Lengthen Steering Shaft - Ideas?

[Dave]

But by extending the stock length without changing or altering the lower joint or the upper rag joint does not appear affect safety. Is this assumption correct?

You have to cut about 16 inches off the shaft to install the collapsible shaft.

Watch the view from inside the Bel Air as the steering column goes through the poor dummy's head.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJrXViFfMGk

 

[methcat]

There is nothing really wrong with doing this, its just the safety issue is gone if you should unfortunately get in a front end collision. Your steering shaft turns into a spear. I dropped the bucks on mine and put in the W/H shaft.

i guess i've never been sold on the safety aspect... even if the shaft collapses, isn't the column tube still fixed to the dash? at best it slides though the .75" of adjustment in the slotted holes, then your chest puts in enough force to cave in the dash? i guess it's better, but you're still gonna be pretty messed up.

 

[Dave]

i guess i've never been sold on the safety aspect... even if the shaft collapses, isn't the column tube still fixed to the dash? at best it slides though the .75" of adjustment in the slotted holes, then your chest puts in enough force to cave in the dash? i guess it's better, but you're still gonna be pretty messed up.

The problem isn't with the column. Its the shaft that slides freely through the column. Shoulder harness would definitly help keeping your chest from putting enough force on the steering column to collaps the dash.

 

[noreasteb]

I am getting a clearer picture now. As far as what I am modifying, I am not making the safety aspect any better nor am I making it any worse...I can live with that for now.
I really appreciate all the comments, thanks.
I will post a few pics when everything is all painted and assembled.

 

[methcat]

The problem isn't with the column. Its the shaft that slides freely through the column. Shoulder harness would definitly help keeping your chest from putting enough force on the steering column to collaps the dash.

i'll buy that. thanks.