Scratch built steering column
- Thread starter Youngster
- Start date
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Interesting! Do you spline the tube where the wheel adapter goes and do you use a Grant adapter kit?
Sorry, I should have taken more time with this.
The steering shaft can come from any car you choose as long as it is a 3/4" shaft. The steering wheel adaptor can be from Grant or any other company. You just need to know what car the shaft came from when you buy the adaptor so you get the correct spline in the hub.
One other thing, the rubber bushing at the top of the tube dosen't need any lub. Oil or grease will harden the rubber and cause it to squeek.
Ron
The steering shaft can come from any car you choose as long as it is a 3/4" shaft. The steering wheel adaptor can be from Grant or any other company. You just need to know what car the shaft came from when you buy the adaptor so you get the correct spline in the hub.
One other thing, the rubber bushing at the top of the tube dosen't need any lub. Oil or grease will harden the rubber and cause it to squeek.
Ron
all-world1
Member
Thanks for the diagrams Youngster. I noticed that some columns are thru the floor and some thru the firewall....what's your preference?
all-world1
Member
Is it the coupler that keeps the shaft centered at the bottom of the tube?Youngster said:
I like to run the Corvair column when I have one. The problem is when people harvest the steering boxes, they don't get the column too. If you can get the column, by all means use it. For most T's it's just a mater of shortening the shaft and the jacket. If you are looking for a column alone, try to get a '61 to '64. That's the one that comes with the coupler at the box.
all-world1
Member
Excellent info once again Youngster..thanks. I now recall that in a previous thread you talked about utilizing a toeboard. Looks like routing the column thru the firewall at the top of toeboard gives a little more space for the feet.
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Youngster that info has got me trying to plan out my column to save some bucks. Will the 3/4" shaft that Speedway sells, #91632201, come with splines and if not, how hard is it to put splines in it? Is there a tool I'd need or what?
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Just a piece of steel tube from the hardware store. Here's a link to the Speedway tube.Youngster said:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/3304,178_Hollow-Steering-Shafts.html?itemNo=91632201
I drilled out the Grant wheel adapter to fit my tube and ran a bolt and nut through the adapter to secure it. It works for a temp fix only.
It looks like there isn't any splines or threads on the end of that shaft. To have them done would be really spendy. A trip to the junk yard will get you a shaft for $5 to $10.
It would be a good idea to have the s-wheel adaptor before looking for the wheel center cone. When the column is assembled, you want the hub cover from the adaptor kit to be slightly larger than the wheel cone.
It would be a good idea to have the s-wheel adaptor before looking for the wheel center cone. When the column is assembled, you want the hub cover from the adaptor kit to be slightly larger than the wheel cone.
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Any ideas on columns that would be available in a junk yard and might work? A '40s column would be hard. Do you know of a modern column that would have the shaft I need?
Sorry for so many questions so late. I may have to bring this up again tomorrow.
Sorry for so many questions so late. I may have to bring this up again tomorrow.
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Youngster said:
It's secured a lot more than it sounds.
It's basicly like the Speedway shaft, but the wall thickness is a little thinner.
tfeverfred
Well-Known Member
Here's the column I plan on using, if I can't make my own. The price isn't too bad.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/2042,581_Hot-Rod-Steering-Columns.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/2042,581_Hot-Rod-Steering-Columns.html
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