do not need the clip ( green)
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