≈≈≈TECH, Hot Rod, Cowl steering, and steering column≈≈≈

[Chris Casny]

This is the cowl steering set-up I've done on my model a coupe, here is a link to the whole thread http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...dreadman+coupe .
I did cowl steering because I'm using a Buick nailhead engine, that didnt leave enough room for a F-1 or F-100 box.

I built a "hoop" out of heavy walled 2" round tubing, that attaches to the frame with 6 bolts to ensure maximum strength for the steering box.



Once I established, placement for the box (in this case a 1966 Mopar model), I fabricated mounts, so the box could be firmly fastened to the "hoop".

Next step was to cut the stock pitman arm. All that's needed is the splined end.


The "end" was then welded to a heavy walled round tubing, making sure the, the ID was big enough to receive the 1 3/16" socket, required to tighten the 7/8" nut.
I can't stress enough, that if you have any doubts about your welding abilities you should consult a professional.


The other end of the sector shaft was drilled for 6 holes and threaded, and the drilled to allow the socket to pass thru, again, this end was welded to the shaft. Again, this piece is only about 3.5" long, but is, just about the most important piece, safety wise, when it comes to cowl steering.

A pitman arm was fabricated, out of 1/2" thick cold rolled steel. It received 6 corresponding holes.

Then it was bent so the tie rod end would clear the body.

[Chris Casny]

Next, the custom steering column.
It occurred to me, that there were 6 holes, on the steering box, that seemed, ideal, to be tapped and then hold the flange for the steering column.

Using a 3" washer, I drilled 6 corresponding holes, in order to bolt the flange to the box.


For the steering column, I decided to use 1 1/2" stainless "stripper pole", you know the smooth stuff, not the brushed kind, easier on the hands.
Mine ended up being 12". It was welded, to the flange.


The other end of the column needed a bearing, to hold the 3/4" shaft.
I found one that didnt quite fit the 1 1/2" column, but pressed it in anyways, and therefore created this kind of flared, end look.

For the box end, I purchased a 3/4", 36 spline coupler, to which the shaft would be welded to (spot welded shown here).



The steering wheel end of the shaft, was machined down with my crappy lathe, to 5/8" and then tapered and keyed to accept an early Ford steering wheel (not pictured here).



Here is the full set-up shown outside the car.

In the car





Safety, is number one here, I TIG welded everything making sure, the pitman arm cooled down properly after bending, etc. your life is on the line here, but if you did everything right this will be a good solution.

[povertyflats]

You sure do nice metal work for a woodworker.

[Glen]

nice job on the cowl steering there are about 4 good threads on that process now and each one is a little different. Thanks for posting.

[Mullda]

Great post! Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing.

[cheezburgers]

Great Job .....Thank ya much

[Noland]

Hey maybe if you win techweek they can give you a colored camera for a prize

Came out really nice though

[bct]

ooohhhhhh....thats how its done!!!!!!!!good job

[Fenders]

Nice job.
Uhhh... bump steer?

[Chris Casny]

Originally Posted by That guy with the coupe

Nice job.
Uhhh... bump steer?

I've done this three times, no bump steer.
7" pitman arm (center to center), 8" steering arm.

[zibo]

Originally Posted by That guy with the coupe

Nice job.
Uhhh... bump steer?

I think there is a special technique to drive a cowl-steer car because of the bumpsteer inherent in the design.
Once you learn to not white knuckle the steering wheel, the car will drive fine,
and what is called bumpsteer isn't an issue.

TP

Oh yeah nice work!

[Dreddybear]

Originally Posted by That guy with the coupe

Nice job.
Uhhh... bump steer?

Bump steer sucks on a race car, at the limits of traction you don't want sudden jerks on the stering wheel. On a street car a little bump steer will be okay. If this car has measurable bump steer it will be minor enough that he won't notice or care.

Car is looking AWESOME Chris!

[Royalshifter]

Beautiful job Chris as always.

[Malcolm]

Very, very nice work, Chris! Some great ideas there - thank you.

I really like that steering wheel, too - is that a Lincoln or Mercury wheel?

Malcolm

[1935Ron]

Nice!!! you don't mind if I copy it..............

[KIRK!]

You win! Pick out your new tool from the sponsor.

[captainjunk#2]

what a great tech article , good build

[2deuces64]

Nice job, this answers some questions I had. I'm starting on my cowl steering this week using a bmw box.

[marodder62]

Great tech. I was wondering how to do the steering column on mine and now I know. What tap size did you use for the 6 holes on the steering box?
Jerry

[sko_ford]

i know which one i'm voteing for and copying almost completly