Fredjac

Hi all

I am struggling with my steering box and column. I have an 82 GSL 12a with horrible steering and bought a new box to be installed. The mechanics put the new ( used) box right in but says there is a problem with re installing the ignition cylinder and the turn signal/ headlights/ cruise control assembly because the steering column and shaft sleeve is different from the original. Are there really two or more steering shafts and sleeves on manual steering depending on the year and is it possible I bought a new manual box that fits but with a shaft/ sleeve that does not? I also checked on Atkins rotary that they sell one unique manual steering box for 79-85 so it seems there is only one? is it possible that my mechanic is doing something wrong? I saw myself earlier that the headligh /turn signal assembly turns loose on the new steering column... Anyone can help with an explanation? thanks a lot

F

bjhines

Just a thought; can he slide the old column cover tube off the old box and install it on the new box.

project7s

iTrader: (5)

I'm curious to about the Atkins steering box. They don't give a description, so I'm curious how it could work for 79-85?

Fredjac

apparently the box end of the shaft cover/ sleeve is different and does not fit. The narrow cover end goes over the projection of the box while the thicker cover slides inside a projection of the box... Now if the box itself is exactly the same regardless of the column cover , it means the cover can go both way and are interchangeable. My mechanic tells me it s not but I cannot check without having him unmount the new box... Which he will end up doing anyway because I bought a new- rebuild column from Car Parts Warehouse on line, and I hope it is the thick column.. When I get the thin one out, I will look at it and compare it side by side with my original one and be able to give you guys the full details.. Of course I bought a good used column that does not fit and which I won't use but ... Maybe I will be able to sell it when I finally understand what year and who it can help... The good news is that although I can t really drive the car, it is very clear just from putting the steering wheel in place that the free play is gone and that the box is good! So if I figure out which car it really goes into, hopefully someone will buy.... Thanks for your interest and help guys.. Seems to me there are plenty more surprises down this road for me but I really love the car.

bjhines

I know that there are at least 2 versions of that box, because I have a 1980 and a 1983 and they are different. Good luck with the new order

Fredjac

Thanks! Apparently 82 is kind of a weird upgrade year for some small stuff that was changed mid year and no one really knows when even with VIN at hand.... Will get to he bottom of this, just spending more than I wanted on the experience..

Probably not the right place for this, but now I have a problem with fuel gauge after I changed the sender, the guge won t go further than half full even on a full tank... Arghh , every tune up I do turns to not working properly....

bjhines

I have noticed that there are changes in every year. Some years focus on driveline, others focus on chassis, or brakes. The emissions systems have all been stripped off, so I cannot attest to that.

Fredjac

Part of the charm.... Hunt for the right part... Delayed pleasure better pleasure... Not sure though . Wish I could just drive and enjoy but time will come...
And as steering seems to be the main issue on the car, I feel lucky compared to some other folks here who are further from enjoyment ...

I actually drove the car a few yards yesterday , maybe half a mile from the repair shop back to home.. It was in the way at the repair shop so while I am waiting for the right box/ column assembly, they asked me to take it... I removed the combo switch from the column as it does not stay in place and rotates with the steering wheel dangerously, put back the wheel, bolted it in so it is not going anywhere and drove cautiously... The good news is that the steering feel is great with a box that is not even new/rebuilt but as said earlier a good condition used one, I would not say it is exactly BMW 3 like, but the rest of the car isn't either... But it is firm, direct, as precise as can be for what it is, and very rewarding when you have eventually gotten used to 4 inches of free play for a few months.... I also had a transmission mount changed while at it and that too seems to make a difference because the whole thing use to vibrate like crazy while rotaries are known for being smooth and much less shaky than pistons...

Last thing on steering, I will change the steering will for a wooden one I have from Grant... There too it is a long path to find the right stuff, and I ended up getting a low profile adaptor from NRG ( not quick release) , that brings me to a 6 hole pattern, and a conversion plate that turns 6 holes into 5 as the grant wheel is 5 holes.... Talk about indirect translation, it's the whole United Nation within my steering hub...the good thing is that it significantly reduce the profile of the assembly compared to the original adaptor and will get the wheel further from me , which is good as I could use a few more inches here and there and not have to recline the back of my seat so much.. I know it 's the 80's but the whole trend of driving while laying down has never been my thing

F

Fredjac

Steering wheel of course.. I am French, ok, but that a case of the autocorrect this time.. I promise there will be plenty more you can laugh at...

bjhines

I did not even notice. I tend to ignore typos myself due to thick fingers and small texting areas.