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Shorten the steering shaft ?

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You'll be dragging your knuckles on the facia.

I thought, based on the thread title, that you were more concerned about personal safety, and were pursueing a shorter/collapsible steering column. Now that would be worth the effort :wink:

To answer your question, I'd be surprised is that tool would close down enough to cut through the outer column, but a standard tubing cutter would. It would also leave a substantial ridge after cutting, better to work accurately and wield a hacksaw.
 
Hello Jerry,

I would also have thought as Randy Forbes says, "a standard tubing cutter would do the job".

With regards the ridge formed by the cutting action of the cutter itself providing you don't try to cut it in one complete turn the size of the ridge could be reduced. i e don't put very much pressure on the cutter handle each turn of the tool.

If it was me,before I start this I would push a piece of rag (soaked in oil) down between the inner and outer columns past where you intend to cut. After the cut is made and the piece is removed then any ridge can be removed with either an 8" or 10" half round file (with a handle of course). After this operation pull out the rag slowly to remove the filings as you don't want these to go down inside the column.

The file can be used to remove the ridge from the outside of the outer column also.

One of the fancy deburring tools machinists use can also be used although I'd still have the rag in there beforehand.

Best regards,

bundyrum.
 
You guys have mentioned why I don't want to use a typical cutting tool like a hacksaw or grinder. All those metal pieces. For some reason, my column sticks back from the dash more than other cars I have seen. I don't know the reason, I bought the car in pieces and it seems like the correct shaft. I just want to get the wheel a little closer to the dash. This is an "adjustable" column.

Jerry
BJ8
 
I don't know Jerry, I've never heard of anyone shortening the steering column. With an adjustable steering wheel you should be able to push the wheel almost up against the dash. There are adjustments below the column, perhaps your dash isn't in the correct place?
 
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