Steering column mounting

[FredG]

Hi everyone.
If I owned a vette, I wouldn't need to post this because I could just look it up in the manuals but.....well you can fill in the rest.
The previous owner/original of my Backdraft was pretty handy and installed electric steering under the dash(I posted a picture of the unit). I am changing the dash to carbon fiber so I have good access to it. I love the way it works but I don't love the looseness of the column. The unit is not mounted securely enough and wiggles thus causing the whole column to move. I want to take it out and replace it with an original style steering system. Now for the bad news. take a look at the pictures. It appears he cut away some of the steering support to make room for the unit.(See pictures) Does anyone have a picture/diagram of what the original under dash steering mounting looks like so I can get a handle on what I have to do. Thanks

Fred

[FredG]

Found an old picture that shows what was cut off. The piece that connects the ubolt to the shaft was removed. Going to see if a replacement brace is available otherwise will have to have a new piece welded on. Going to have to get a new steering column and tube because they were also cut. Any suggestions as to where to get one? Flaming River?

[spdbrake]

I'd give Perry Isackson a call at Iconic (aka Backdraft) Parts,

Direct: 561-327-4943, Office: 561-327-4944

They sometimes will Cannibalize a part off a roller for you so you don't have to wait for parts from SA.

[FredG]

Thanks. I probably have him on speed dial.

[bobcowan]

You know, I'v been thinking of adding electric steering to my car. after you make the swap, let me know if you want to sell the parts.

As for a new column, I'd take a close look at Flaming River. They have some nice components. Speedway Motors also has some nice options.

[FredG]

Bob.
You are most welcome to them. It worked great...very light feel but there is very little room under the dash to mount it and all the related components. You can see that from the picture. Unit is very heavy. This unit was strapped in using heavy industrial straps and the started to loosen resulting in the column play. Should be bolted in. I am saving all the pieces and not cutting any wires. We will talk about it down the road.

Fred

[FredG]

Called Perry and gave him the info. He got back to me the next day and said the steering column is available and he would send it to me. As far as the brace under the dash the he referred to as the scuddle bar, he's never had a request for one and that would have to come from SA. I would be looking at 10-20 weeks for that because everyone from SA is at Sema. Decided to take the piece out and weld a mount for the Column ubolt. Thanks for all the suggestions. It's live and learn with these cars.