1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Anyone tried to fab up their own steering column cover?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-13-07, 07:59 PM
  #1  
7-less

Thread Starter
 
85 FB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: No. Virginia, USA
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Anyone tried to fab up their own steering column cover?

As bizarre as this may sound, but it's something that I'm curious about. Having going through 2 steering column covers and tired of them being able to break easily if you don't watch your knee, I'm wondering about grabbing some sheetmetal or aluminum and just wrapping it around the steering column. However, I believe it'd be a bit more complex than that due to the actual shape of the entire assembly. Still, it's something I'm wondering about and if anyone has even tried that. I'm going to take another good look tomorrow to refresh my memory to see if I really should consider it; what with the whole "trying to find a way to mount/secure it up properly" ordeal.
Old 10-14-07, 07:49 AM
  #2  
Art in Motion

iTrader: (1)
 
RXEVEN85's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Orlando fl
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Im having the same problem.What im doing is getting some resin and some glass matt.I will be putting it in the inside of the cover to make it stronger.
Old 10-14-07, 05:16 PM
  #3  
I hate drum brakes

 
Box_Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you were to use a good one to make a mold, you could make fiberglass or carbon fiber copies.
Old 10-14-07, 05:17 PM
  #4  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
rotaryboy23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
take the 81-83 column cover and grind it til it fits. They're split in the middle, so when you bang it with your knee, it flexes right on the joint and doesn't break anything. everything's in the right spot, 'cept there's an extra hole in the top.
Old 10-14-07, 05:21 PM
  #5  
Committee Member #2

iTrader: (29)
 
NoPis10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Committe Chambers
Posts: 4,280
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 3 Posts
84-85 covers are also split in the middle.
Due to their design and the sun/heat they tend to get brittle and break. A new one made of FB or CF like Boxman suggested would be a great alternative.
Maybe Fibermaz could get something fabbed up.... wink wink...


L8R
Old 10-14-07, 05:26 PM
  #6  
I hate drum brakes

 
Box_Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I might just make one myself. I have a friend that makes CF airplane parts, I might be able to get him to help me out.
Old 10-15-07, 05:05 PM
  #7  
7-less

Thread Starter
 
85 FB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: No. Virginia, USA
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That would be badass. And, I'd be interested in that. I was thinking sheetmetal to wrap around because it'd be easier to mount this one gauge I got.
Old 10-15-07, 10:53 PM
  #8  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
rotaryboy23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I should've been more specific with "Middle". 81-83's have a left piece and a right piece. 84-85's have a top piece and a bottom piece. in the 81-83's the split is a vertical one, which puts the joint right where you bang it. They break WAY less often. Our parts guy up here has 10 81-83 pieces in good shape and 0 84-85s. And he's had as equally as many 84-85 cars to pick apart judging by the number of door panels he's got laying around...
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
breakfast
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
1
09-01-15 11:02 PM



Quick Reply: Anyone tried to fab up their own steering column cover?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:33 AM.