Does anyone have a good way of extending the triangular bit at the bottom of a sierra steering column? The lower segment wants to go thru the alternator so i need to elongate the top bit to get it round.

Would it work having an extra UJ in it, and would it need more support on the extra flexible section if you did, to avoid the column twisting up?

Because my front rails are parallel top and bottom there is also the option of it going outside the bonnet area for a few inches (around the oustide of a vertical bar), maybe this is a bit excessive.

There is only an inch between the altenator and said unpright....

I've considered moving the altenator but that seems very hard, any ideas?

Thanx in advance...

I think you are playing with fire trying to extend the lower fixed column, problems being 1, getting it exactly straight

2, making sure the welds would be strong enough (I am a qualified welder and would be a little apprehensive about doing this). If you do extend, chop the end of another sierra column, get a piece of round tube at least 500mm long which exactly fits inside the triangular section, leave a 2mm gap between the two sections and weld together. Make up flat bar at least 200mm long which will sleeve the filed down jount and fully weld. Do NOT do this unless you really can weld, TIG would be the ideal process to use.

3, you would induce a lot of whip into the column as there would be quite alot of unsupported length.

Moving the alternator seems a much simpler job

on my v6, most things got in the way!

I used a further UJ with a bearing carrier to support the shaft (3 ujs total) and still had to move the alternator. Moving the alternator on my engine was about one of the easier jobs I have done! Depends on how many other convenient places you have to mount it. Its not a problem getting a new drive belt - companies like farnell do a selection in approx 20mm increments.

I had to move my power steering pump too.........

atb

steve

Sounds easier to move the altenator then i guess, only prob being that puts it near the fuel pump. Would Mr SVA have a problem with that (sparks)?

I suppose i could put it higher.

Is it best to mount it to the engine or the chassis? Cos with the original engine mounts there is lots of potential movement....

electric EFI fuel pumps are mounted in the tank!

you cant mount the alternator off-engine - how would you keep the belt tensioned with engine movement?

atb

steve

Thats what i meant! So is it ok to weld mountings straight to the block? With caution of course!

Joel,

Speak to Merlin, he'll sell you a bracket to allow you to mount the alternator higher up. Then, you just need to get a belt that fits.

Alternatively, get a smaller alternator! Bob has used the (baked bean can sized) one from a Bedford Rascal (I believe). A 2CV is similarly sized but you'll need to remotely mount the regulator.

HTH,

James

Thanx all! I'll take another look today and assess it!

there is no rule to say you have to run your alternator from the engine, you could use the propshaft to run it...