Indicator Stalk

[Argess]

One thing that still bothers me about my car is the Indicator Stalk is too close to the steering wheel rim. I spoke to the ERA guys about this a while back and they say the stalk can be bent, although one has to be careful doing it.

So far, I havn't had the nerve to try bending it as it sure looks like it will break to me. Has anyone else tried this?

[Rick Parker]

If you have the correct "Stalk" that is souced from an early 60's VW it isn't going to bend. It is made of some sort of "Pot" metal.

[cobred]

I bent mine just enough to clear my fingers from hitting, it can be done just like the manual says.

[Argess]

I have a very old manual. Calls to ERA on various issues during my build seemed to generate a "funny" attitude, although they were always polite and answered all my questions. Good guys there!

Later on, they gave me an updated manual which addressed all those questions I'd had. I assume they thought I already had that second manual and was too lazy to look things up, and therefore called.

Well, neither manual I have seems to address the Indicator Stalk issue. It doesn't mention VW either. Looks like I had a choice between a Triumph column and an ERA custom one. I chose the latter. At any rate, that is my concern....bending what appears to be pot metal. Seems that it would need a lot of bending to gain the clearnace I'd like. Right now my fingers will slide by as long as my knuckles arn't pinting at it, so probably needs to be bent forward about an inch at the end.

[Bobcat]

If you have real long arms , why don`t you try moving the column out a little ? I don`t know about the early ERA`s , but on mine , all you do is take the steering wheel off , loosen the mounting bolts under the dash , loosen the connection to the steering shaft where it comes through the firewall and slid the whole column out a little . Then tighten everything up .

Bob

[strictlypersonl]

Originally Posted by Bobcat

If you have real long arms , why don`t you try moving the column out a little ? I don`t know about the early ERA`s , but on mine , all you do is take the steering wheel off , loosen the mounting bolts under the dash , loosen the connection to the steering shaft where it comes through the firewall and slid the whole column out a little . Then tighten everything up .

Bob

But then you end up with an ugly gap between our beautiful hub and the switch body. (IMHO...)

[Argess]

The column does slide in and out, but if I something like that, I'll get quite a gap between the back of the wheel and the column/stalk. But a spacer might work. I"ll have to look. It's been a long time since I assembled all that stuff.

I could also try the bending things over the winter. That way I have lots of time to get a replacement should I break it. You California and other southern States guys have no idea what it feels like here in April ...when the itch to drive is upon one, yet it's still too cold (not to mention the road salt residue) to go for a spin yet.

Thanks for all the replies.

Edit.....and the gap was mentioned while I was typing.....hunt and peck typing is soooooo slow.....LOL

[Rick Parker]

Is the steering wheel dished, and is the wheel secured by 6 screws to the hub? The dished wheel (15" or 16" diameter) combined with the correct mounting hub generally create enough clearance for your fingers.

Here is an example of the OEM VW one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-BU...Q5fAccessories