Adapting adj. wheel control head to non adj. wheel

[Guest]

Hi all,

My BN6 has a strange control head on the steering wheel - it works OK, but is the incorrect part (I've no idea what it's off but it doesn't appear to be a Healey part - see attachment). Incidentally I'd be very grateful if someone could identify what car this control head came from!

Ultimately I want to replace it with the correct item. The wheel in the car is a non-adjustable unit.

Looking at the prices of a complete control head, the adjustable one costs $$, whereas the non-adjustable unit costs $$$$$$!!

My question is, can an adjustable control head be adapted to fit a non-adjustable steering wheel? I noticed in one UK suppliers catalog that their non-adjustable control head is adapted from the adjustable unit, so I was wondering if this is a DIY proposition.


Thanks,


Bill.

 

[Keoke]

Hi OZTraveller:

I do not know if this is an easy DIY Proposition or not. However, it would seem that the stator tube from a non adjustable control head could be fitted to an adjustable one. But this IMOP is a bit tricky with the tabs. OTOH, It might be possible to replace the nonadjustable stator tube with the adjustable one making length corrections as required then fit the adjustable control head. If this latter method works out it would be the route I would take.---Fwiw---Keoke-?

 

[bob hughes]

Just another thought on the matter, if my memory is correct I believe that the 'bakerlight' surrounds are different, meaning that you will need the adjustable steering wheel as well and then -----------

 

[BlueRidge2]

The horn button is way differnt on the non adjustable wheel.
What you have now looks pretty good . I think if it were me i would keep using that until I could find a used non adjustable unit rather than trying to retro fit an adjustable one. Bob

 

[BN1L_156424]

Re: Adapting adj. wheel control head to non adj. w

A few months ago I saw a control head for a (IIRC) Ford Prefect on ebay.uk (It didn't show up on ebay.com) that looked in photos almost identical to my non-adjustable Healey head. I think the thing ended up selling for 20 euro or so. I can't remember the exact year of the car, or if that model was exported to Australia, but it probably is worth looking into. I think the Prefect was also known as the Anglia. (attached is a photo from ebay of a 53 Prefect interior)

 

[Johnny]

Hi Oztraveler, I don't know what car your turn signal came off of but it wasn't a Healey. In my opinion find out what came original to your car (BMIHT certificate?) and act accordingly. Here's some points to consider, the dash is different on adjustable vs nonadjustable, the adjustable dash has a larger hole for the steering column, thus a larger chrome ring etc. The steering shaft has longer grooves cut into it to allow the steering wheel to go in and out. If you do need to change out the column to fit the dash or turn signal it really isn't all that difficult, and cost wise there are used parts available to complete the job. In the long run the car would be worth more if restored back original, plus you would have the satisfaction of knowing the car is correct.