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Steering Column/Wheel/Rod Advice and Pictures..Please Help!
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myxomycota
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 8:35 pm    Post subject: Steering Column/Wheel/Rod Advice and Pictures..Please Help! Reply with quote

Ok I have this nice buggy I am about done with and the old steering column is ugly and old. I need some suggestions and pictures of a steering rod/colum/joint/wheel setup. I looked at the flaming river stuff but I did not see a setup for a VW...and I have a nice new steering box to connect up to. I just want a simple straightforward setup. Any help would be approciated.

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hcallaway
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had a new steering box to connect and I wanted something simple. This worked out pretty good.
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This shows the shaft connected to the steering coupler.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

This shows how the top part of the steering connector was machined to fit inside of the 3/4 tubing. I have to pin it with a bolt to secure the connection. I have slid the tubing up and away from the coupler so you can see how it was machined.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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Cujo3131
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

hcallaway...

You obviously are using the Berrien center bracket... did you have to weld on the extra plate for the column? How easy was that to install? And lastly....going to run a windsheild wiper? Curious how that bolts up to the bracket....


Nice clean look BTW.... like that alot....


Cujo
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Original Manx
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Haven't you guys heard of collapsible steering columns? It seems that most of the pix of column set ups I see on the Samba are of a solid column. You know what that does to your chest in the event of a serious accident..!! Hence why Auto manufacturers have been making collapsible columns for years now, and I believe the Super Beetles have them ( I think Glasser used one in his build).

I too have been checking out steering columns and so far the flaming river stuff looks the best. They make a collapsible column that is also adjustable for reach and tilt - that would have to be the ultimate.
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tinnocker
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My 1970 beetle donor (not Super Beetle) had a collapsible column that I am going to use.
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hcallaway
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 7:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

collapsible steering columns

I understand what and why you might use them. I don't think any of the aftermarket columns like Flaming River are set up that way. The column like I have in the 76 Donner car has one.

A collapsible steering column and optional Automatic Stick Shift, which eliminated the clutch pedal, were 1968 Volkswagen Beetle additions.

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Is that a good idea in case of a front end collision. Sure.
Why not a 12 point NHRA certified cage with a full safety harness with a Hans devise? On my list of safety features for the dune buggy I am building the collapsible steering column is near the bottom.
I would have good seat belts and functioning brake lights.
I would want all new brakes. (even update to disc in the front)
I would make sure that I am running a dual master cylinder system.
I would have a good cage design. (mine should have more side impact protection - other than that it should be pretty solid)
and................... down near the end would be a collapsible steering column.
The section that collapses in a later model is what maybe 8-10 inches.
I think on my DB, the more important factor is the angle of the steering shaft. (Stock but my seats are much lower.) The angle of my body in the seats strapped down. (My body should be angled back.) The distance from the steering wheel to my chest. (My wheel is a fairly flat 12" wheel.)

My final reasoning (or lack of) is that for the steering box to have been breached and the assembly shoved back into my chest, the impact distance of 10" is not going to be much of a factor. I do think that it is important to build a DB to the standard that makes someone feel comfortable (or have a false sense of security.)
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hcallaway
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 7:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cujo3131 wrote:
hcallaway...

You obviously are using the Berrien center bracket... did you have to weld on the extra plate for the column? How easy was that to install? And lastly....going to run a windsheild wiper? Curious how that bolts up to the bracket....


Nice clean look BTW.... like that alot....


Cujo


I have not tried to fit the wiper assembly into the brackets at this point.
The extra plate was not hard to add. I first welded it onto the bar on the front and back of the plate along the tubing. I had to have extra gussets added to give it any strength.
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hcallaway
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 7:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

[quote="Original Manx"]Haven't you guys heard of collapsible steering columns? It seems that most of the pix of column set ups I see on the Samba are of a solid column. You know what that does to your chest in the event of a serious accident..!! Hence why Auto manufacturers have been making collapsible columns for years now, and I believe the Super Beetles have them ( I think Glasser used one in his build).

I just now realized you are from down under where you are going to be running a twin turbo, four wheel drive, mad max - thunderdome dune buggy with engineering skills I could only dream about!!! I will defer to your skills and talents, just do what Original Manx suggested and use a collapsible column.
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didget69
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Look at Speedwaymotors.com - they offer a Sweet Brand Collapsible steering column -

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/SWEET-COLLAPSIBLE-STEERING-COLUMN-225-32-,2039.html

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They also have a Speedway Motors 'house-brand' version for $199.00 -

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/22-1and2-Steering-Column,14416.html

Of course, you'll need to get a steering coupler & u-joint, but it is a solution for someone seeking a collapsible column...

bnc
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dan macmillan
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Go to your local auto wreckers and look around for a more modern car that has a column you like. Many of the newer units have your ign, wipers, signals, hi/lo, tilt on the column.
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vpogv
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Snag a GM column and the wiring is simple as pie.
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 1:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Haven't you guys heard of collapsible steering columns?


