TheSamba.com :: View topic - '55-'60? steering lock question

Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:01 pm

Does anyone have a factory installed early steering lock? I'm curious how large the gap is inbetween the top of the steering lock and the bottom of the bracket that holds the column to the dash.

Anyone have a technical bullitin on installing these early locks?

Is the collar for the steering column shaft the same as the later ones? What about the hole in the column itself? Same size?

What would the delete plug for the ignition switch look like? Clear plastic like the 60'ies busses or maybe a black rubber plug?

I'm getting ready to cut up my column this week to install it so any help is appreciated.

Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:05 pm

campingbox wrote: Is the collar for the steering column shaft the same as the later ones?
There's only one locking collar listed in the 58-67 parts book .....

Sun Dec 02, 2007 10:34 am

dstefun wrote: campingbox wrote: Is the collar for the steering column shaft the same as the later ones?
There's only one locking collar listed in the 58-67 parts book .....

the 63 edition book (which is the one you mean) lists:
211 415 521 B Locking sleeve - steering ignition lock
This means there was an A version and a number-suffixless version, and the one listed is actually the third version of the part.

The 58 edition parts list shows
211 415 521 A Locking shell - Steering lock

the '56 edition lists:
211 415 521 Locking sleeve - Steering lock
211 415 521 A Locking shell - Steering lock

The later lists often omit earlier versions

I know what the B version of the lock collar looks like, but do not know the A or plain versions, nor the differences.

Sun Dec 02, 2007 11:13 am

Here is a another photo from the gallery showing a early bus steering lock, turned round 180* from normal position. This bus was described as a '59:

The set screw that keeps the lock from spinning is gone.

Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:22 am

This is the only info that I have on steering wheel locks , If you would like a high resolution scan of it , PM me and I'll send it to you .

Close up of the same pic,

Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:10 am

I believe those pics are of the later style. That pin on the earlier one sure looks like a cheesy way of securing it and easily bypassable.

Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:02 am

BarryL wrote: I believe those pics are of the later style. That pin on the earlier one sure looks like a cheesy way of securing it and easily bypassable.

I don't think the earlier one is any easier to bypass. You can undo those three screws and rotate the later one. I think the idea of having a steering lock is to use it in the locked position, which makes it impossible to remove.

Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:03 am

dms wrote: This is the only info that I have on steering wheel locks , If you would like a high resolution scan of it , PM me and I'll send it to you .

Close up of the same pic,

Looks like we need technical bullitin Z 5. Thanks for the scans.....hopefully someone has the early bullitin.

Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:23 am

Z5:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/techbulletins/z5.php

Not early enough?

Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:35 am

EverettB wrote: Z5:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/techbulletins/z5.php

Not early enough?

Thanks, that will be perfect. It has all the measurements I need.

It seems that instead of welding a collar onto the steering shaft that they used something called "locking shells" instead.

Anyone have a picture of what the "locking shells" look like. I'll probably just use a later collar because I have one and it should work just fine.

It also states just to leave the old ignition switch in place, so maybe there never was a plug for the delete.

Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:40 am

It appears to be similar to the locking pieces used on original Type 3 columns:

Sorry, that is best photo I could find and I sold that column so no close-ups.

Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:57 am

EverettB wrote: It appears to be similar to the locking pieces used on original Type 3 columns:

Sorry, that is best photo I could find and I sold that column so no close-ups.

Are type-3 locking columns hard to find? Can you confirm in the type-3 parts list if the locking shells carry the same part number?

Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:18 am

Those look the same as the tabs that come with T1 locking columns as well.

Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:53 am

The Type 3 parts book says:
111 415 521D - Locking shell
To chassis # 310 2500 000

Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:44 pm

EverettB wrote: The Type 3 parts book says:
111 415 521D - Locking shell
To chassis # 310 2500 000
Going on the premise that since the the type 1 and type 3 steering part have a different p/n than the type 2, I'd say the shafts are a different diameter and the 111 .... part would not work.
Looks like we are going to modify a 211 415 521 B into the A version, and go that route.

There is a 211 415 521 B the top in the pic below.
The the left is a later (62-66?) steering/ig lock.
On the right is the early (3/55-61?) steering steering/ig lock that will go into our '56 Westy. It even has the electric cover.

Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:52 pm

I make all my locking columns using fplat stock "massaged" (BIG ASS HAMMER) around.

No one is ever going to see it right?

Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:00 pm

That bulletin location will work for the collar on a 66 bUS?

Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:03 pm

mr. warehouse wrote: I make all my locking columns using fplat stock "massaged" (BIG ASS HAMMER) around.

No one is ever going to see it right?
Where's the fun in that when I've got NOS B version collars to adapt/use?

Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:09 pm

OK found the one I need in on the site. One thing I need to know about the sleeve. Which side of the column does the slot go for the lock, in relation to the woodruff key slot?

Tue Dec 04, 2007 6:21 pm

Does no one know which way the collar lines up?