cowl steering

Willowbilly3 · Mar 25, 2011

Here is an update on mine. turns out the shaft came out way too high, you can see where it originally exited the cowl in this picture.

So I built this chain drive drop.

Then I had to extend my steering arm because the tire hit the tierod in a left turn.
The before picture.

The after picture with the new piece tacked on.

The chain drive is geared down 11/16. I still have the full 3 turns lock to lock and the spindles hit the stops both ways.
I have way more time into this than I ever expected but the end result is cowl steering without having a gearbox where my feet need to be.

bob w · Mar 25, 2011

Very nice WB3. Did you need a tensioner or center to center adjustment to keep the chain tight? Nice to see you're back on the project.

Willowbilly3 · Mar 25, 2011

I didn't use a tensioner. It goes together pretty snug but in the final assembly I will make the holes on the top bearing mount just a little oversize so I can tighten it if needed. If it gets worn at some point I might have to install a tensioner.

jfg455 · Mar 25, 2011

In the T I had a couple of years ago I scored a KSE sprint car box off fleabay for $257. Just didnt use the power part of it. You can find them if you look and wait.

I would on the other hand like to see if we (collectively) can come up with an easier/cheaper sollution[

here is a kit by gas alley that uses a corvair box. their kit has the extender shaft and such. It is $200 and you use your own box.

http://www.streetrodderweb.com/tech...ds_cowl_steering_conversion_kit/photo_02.html

Another idea is to use a 67-79 ford F100-350 manual box. You can see in the pic here that it has a long drop for a pitman shaft. That can be turned sideways and just the tip can stick out of the cowl. It is the pic on the right.

http://www.carsteering.com/steeringmodels/1969/Ford/Pick-up_Truck/Manual_Steering_Gear_Box.html

here is a pic of the BMW 2002 box.

http://www.carsteering.com/steeringparts/BMW/Manual_Steering_Gear_Box.html

or a 89-95 toyota 4x4 manual box

http://www.carsteering.com/steeringparts/Toyota/Manual_Steering_Gear_Box.html

sgtpontiac · Mar 25, 2011

cleaver set up.....

I like it.......!!!

Willowbilly3 · Mar 25, 2011

I've done some searches and the BMW 2002 is a popular choice. So is an earlier 70s mopar. I have the old F series box but they swing the wrong way. I think an old econoline box would work good too, but you'd have to extend it. The trouble with my car is any of those boxes, and the sprint car boxes, all end up where my feet need to be. These cars are already tight for three pedals.
As far as cheap, my box cost nothing, a friend does my machining and I have maybe $75 into all the sprockets and stuff. Lots of time though, way too much time.