Collapsible steering column

[Walla54savoy]

So I spoke to a engineer about putting a 318 poly into my 54 Plymouth. He said I'd need some sort of brake upgrade,retractable seat belts and a collapsible steering column. Any advice on the best column to get??

Cheers

[DonaldSmith]

These sound like good, modern safety features, but not mandated for these old cars. 

 

Yes, I was concerned about my rigid steering column.  Such columns have resulted in severe injuries and deaths.  But we drive our cars so carefully. 

 

When I installed a power steering box, I introduced universal joints and a change in shaft alignment, just to get to the box.  The result is a safer steering column.  The shaft should buckle in an accident.

 

 

 

 

I also have retractable seat belts, with the inertial lock.

Edited June 2, 2016 by DonaldSmith

[DJ194950]

The main thing in Australia is when making Major car modifications a licensed engineer must sign off on your plans and be inspected Before the car can be registered and driven.

 

The engineer makes the rules, not what you feel safe with.

 

Just a explanation of the differences I learned when I spent about 9 months in AU. years ago.

 

I agree with the multiple angles of u-jointed needed in many  modified cars are said to be safer. Have read that in car mags., auto u joint manufacturers sites etc.

 

DJ

[Andydodge]

I have had a 318 Poly in my 1940 Dodge since 1973, I have had 4 wheel disc brakes and a collapsible column ( a modified Valiant column)since about 1975/76.........I used P76 disc & calipers on the front, now EA/EB wagon diff & discs on the back, as for the steering column what steering box are you using?.....stock or late model? as this will affect what type of column you can use.......as I have mentioned, phone me on 02 66 425963, I'm in Grafton NSW and am generally available anytime..........Andy Douglas.   

[wayfarer]

So I spoke to a engineer about putting a 318 poly into my 54 Plymouth. He said I'd need some sort of brake upgrade,retractable seat belts and a collapsible steering column. Any advice on the best column to get??

Cheers

 

If the engine fits in the car without having to move the steering column, and if you want to keep the original steering wheel, then you might ask the engineer if he will allow you to 'make' a collapsible column.  

This would be similar in design to the shaft used in Dodge trucks circa 2002 where the sliding portion is a square shaft and it slides within a square tube. This could be fabricated and grafted into your stock shaft between the gearbox and fire wall.

 

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodge,2002,ram+2500+pickup,5.9l+l6+diesel+turbocharged,1440064,steering,steering+shaft,11373?a=Referer+r.search.yahoo.com+URL+%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2F

 

.

[Frank Elder]

[Andydodge]

The problem we here in Oz run into is that if you increase the hp of the car by 10-20% or more via a new engine then depending on when all this was done you are then classified by the motor transport/rego department as in the very least a modified production vehicle and there are a range of other changes that you are required to include.........

......in a way I am lucky in that when I did the changes to my car, from 1973 to 1975/6 there wasn't a requirement to have the vehicle inspected by a Rego dept licenced engineer, I still have to get it checked each year for a general roadworthiness which requires me to take it to a licenced mechanic who checks all lights,etc work and takes it for a short drive and gets a brake meter reading but the basic "engineering" side of it, ie, the 4wheel disc brakes, engine mounting, steering mounting etc is not specifically checked.

........so from the late 70's onwards the modifications that Walla wants to do have required a licenced Mechanical engineer to inspect and "approve" the modifications..........as I mentioned my car has 4wheel dual circuit discs, a collapsible steering column, dual speed wipers, heater/demister, front retractable seat belts, 3 rear seat belts and the engine/gearbox mounting is structurally sound but as my car is not "engineered" letting it run out of rego and not renewing the annual  rego check would then mean I'd have to go thru the hoops that Walla is being subjected to

...........I can provide patterns for the disc brake adaptors and other info if wanted and am happy to do so............................regards, Andy Douglas.