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Adjustable steering column
Paul TVR - 4/6/19 at 03:36 PM

I currently have a fixed column in my GBS, turns out while the set up works well for me, my wife would like the column further back. Thinking a adjustable column would be best, anyone got one?

CosKev3 - 4/6/19 at 06:29 PM

Adjustable seat would be easier!

gremlin1234 - 4/6/19 at 06:37 PM

quote:
Originally posted by CosKev3
Adjustable seat would be easier!

or a seat cushion

scudderfish - 4/6/19 at 07:00 PM

Taller wife?

Paul TVR - 4/6/19 at 09:52 PM

Already taller than me, only just got this one as well! Issue is if she has the seat far enough back for her legs it's a bit of a stretch for the wheel. I find it ok for me, but thinking an adjustable column would be much cheaper than a new wife.

rusty nuts - 5/6/19 at 06:26 AM

Might help if we knew what column you have at present? If an adjustable column is not available how about a quick release steering wheel with different dishes for each of you?

Paul TVR - 5/6/19 at 07:19 AM

It's a Ford based GBS, so Sierra but mine is a fixed column, believe there is an adjustable version available.

rusty nuts - 5/6/19 at 07:23 AM

Could be wrong but I thought the adjustable type just allows the steering wheel to be raised or lowered not extend?

CosKev3 - 5/6/19 at 11:40 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Paul TVR
It's a Ford based GBS, so Sierra but mine is a fixed column, believe there is an adjustable version available.


Adjustable height yeah,but not reach

avagolen - 5/6/19 at 01:08 PM

Sorry to correct, but the Sierra column does extend/retract as well as up/down.

CosKev3 - 5/6/19 at 02:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by avagolen
Sorry to correct, but the Sierra column does extend/retract as well as up/down.


Mine doesn't!

avagolen - 5/6/19 at 02:40 PM

There you go. Ford at it's best. Mine does.......

mcerd1 - 5/6/19 at 03:16 PM

quote:
Originally posted by avagolen
Sorry to correct, but the Sierra column does extend/retract as well as up/down.

only the later model sierra's though - earlier ones are completely fixed (eg. the ones with a square hazard switch)

they made them for over 11 years with at least one major refresh/update and a range of trim levels too so it shouldn't be that surprising...


[Edited on 5/6/2019 by mcerd1]

jps - 5/6/19 at 09:53 PM

I have an 'adjustable' Sierra type column in the garage (and a couple of fixed ones too). The adjustable one I have does allow for fore/aft movement BUT it does not telescope, rather the whole column simply moves in relation to the mounting bracket.

If this is normal for the Sierra 'adjustable' columns there's still a problem to be solved - assuming the rest of your steering linkage is solid tubing and joints...

avagolen - 6/6/19 at 09:13 AM

That sounds correct. The canter triangular part that gets joined at the universal joint will slide in and out when installed /anchored. There is a nylon sleeve fixed to the triangular section to assist in the sliding. Suffers a bit from stickshon if it has not been moved for a while.

nick205 - 6/6/19 at 09:51 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Paul TVR
thinking an adjustable column would be much cheaper than a new wife.



Married and not divorced myself, but from what I hear of the divorce process I suspect you're right. A divorce could well see the car being sold to realise some money or even see it handed over to the other party during the "settlement" process!

From what I know of Sierra steering columns there are adjustable ones available, but they offer up/down (height) adjustment and not fore/aft (reach) adjustment. I've not used one though so could be wrong.

Alternate steering wheels with a deeper/shallower dish to alter the reach could be the answer.

Devils advocate - my wife didn't like driving my MK Indy full stop. If your wife does then that's good as she'll probably be more keen for you to keep it. Questions I'd ask though:

1. how frequently will she want to drive it?
2. How far will she want to drive it?
3. Does it warrant spending much time, effort and money altering the car?

CosKev3 - 6/6/19 at 10:53 AM

quote:
Originally posted by avagolen
There you go. Ford at it's best. Mine does.......


Just double checked mine and looked at how the mechanism works and no way can it be moved in or out,only up or down as the holes that the adjustable mech move in are only horizontal.

Must be different types of adjustable column.

mcerd1 - 6/6/19 at 10:57 AM

^^ I was kind of thinking - would an adjustable pedal box be a cheaper / easier way to do it ?


otherwise maybe looking for more modern columns or possibly just the mk3 Granada / Scorpio one - its very similar in design to the sierra, but with different switchgear and more adjustment

the mounting point is a little different though, but nothing too difficult if you've got a welder

some pics of one out of the car here:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-GRANADA-SCORPIO-STEERING-COLUMN-COMPLETE-KIT-CAR-/361955241380

go to 5:10 to see it working:







[Edited on 6/6/2019 by mcerd1]

avagolen - 6/6/19 at 11:17 AM

Just to aid the discussion and what an adjustable column looks like - IN/OUT and UP/DOWN. Here are some pics.
There are more in my photo archive.

column1
column1

Column_2
Column_2

The second picture actually has a blanking plate in so that the UP/DOWN function was inhibited for the IVA. This is due to the fact
that when in the lowest position, there is a chance that the ignition lock would jam against the lower cross rail in the event
of an accident and prevent it collapsing.

To fit in the Fury, the mechanism has been reversed otherwise the locking lever hits the cross member and protrudes into the knee space.
The lever also gets chopped as it is too long and hits the bulkhead.

Have fun.