steering column to rack connection?

This direct coupling is exactly how it is on the original Mini.  It is
very important that you loosen the rack clamp bolts before you lower the
steering column on a Mini, to allow the rack to rotate so that the
column is exactly in line with the splined pinion.  (Then tighten them
up again afterwards of course!)

The lack of a lower UJ means that there is absolutely no scope for any
side-to-side movement of the steering wheel, so I suggest you check that
in your kit-car that the position of the wheel does allow for everything
to line up properly.
--
Chris Morriss

Thanks Chris,

I've slackened off the two bolts at the pinch block and I can tell that
there is some mis-alignment. I understand what you say about rotating
the rack, but I think I'm a little out sideways too and there isn't an
easy way to move things across.

Anyone know if there is a UJ that will fit the spline of the Mini rack?

If you fit a UJ you will probably need to improve the Mini bottom column
bearing.   We found a uj to fit, I *think* it was from a Vauxhall, but it
was some years ago and the old memory don't work too well.

(We fitted 2 UJs and a Vauxhall adjustable steering wheel assembly, but
it was quite a big job.  In a GTM btw.)
--
Cheers,
Stan Barr     stanb .at. dial .dot. pipex .dot. com
(Remove any digits from the addresses when mailing me.)

The future was never like this!

I'm reasonably certain that a Rover SD1 universal would fit between Mini
rack and steering column. However, it's about 2 inches long.

--
*Some days you're the dog, some days the hydrant.

    Dave Plowman        dave@davenoise.co.uk           London SW
                  To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Thanks for that,

I took a trip to the local scrappy and no SD1s to be seen. On the joint
at the rack on a Ford Siera there's a simple round rubber disk. I think
it's called a rag joint? The Ford one seems to be riveted together -
and I'm not sure if the hole spacing is right for me. I'm thinking I
could make my own from a piece of tyre wall.

The SD1 has one of those between rack and column, then a universal (hardy
spicer) further up. I'd say the rubber is to take up slight tolerances,
and the universal to allow the wheel to adjust up and down.

But IIRC, those rubber types have spring steel internals.

--
*He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

    Dave Plowman        dave@davenoise.co.uk           London SW
                  To e-mail, change noise into sound.

OK I think it's definitely a rag joint I need, and I dont need up and
down - just a slight misalignment. I found this:

http://www.izook.com/tech/samurai/suspension/rje/rje.htm

So I'm hoping a Suzuki one will fit straight in (not that the author of
the web page thinks much to them!). Anyone know what the hole spacing
is if thay don't have one in stock for me to look at?

Cheers

SHC wrote:


I've just taken one off a MK1 Escort rack that you can have for the cost
of the postage if you want. It's not pretty but looks sound. I'll take
some measurments this evening if you like.

 > OK I think it's definitely a rag joint I need,


Thanks Willy. I just ordered a rubber disk from the local Suzuki
dealer, but they couldn't say when it would arrive or what the spacing
of the holes is.

If you could check whether your holes or your disk are 50mm apart
(measured through the centre of the circle) it would be a big help. If
the spacing is right I would like to have it.

Cheers,

Matt B

SHC wrote:

OK, I'll measure it this evening and let you know tomorrow.

Willy - thanks, but Suzuki came good. It fits perfectly and the wheel
is just 10mm closer to the driver. I really appreciated your offer.

If anyone else runs into this problem the part number is 48251-52000.
You need 4 x sleeves to go over your 8mm bolts, but I just cut some
from some 10mm OD (8mm ID) steel tube from B&Q.

Thanks to all for the help and suggestions.

SHC wrote:


No worries, glad you have it sorted.
I hate throwing away anything that might possibly have a use.
Which reminds me, BMW 3 Series have a well made universal joint at the
bottom of the steering column. I have one on the shelf in case I can
find a use for it. It's rather long overall though, so retrofitting it
to most cars would need the steering column shortening which would lose
the splined end.

Hello mate,

I have one of these beasties and have just completed my second restoration
as i have had it for 20 years now (!) I know my minis well and having
restored the car twice know the buggy inside out too. Some areas of the car
are not as good as the original donor, but generally the kit was well made
with good workarounds for the lack of steel body. Email me pics of your
steering setup if you want and i will forward ones of my setup for
comparison if you like. I am interested in finding out about any of these
that are left as i thnk there were only 90 ever made and at least 60 went to
Holland. If you want any more info, get in touch. All the best - Nick


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wrote:

Although I don't know of any Siva cars surviving, around 35 years ago, I
had a test drive in the prototype beach buggy fitted with a Cooper S
engine, courtesy  of Mick Saunders who built all of the moulds and was one
of the two original owners of Siva.

The words 'Shovel, a, shiny, off, like, shit ' rearranged into an
appropriate order spring to mind rethinking the ride (and there were 4 of
us in the car).

Richard
See http://www.caravanningnow.co.uk  for most things to do with
caravanning.
--
...and so, as the squirrel of time nibbles on the nuts of eternity,
while the irritated bulldog of destiny tries to shake him off... -
Humphrey Littleton closing comment in I'm sorry I haven't a clue.

Hi Nick,

I'm glad to hear you've kept yours so long. Mine shows 12 previous
owners!

My reply to address is valid so please drop me a line. Would love to
swap pics and info. Here's a couple of links for stuff I found so far.

http://home.deds.nl/~willitas/siva8.htm

Mine is actually shown on the 'next' page, top right. The guy in the
picture is two owners back, and the bug has changed a little.

http://www.miniplanete.com/04decouvrir/01histoire/05special/01kitcars/siva/buggy/sivabuggy.htm

Even the Frogs love em.

Cheers,

Matt