Steering Column Blues

[Speedwaypj]

Maybe just overthinking. I'm building an AC with a 429 BB Ford. Not much room for the steering Column. In doing a mock-up I ordered a 36" column.
1. There doesn't seem to be much clearance between the engine and the lower column.
2. I mocked up my steering and it seem like the 15" wheel will be close to the door. I've looked at a ton of pictures, just not sure how much to move it. Right now, I have the center about an 1" in more toward the motor than the scribe.
Thoughts???

[Blas]

A dished wheel is one option. A smaller leather wheel and perhaps a spacer behind the wheel would help.
Blas

[Speedwaypj]

Thanks Blas, I did order a dished wheel (4") so that should help. PJ

[DealsGapCobra]

You definitely do not want any chance of your hand interfering with the door while driving. The dished wheel might solve that problem.

[Tommy]

Are you saying that column clearance in the engine compartment is forcing the steering wheel to be somewhere you'd rather it not be?

[Speedwaypj]

Tommy, Yep, it's a little challenging working around that BBF. LoL

[Tommy]

Originally Posted by Speedwaypj

Tommy, Yep, it's a little challenging working around that BBF. LoL

The reason I asked is that there may be other solutions. In my Cheetah build the steering column just clears the firewall before it attaches to two shafts that allow it to snake through the engine compartment to the steering rack. To do that I had to mount a support bearing where the two shafts meet. By keeping the angles reasonable for the u-joints, the steering is smooth and firm. Here's a picture.
[IMG]<img src="http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Steering1.jpg" />[/IMG]

While building my car I put the steering wheel where I wanted it and then figured out the steering column/shafts from there.

[Speedwaypj]

Thanks for the pic Tommy,
I've been using PVC pipe to determine the path for the column. I've come up with a layout. So, it should be ok. A lot of things to work out, distance of wheel form dash, side door, clearance for aftermarket blinker lever, angle, getting it the right length to allow U-joint clearance between engine and lower shaft clearance.

Your Cheetah project is unique and a labor of love for sure! Now I know what the history is on it. A lot of pondering on that build. That is just awesome, like a AA Altered made to turn. Very nice workmanship!
PJ

[H-Rod]

Might not be much help but I`ll throw my $.02 in the ring.

I built mine with a SBF. I believe A&C call out for a 30" or 32" column.
Might try a 30" and you`ll have a longer D bar to connect to the rack & pinion.

I used a smaller steering wheel in my build. (Factory Five wheel)

If you drill too far over from the scribe hole they mark, you may have an awkward seat to steering wheel alignment. (Your body might feel contorted in the cockpit)

Contact A&C. The owners son (or grandson??) is now running the business.
I called him about a year ago asking questions about front ball joints. Nice guy. Wasn`t bothered helping me at all.

[Speedwaypj]

Thanks all! I ended up using a 36" 1 3.4" Inch Stainless Steel Hot Rod Steering Column from Speedway. Had to go almost to the front of the big block (429).

[Imlumpy]

This may be after the fact for this thread , thought I’d post in case someone has this concern before they start their build . My car has a 428 and a flaming fiver column and no fitment issue or strange steering wheel location .