1987 Mk IV - Steering column query

[CobraAddict]

G'Day Guys

I'm looking to change the indicator unit on my 1987 Mk IV Cobra (AK1201) to the original VW type used on the Mk III's or similar (small).  Currently the steering wheel height is a couple of cm's lower than it could be because of clearance issues with the existing indicator unit. The extra lift could make a huge difference in driver comfort.

The indicator unit was changed when the dash was redone to a much better looking unit (the original Brian Angliss unit is not the best looking at all) but as seen in the photo's its shape causes it to butt up against the steering column recess. The column cannot be moved any further to the left and I can't really cut the whole any bigger as it will then be off center and too close to the RPM gauge
Before moving further forward with this idea I need to know just what sort of steering column was used at the time.

I've attached a couple of pics that may help.

Best Regs from Oz

[westcott]

the 60s column is a MG B column I think. I modified a MG B column for a friends projekt to keep the VW indicator and got a steering wherl boss from Motolita UK to fit it.

It was easy because the small column extension from column to rack was splined.

Your column is the Ford column with its trangular end in the engine bay.

The easiest thing would be a conversion as Redline is doing them for custmers.

If you want to do it by your own keeping your actual column you need to adjust and modify it at the upper end.

My AK1106 has a modified Rover SD Column as the early MK IVs had and a lock mechanism, steering wheel splines and stalk from a VW 1600 because i wanted to have a steering column lock and ,,original style" indicator look with high beam at the same stalk.

[CobraAddict]

You have done a great job. Well done !

I'm looking to install the 66-67 indicator without the lock so as you say I think I juts need to get a unit, pull off my existing one and see what needs to be modified to get it installed.  Looks like there is no easy fix for this one :)

Best Regs from Oz

[westcott]

I have all steering colums used with the MK IV stored in boxes. I can dig out the Ford column and a VW Indicator.
I could do pictures, giving dimensions and proposals how to modify the parts if You want?

[CobraAddict]

I have all steering column used with the MK IV stored in boxes. I can dig out the Ford column and a VW Indicator.
I could do pictures, giving dimensions and proposals how to modify the parts if You want?

That would be great.  What do you need from me?  Any more pictures, email, dropbox etc. I would love to consider it at least.  There are a few 65-66 indicators floating around so I know I can get one if needs be however please send your suggestions.

Best regs from Oz

[CobraAddict]

Following from my above comments I need to replace my 'steering column cover' if I am to change to the VW style turn signal switch.

I've found a couple of period correct bosses from different suppliers however they are all slined.  My steering column is off a Ford Sierra Mk 2 and has a 'hexagonal rod' end on it !!  Has anyone fitted a Cobra boss to a Ford Sierra column?


Best Regs from Oz

[westcott]

There are different possibilities:

1.Keep the Ford upper column and intermediate connection to the rack you need to:

- use a spare upper column and modify it to fit the VW Switch
- if you don't like the interface/curvature between your actual boss and switch you need to have a new boss ordered with the hex fitment.
- Steering column will be still adjustable in length and hight

2. Use a MGB Column
- you need a new boss splined for the MGB column spindle
- you need 2 new u-joints at both ends of the intermediate spindle
- you need a new intermediate connection to the steering rack
- you need a new bearing at the foot box opening were the rack comes throug
- you need to weld adjusters to the column if you want it length and hight adjustable

Hope that helps a bit for a first decision.

I will take some pictures of the original parts with suggestions what to modify.

[westcott]

what Ford steering column is mounted to your car the one with the bigger diameter main tube or the smaller diameter?

The upper is the smaller diameter main tube

[westcott]

Forget everything, it looks like your column is still modified to accept a MG or other Lucas indicator switch.
What you show on your pictures is not the Ford column switch.

So the best would be disassemble the column from the car and take some measurements.

The VW switch measures 38mm in depth, 83 outer diameter and has a 50.5 mm inner diamter. It is clamped to the tube by an external screw.

So just take off the column, disassemble the switch and let us take some measurements to define the starting point.

[westcott]

some work is waiting in the garage

[CobraAddict]

what Ford steering column is mounted to your car the one with the bigger diameter main tube or the smaller diameter?

The upper is the smaller diameter main tube


Ahhh thanks for getting back to me. Some great info here.  I'm not sure that it is either of these two. However I know it looks almost identical to the Ford Sierra Mk2 (see pic). We will know more once I pull it off. Also here are some closeups of mine as I pull the steering wheel off..

[CobraAddict]

Forget everything, it looks like your column is still modified to accept a MG or other Lucas indicator switch.
What you show on your pictures is not the Ford column switch.

So the best would be disassemble the column from the car and take some measurements.

The VW switch measures 38mm in depth, 83 outer diameter and has a 50.5 mm inner diamter. It is clamped to the tube by an external screw.

So just take off the column, disassemble the switch and let us take some measurements to define the starting point.


I have the same switch with the 5-pin relay ready to go.  I need to buy a boss and according to
Cobra Performance' I need a 'Steering Turn Signal Lever Spacer' as well to go with the VW turn signal unit.

I contacted Moto-Lita to ask if they could make me a bespoke boss with the hexagonal connection option however, unfortunately, they declined. So I will need to buy one myself from Cobra Performance and see if it can be modified to fit on the hexagonal end of my column. Hopefully I will have enough room behind the wheel for this hub and indicator unit. Do you know how deep the Cobra Bosses are?

[CobraAddict]

In the interim I will order a 6 bolt Boss/Hub and one of these Steering Turn Signal Lever Spacers and I will get stuck into my steering column tomorrow and get some pictures and measurement back to you ASAP.

Thanks again

Best Regs from Oz

[westcott]

I have a scetch/drawing from Motolita with the usual boss dimensions. Need to get it out of my old data starage and post it here.

[CobraAddict]

Well the column is out. Came out easily enough after a bit of discovery and I have attached some pics with some measurements. I see this boss being a challenge. Perhaps fitting an MGB column may be the easier option after all.

Let me know what other measurements or images you may want.