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Collapsible Steering Column on a BN1/BN" - Anyone fitted one?

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catfood

catfood

Jedi Knight
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Collapsible Steering Column on a BN1/BN2 - Anyone fitted one?

Several of the parts specialists can supply collapsible steering columns for our Healeys. I have to admit the one thing I don't like about our cars is the thought of a long metal spike pointing at my chest in the event of an accident. The only downside I can see with these columns is you can't use the normal indicator/hornpush assembly. Anybody used one on a BN1/BN2 and if so where have you positioned the horn and indicator?
 
Re: Collapsible Steering Column on a BN1/BN2 - Anyone fitted one?

catfood said:
Several of the parts specialists can supply collapsible steering columns for our Healeys. I have to admit the one thing I don't like about our cars is the thought of a long metal spike pointing at my chest in the event of an accident. The only downside I can see with these columns is you can't use the normal indicator/hornpush assembly. Anybody used one on a BN1/BN2 and if so where have you positioned the horn and indicator?
Click to expand...

Have given this some (terrifying) thought myself. I think, realistically, as low as Healeys are any collision would result it the steering column being driven under the obstacle instead of backward. The thing that most concerns me is hitting that wheel and hub with my already less-than-beautiful face as my upper body is flung forward. Obviously, an air bag would be desirable--I hear Takata units are real cheap at the moment--but a shoulder harness is probably a better bet.
 
Re: Collapsible Steering Column on a BN1/BN2 - Anyone fitted one?

Well BOB

There were some early cars that used slip rings to handle the wiring in their collapsible columns it might have been the Volvo P1800E and P1800ES series cars memory is foggy now.
 
Re: Collapsible Steering Column on a BN1/BN2 - Anyone fitted one?

The BE Sprite uses a toggle switch mounted in the centre of the dash for non-selfcancelling signal light actuation. We have gone to a Toyota 5 speed; if I was to lose the trafficator function, I would rotate the unused o/d switch 90 degrees and use it.
But - has anyone installed a collapsible column? I too, am concerned about the five foot spear and the location of the steering box.
Also - I believe I once saw a Volvo using the same/similar(?) steering box as a Healey, but the column had a an offsetting bend into a breakable flange just above the box. Anyone have knowledge of this particular hallucination? Thanks, Doug
 
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