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I just completed a rack and pinion conversion on my TR-3A. It's the Moss version; no welding required was required and the job is reversible if the next owner wants the old steering back.
Trafficator: I wanted to keep the original trafficator, so I got the Bastuck L97BTR3 slip ring mechanism from Germany (www.bastuck.com). Directions are in German only, but you can figure it out from the pictures. The longitudinal holes on the unit did not appear to be drilled all the way through. And although the lexan it's made of <span style="text-decoration: underline">cannot</span> be drilled through--even with a drill press and all the pressure I could muscle, just take the same 3/32" drill bit and use finger pressure to ream the holes out. (Don't ask me!!)
Mounting the electric fan to the radiator was a bit of a challenge to make it look professional. I couldn't use the through-the radiator plastic tie-wrap jobbies because the fan blades protruded just beyond the base so it would bind. Maybe it was a defect in the fan (a Pacet, but Kenlowes have the same problem I found on the Web), maybe poor design, but I found a solution in a set of picture frame clamps (I'm also a woodworker) from Woodcraft. Worked great.
Run the thermostat sensor into the lower hose to the radiator for better temperature control.
I did not use a harmonic dampener in place of the mechanical fan. Neil Revington (of RevingtonTR in the UK) swore to me they're unnecessary.
Front end alignment was done by trial and error, on a sheet of heavy craft paper and a tape measure. 0 to 1/16" toe-in. Took about an hour for me to do in the garage, and when I took it to my mechanic to check it, no further adjustment was needed.
Driving: The Rack definitely removes the slack in the steering which is inherent in our old steering units (my '66 Vette had the same issue). It is also easier to steer while standing still. It is also more responsive to slight steering wheel movements.
On the down side, the car definitely understeers (maybe it did before and I just didn't notice it) and I was surprised the lock-to-lock was so high -- 2-1/2 turns. I was expecting more of a go-cart feel.
Trafficator: I wanted to keep the original trafficator, so I got the Bastuck L97BTR3 slip ring mechanism from Germany (www.bastuck.com). Directions are in German only, but you can figure it out from the pictures. The longitudinal holes on the unit did not appear to be drilled all the way through. And although the lexan it's made of <span style="text-decoration: underline">cannot</span> be drilled through--even with a drill press and all the pressure I could muscle, just take the same 3/32" drill bit and use finger pressure to ream the holes out. (Don't ask me!!)
Mounting the electric fan to the radiator was a bit of a challenge to make it look professional. I couldn't use the through-the radiator plastic tie-wrap jobbies because the fan blades protruded just beyond the base so it would bind. Maybe it was a defect in the fan (a Pacet, but Kenlowes have the same problem I found on the Web), maybe poor design, but I found a solution in a set of picture frame clamps (I'm also a woodworker) from Woodcraft. Worked great.
Run the thermostat sensor into the lower hose to the radiator for better temperature control.
I did not use a harmonic dampener in place of the mechanical fan. Neil Revington (of RevingtonTR in the UK) swore to me they're unnecessary.
Front end alignment was done by trial and error, on a sheet of heavy craft paper and a tape measure. 0 to 1/16" toe-in. Took about an hour for me to do in the garage, and when I took it to my mechanic to check it, no further adjustment was needed.
Driving: The Rack definitely removes the slack in the steering which is inherent in our old steering units (my '66 Vette had the same issue). It is also easier to steer while standing still. It is also more responsive to slight steering wheel movements.
On the down side, the car definitely understeers (maybe it did before and I just didn't notice it) and I was surprised the lock-to-lock was so high -- 2-1/2 turns. I was expecting more of a go-cart feel.