Steering Column Issue

Thought I would inform SPF owners of an issue I had with my steering column. The column to dash support bracket broke on my car. If you check the pictures you'll notice the bracket has notches cut in the sheet metal to make bends. These are the stress points that broke. Fortunately I had some warning and was able to get the car to a safe location before it broke completely.
I fabricated a new bracket with no bends and brazed it to the column. I also reinforced a similar weak point at the rear of the column. I do some track days with semi slicks and the car has over 20,000 miles so that may have been a factor. You might want to check your bracket.
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0086 (Large).jpg
    DSC_0086 (Large).jpg
    67.1 KB · Views: 369
  • DSC_0088 (Large).jpg
    DSC_0088 (Large).jpg
    81.7 KB · Views: 329
  • DSC_0091 (Large).jpg
    DSC_0091 (Large).jpg
    80.8 KB · Views: 367
  • DSC_0089 (Large).jpg
    DSC_0089 (Large).jpg
    137.8 KB · Views: 392
  • DSC_0093 (Large).jpg
    DSC_0093 (Large).jpg
    121.6 KB · Views: 355
That is what could be termed frightening reverse engineering. No notches in the pic of original steering column.
 

Attachments

  • Steering%20Column%2001.jpg
    Steering%20Column%2001.jpg
    140.1 KB · Views: 378
The actual GT40 dwgs show those brackets as having been pressed or made in one piece on a hammerform, whereas the Hitech/SPF drawings show their version with the notches in the drawings.
 
Back
Top