04-10-2020, 04:45 PM
When building my repro GE Cup I started with a wedge, however I found 3 problems with it.
The steering box is attached to the chassis by 2 vertical bolts and the horizontal brake pedal pivot. This ensures a good steady mounting. With a wedge the horizontal attachment is missing, so the steering box is only attached to the top of the chassis with the two 5/16" bolts. This also meant that the steering box was rather wobbly, although you could probably brace it in some other way.
As has been mentioned above, the brake pedal ends up in the wrong place which personally I didn't like, although I accept that's a matter of individual preference.
And finally I discovered that the wedge upset the steering geometry, and would cause it to go over-centre on one of the full locks (can't remember which all this time later). This didn't happen when I trial fitted a standard steering box, and I could have solved it by shortening (I think) the drag link. However, I decided to go the original Austin/GE route and fit a raked steering box. Yes, a more expensive way of doing it, but 20 years later I am still glad that I did it.
I reckoned that the risk of the steering going over-centre was dangerous, but I am happy to admit that is just my opinion. It could be that the steering wedge I had was a poor quality one, I don't know - I don't have it any more.
I try to avoid having a go at other cherished suppliers - I don't consider that's acceptable on this friendly forum.
David
The steering box is attached to the chassis by 2 vertical bolts and the horizontal brake pedal pivot. This ensures a good steady mounting. With a wedge the horizontal attachment is missing, so the steering box is only attached to the top of the chassis with the two 5/16" bolts. This also meant that the steering box was rather wobbly, although you could probably brace it in some other way.
As has been mentioned above, the brake pedal ends up in the wrong place which personally I didn't like, although I accept that's a matter of individual preference.
And finally I discovered that the wedge upset the steering geometry, and would cause it to go over-centre on one of the full locks (can't remember which all this time later). This didn't happen when I trial fitted a standard steering box, and I could have solved it by shortening (I think) the drag link. However, I decided to go the original Austin/GE route and fit a raked steering box. Yes, a more expensive way of doing it, but 20 years later I am still glad that I did it.
I reckoned that the risk of the steering going over-centre was dangerous, but I am happy to admit that is just my opinion. It could be that the steering wedge I had was a poor quality one, I don't know - I don't have it any more.
I try to avoid having a go at other cherished suppliers - I don't consider that's acceptable on this friendly forum.
David