Apologies if this seems like a stupid question but I've got a SPA QR1 boss after taking advice re: play in cheaper one's - this thread here:

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=98555#

The slug is 5/8" OD (~15.8mm) and the Sierra column is about 17mm OD on the hex part.

Best solution seems to be to turn down the hex to approx 11mm so it will fit inside the ID of the SPA slug.

However I'm not sure if I can remove the inner hex part of the column from the ally bit with the ign key/bearings/spring/mounting holes etc in, turn it down get it roll pinned and welded then put it back in from the steering wheel end as it won't fit back through the other way with the slug welded on?

Also do I need to maintain pressure on the top bearing and the spring inside this part?

On Tim Hoverd's build pages it looks like he just welded it on in situ - can't see if he turned it down though. Just butting it up isn't going to be very strong?

Also would there be room to put that whole upper column in a lathe?

Wouldn't the heat of welding it up cause the top bearing some issues?

http://www.hoverd.org/Tim/Fury/build-body-0402c.html

My boss is essentially the same but a SPA one. I haven't taken the column out yet as I'm supposed to be doing Bedford Autodrome on Monday AM (maybe not now - different story!), but plan was Monday PM strip it down, Tues get it turned down and hopefully welded and then fit it all back together over next few days ready for Saturday.

What has everyone else done with this type of QR boss?

Photos (if you can't be bothered to follow the link above):







My QR boss:



[Edited on 16/5/09 by hobbsy]

take the sierra column down to the same size as the slug..

fit a sleeve over the two ends and weld either end

butt welding the two ends is asking for trouble.....

Take it to AB performance (not far from Bedford). He has done a fantastic job on my Westie (sierra column) with a Racetech boss.

Dave

I wasn't suggesting butt welding the two.

If I've got to take some metal off the column then I might as well make it fit inside the slug rather than have twice as many welds? Unless it makes it too weak by reducing it to ~11mm?

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Originally posted by fluidslvr
take the sierra column down to the same size as the slug..

fit a sleeve over the two ends and weld either end

butt welding the two ends is asking for trouble.....

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quote:

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Originally posted by hicost blade
Take it to AB performance (not far from Bedford). He has done a fantastic job on my Westie (sierra column) with a Racetech boss.

Dave

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quote:

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Originally posted by fluidslvr


butt welding the two ends is asking for trouble.....

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quote:

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Originally posted by mr henderson

quote:

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Originally posted by fluidslvr


butt welding the two ends is asking for trouble.....

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Unless you get 907 to do it for you

John

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907 is Paul Gooderham's forum name. He is a coded welder and does this sort of thing in exchange for relatively small amounts of cash.

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/member.php?action=viewpro&member=907

He extended a column for me recently, the QR bit had to be cut off, then 3 inches added and the QR bit welded back on. I posted it to him and collected it at Stoneleigh.


John

[Edited on 16/5/09 by mr henderson]

Slightly O/T, but I can't understand why these Q/R bosses have to be welded onto the column, with all the potential hazards of inadequate welding. Surely they could make them with a hex hole so it could just be bolted onto the top of the column instead of the original? You would just have to have a hole in the boss big enough to fit a socket down and iIt would make it a lot less hassle.

Simon

Humbug - I believe there is a QR boss of that style available, seem to recall some discussions about it.

However although this boss is more hassle I'm hoping for it to be 100% reliable and play free when fitted.

quote:

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Originally posted by Humbug
Slightly O/T, but I can't understand why these Q/R bosses have to be welded onto the column, with all the potential hazards of inadequate welding.

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I'm most happy to be corrected, but I'm not convinced the hex section on the Sierra column is solid, I know most of the column is hollow.

You're right, its not solid its got a hole of approx 5mm ID going all the way through it.

But even if turned down to 11mm it would still have a wall thickness of 3mm.

I am going to try and get SPA to swap my 3/8" slug for a 1" slug (both OD measurements).

Then I can get the slug slightly bored out to take the pretty much untouched Sierra column to go inside.

So everything will be more meaty!

I did mean phone Andy before you go there!

BTW I think the slugs maybe hardened so may be difficult to machine.

Dave

[Edited on 18/5/09 by hicost blade]

@hicost - I guess you did mean that

However its all now sorted thanks to a combination of SPA (who kindly swapped the 5/8" slug for a 1" FOC) and Procomp who machined, welded and pinned the boss at extremely late notice and made a very good job of it at a very reasonable cost.

Almost got it all back together - most of the aggro is from tweaking the distance between the ally bit (and therefore the sierra cowl) and the dash.

The steering wheel is probably going to end up a bit closer to me but it feels better and gives me more leg room etc.

I'll post some photos at some point.