Evening all,

Finally got the weird/crap steering column bits out to check (slight play in the column).

It's clearly a home bodge but I'm trying to work out what bits he might have used.

It looks like he has cut off a proper column and then welded a smaller dia splined shaft for the top section. Does anyone recognise the column (outer or inner) at all please? It looks like a standard Escort inner column from the wheel down the welded part? - albeit with a bodged stripped thread for the steering wheel nut?:-

























Any help gratefully appreciated!

Cheers
Tony

Personally I would scrap it and start afresh! If the steering rack is an Escort item then the lower joint is easily available as are column extensions, various columns have been used , my own was a Sierra part attached to a home modified lower extension . The important part, whatever you use ,is a self collapsing section and to use decent mounting brackets and if your not confident modifying and welding get a good welder to do the job .

I can only see one weld on the inner column. Looks like a telescopic column that has been welded to a fixed length?
Yes, the threads appear damaged, and I don't like the non-telescopic nature of the column.
It does have a bit of a BL look to it, mini or Triumph. But then again most columns look very similar!

Spot on Cliftyhanger! Just googled classic mini steering column and that's exactly what it is! He has cut that and welded a standard 'off the shelf' splined steering rod to it. Many thanks for identifiying - that's exactly what I was after!

It's the top bush that's worn - and I can now replace it knowing what it is. That's all I wanted for now - just get it 'safe' again and use it for a bit through the summer.

Also thanks Rusty Nuts - The longer term plan (during the winter) is to junk the whole column and fit an MX5 one so it's done properly. I just didin't want to miss out on a bit of summer fun having just bought it.

In fact the Winter plan now - is to completely strip it down to the bare chassis. Blast/rust treat/re-paint the chassis and then build it back up properly and safely as I don't trust anything the last few builders/bodgers have done to it. Will completely re-do the wiring too as the ignition switch starting smoking the other day and the battery voltage is being dragged down

Many thanks again for your help chaps!

Cheers
Tony

There are certain items on cars, that a compromise is NOT an option
Steering and brakes are at the very top, but the list will be a long one, that will end with a fluffy dice hanging on the mirror!

The OP has obviously got concerns with some of the build quality, (as I would of) and if there was an ounce of doubt in any part
then I would bin it and start afresh,

I personally would not be happy driving a car, that had issues like this steering column, nor some of the other faults mentioned

Perhaps delaying putting the car on the road this year, and doing a complete rebuild would be the best option,

Just my opinion,

regards

steve