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Thread: Collapsible steering column
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02-07-2018 #1
Collapsible steering column
I want to use a collapsible steering column for my 55 Chevy build. I like the Ididit column, and my second choice would be the Flaming River. My question is what else is needed to make it work properly, specifically the mounting? Do the mounts need to break away upon impact? Would both mounts need to give, or just one? For my application, using the stock rigid upper mount would make life easy. I will be using an aftermarket or fabricated lower mount either way so I can incorporate whatever necessary there. Thanks for any advise.
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02-07-2018 #2
need more info.
I know a lot of those steering columns are not collapsible, maybe they are making some that are now. a solid mount at the dash should be fine if there is allowance for movement forward of that location. the lower mount should only constrain the column up & down and side to side, but not axially. If the column is truly collapsible then you can mount rigid on both ends. if it is not you may want to consider building a steering shaft with a couple of joints to allow the shaft to make some form of a Z- bend. this is easier to do when converting to rack and pinion, and sometimes not so easy when using a gear box. I know some manufacturers have used a joint that is engineered to shear in a collision, but I'm not sure if you can find anything aftermarket that would do that.
in the end your goal is to keep the steering shaft from being pushed towards you if your engine compartment (or possibly even the toe box portion of your interior) was to be crushed.Zach
1970 Mach 1 build - Half-Breed (pro-touring.com)
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02-07-2018 #3