Nuthin personal, but if get hit head on in the buggy, I don't think a collapsible column is gonna make much difference.......
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Original Manx
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 5:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

[quote="hcallaway"]collapsible steering columns

I understand what and why you might use them. I don't think any of the aftermarket columns like Flaming River are set up that way. The column like I have in the 76 Donner car has one.
-------------------------------------------------------

Here's some info on the flaming river collapsible column:

Laser Cut Collapsible Tilt Column
From Flaming River Industries

Intricate laser diamond pattern with bellowed rings enables the tube to fold upon impact with 2 inches of collapsibility. Center tilt shaft has a unique shear pin design which allows full collapsibility.

Added Safety and yet maintains an attractice appearance at an affordable cost.
Manufactured on Flaming River's New Laser machining center at our Cleveland, Ohio facility!
All Flaming River columns are made from 304 grade stainless steel, in paintable mill finish OR polished to a high luster. They will never rust and are chemically clean and can be painted to match or highlight an interior with only minor preparation.

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=p.../prd68.htm
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andk5591 Posted: Today 6:31 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Haven't you guys heard of collapsible steering columns?


Nuthin personal, but if get hit head on in the buggy, I don't think a collapsible column is gonna make much difference.......

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Yep I totally agree - however, you can get hit at just the right angle where the steering box gets bent back and the column goes through your chest or at the least you get pressed up against the steering wheel with a set of broken ribs. The rest of you could very well be intact.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

hcallaway Posted: Yesterday 12:17 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

collapsible steering columns


Is that a good idea in case of a front end collision. Sure.
Why not a 12 point NHRA certified cage with a full safety harness with a Hans devise? On my list of safety features for the dune buggy I am building the collapsible steering column is near the bottom.


I don't disagree with you, IMHO a collapsible steering column is a simple, cheap and intelligent safety option that should be a mandatory part of any build. I rate it along the same lines as a dual master cylinder brake upgrade. It would be safe to assume that most people would also incorporate this into their builds.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here I am crapping on about safety when I'm trying to build a 700kg 300hp 4WD death trap!!!!! Ironic!!!!
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hcallaway
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 6:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Laughing

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Here I am crapping on about safety when I'm trying to build a 700kg 300hp 4WD death trap!!!!! Ironic!!!![/quote]
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57streetrodbuggy
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 7:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

what about a camaro column? i got a 94 junkyard camaro column for my buggy and it looks like its going to be perfect i got mine without the airbag because i am going to change the wheel but if you got one with an airbag you could hook up the airbag and use it instead of the crumpling column.
camaro column is also nice because it has so many modern redundancies like a shift lockout cable hookup which keeps someone from putting your buggy in neutral and pushing it away unless the key is in also key has a microchip in it so you cant lockpick it also the column has a steering lock and a special cover plate for the ignition moduel so no one can tear off a cover and disconnect the key.

besides all that it has a tilt and emergency flashers seperate from the turn signal switch and the turn signal switch itself has all the wiper controls as well as lights and washer controls(i think im going to use my washer control switch for something else though) it also has several other small switches i cant figure out the use for.

i know its pretty wordy but i love the setup and i highly recommend it
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MANXMAN13
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

i Just picked up a concept 1 buggy the other day, in great condition, planning on doing a full restoration, just wanted to say all your pics have gave me some ideas, o and i don't have a steering colum in mine at the moment so i can help ya there sorry, but i'll try to get some pictures up.
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes I did use a collapsible column. The column wont do you any good if it isn't mounted solid so keep that in mind. My first mount is welded to the shaft solid and bolted to the cage. The second is a clamp set up.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


My neighbor is using a Chevy column. He shortened it and it does have some internal sleeves so will also be collapsible. He is in the mounting stage with it now.
It's a tilt column also. If you need some better pictures I can go and take some more. The column is big so dash mods are required.
It's a nice way to go especially if you go with a painless wiring harness. The harness has options to plug right into the Chevy column.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

[Quote: "what about a camaro column? i got a 94 junkyard camaro column for my buggy and it looks like its going to be perfect i got mine without the airbag because i am going to change the wheel but if you got one with an airbag you could hook up the airbag and use it instead of the crumpling column."

I don't think you could hook up an airbag....OK let me clarify. You could hook up an airbag I suppose but you need sensors, a computer, and tons of engineering. Not practical at all to really even suggest it.


Quote: "camaro column is also nice because it has so many modern redundancies like a shift lockout cable hookup which keeps someone from putting your buggy in neutral and pushing it away unless the key is in also key has a microchip in it so you cant lockpick it also the column has a steering lock and a special cover plate for the ignition moduel so no one can tear off a cover and disconnect the key. "

Again...totally impractical to design and set up a lockout with a VW standard transmission. Is it possible? Again...maybe...but not at all practical.


Flaming River (or Ididit) set up with two u-joints is nice and collapsable, superior to the original VW set up, and looks slick. That doesn't mean that the stock VW columns aren't good. They certainly are alot cheaper. Flaming River set up will set you back $400-$500.
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crashtestdumba$$
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 8:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

[quote="Glasser"]Yes I did use a collapsible column. The column wont do you any good if it isn't mounted solid so keep that in mind. My first mount is welded to the shaft solid and bolted to the cage. The second is a clamp set up.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


can you provide a part number or source for the column shown?

Thanks!
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Glasser
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 8:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm not 100% sure as this was in my buggy when I got it. I just mounted it solid so the collapsing part could do it's job properly. I think It might be out of a Super beetle as mentioned above..
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