Lower the Column for a Speedster or Anything Else

[Henry K. Lee]

Getting that column down without interfering with the pedals has always been a challenge but more so when you have a low low set back in the seating. Here's a modification that works great but does take time and some beer will have to be purchased for a friend with a lathe and milling machine. After determining the desired height and length, I mock up with 3/4" wooden dowel rod as it is so much easier than heavy round stock. Afterwards determine the center mount by the crossing of the shafts. had to modify an original dash mount to get the correct clearances.

All will fit so time for some fabricating.

[Henry K. Lee]

Now do not throw out those old triple gear bushings. They have a recycle fee in doing this as well as the brass rear cam bearing too. I drill out the supports from 1/8" plate making the center hole 7/8" and the two control rods 5/16". Those triple gear bushings work the best, then machine the ID to 3/4" slip fit on the shaft and a step from 1" to 7/8" OD. Look at the photos you will see a very light grove cut on the back side. I use this to tack weld a bead right on the brass edge. This method acts as a great retainer. You could use a external snap ring but I am keeping the bushing from spinning by the tack welds.

Now after welding them into place I split the column length wise as since we are installing these u joints and are requiring more space.

Now for a pre-fit. GOOD!

[Henry K. Lee]

Here goes the assembly!

Don't forget that yokes of U joints must align to the same at the other end. The little 5/16" ID X 1/2" OD U joints can be expensive like $50.00 each, OUCH! Check the bay under light commercial supplies, they occasional appear at half price or less. I am making cardboard templates later of some of the pieces if you folks want. But I am burning a lot of daylight lately so bare with me.

Will be showing the attachment with upper cage access in the next couple of days!

This column will have 19" from floor to center of steering wheel. Dave is using a flip up fat man wheel so this will work great! Since he will be using a high performance carburetor, we are converting the hand throttle into a choke lever and reversing the quadrant to the top for leg clearance.

Hope this Helps you Folks!

All the Best,

Hank in Tin-A-See

[havnfun]

Hank,

As usual, very informative with your illustrations and your explanation explains the procedure very well.

Thanks for taking the time to share your ideas and progress with us on this project...


Joe

[Henry K. Lee]

I remember well back in the 1980's an old British engineer explaining to me the importance of transitions and junctions of odd shapes coming together. He explain back then so well in detail over a week span I could never forget. So I use these methods quite a lot.

As you can see where I did a long split of the tubes in and out to give the clearance required for the U joints, I added slivers of steel and welded them in. The box support is so strong it does not need an upper support in a suspension. I always install a removable gage for any sort of servicing 80 years down the road (I don't want that guy cursing me). Thank God it was St Patty's Day, I had the luck of the Irish with me today!

On a lay down column we normally invert the quadrant for leg clearance. The bulk of the box is not noticeable and plenty of pedal access too.

Ready to remove for finally welding, sanding, priming, and paint.

All the Best,

Hank in Tin-A-See

[havnfun]

Hank,

I like the ways it looks under the dash, nice and very well hidden, so a larger person will be comfortable driving, lots of room for large shoes to work the pedals.



Joe

[Henry K. Lee]

Will be writing a thread following this with slip on pedals that are larger like the 26/27 style.

Hank