Steering column length

jspbtown · Post by **jspbtown** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:51 pm

I am beginning to acquire parts for my restoration and happened across a good deal on a flaming river tilt column. My question is, what is the standard length of the VW column? I know I can make this one work, I just wanted to know how much work it will entail. My buggy is sitting very patiently inside my garage waiting for my shop to be built.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:15 pm

My '58 column is 38" from the base of the steering wheel to the flange attachment.

5150bossman · Post by **5150bossman** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:52 pm

Keep in mind that the top of the steering wheel in a F/G buggy is only a few inches away from the windshield. Will not allow the wheel to tilt very much before contacting the W/S.

jspbtown · Post by **jspbtown** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:46 pm

Tilts up and tilts down....at 6'4" any help will be worth it. Plus I just love the milled stainless look.

Tominator · Post by **Tominator** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 7:13 pm

[QUOTE="jspbtown"]Tilts up and tilts down....at 6'4" any help will be worth it. Plus I just love the milled stainless look.[/QUOTE] Perhaps a quick release wheel would work .I too am over 6 ft and it makes getting in an out a snap. Most quick release wheels have an annoying bit of play which makes it feel like the wheel is loose even when correctly mounted . But this one is super tight always because of the tapered mounting pins . I was even able to use the stock VW blinker switch and column.See photos below

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:18 pm

Tominator, Where did you ghet that wheel? Id love to be able to take off the steering wheel. Not only does it make getting in and out easier, but if you take it with you, it would be hard to steal your buggy!!!

Tominator · Post by **Tominator** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:17 pm

[QUOTE="WuZaBuG"]Tominator, Where did you ghet that wheel? Id love to be able to take off the steering wheel. Not only does it make getting in and out easier, but if you take it with you, it would be hard to steal your buggy!!![/QUOTE] It's not the wheel that is trick - The wheel is just a small diameter after market wheel .You can get quick release steering mounts almost any where aftermarket wheels are available.

newmanx59 · Post by **newmanx59** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:49 pm

Who makes the quick release hub?

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:41 am

tekniq

Tominator · Post by **Tominator** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:04 am

[QUOTE="MURZ"]tekniq[/QUOTE] Check it out at : http://www.tekniqauto.com/CDN/snapoff/SOFaq.htm or at :http://www.tekniqauto.com/US/snapoff/snapoff.htm

manxfwin · Post by **manxfwin** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:39 am

What is the brand name and model of the steering wheel?It's the style I've been looking for on my buggy.

Tominator · Post by **Tominator** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:59 am

[QUOTE="manxfwin"]What is the brand name and model of the steering wheel?It's the style I've been looking for on my buggy.[/QUOTE] Dave , It is made by MOMO . The model name is "RACE " I had to order the one shown in the photo from Italy to get the small diameter but the larger diameter "RACE" wheel is still available in the USA I believe.They come in a brushed aluminum color and a darker gray color . I ordered the brushed silver color to kind of go with the windshield frame but when it got here it was the darker color . WOW what a drag . I just let it go cause at that point I was just happy to have finally found the model an diameter I was lookin for.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 5:41 am

Here are a few cheaper alternatives. Prostreet Quick Release Wilwood Baker Performance Nice selection of MOMO from Kartek Offroad

Classic-Manx-71 · Post by **Classic-Manx-71** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:25 pm

[FONT=Tahoma]I emailed TEKNIQ and asked if they had a hub that would fit a 1971 VW Beetle steering shaft/column, (which is what I am using in my Manx), and they replied by stating they had a 1972-1978 VW Beetle hub and wondered if it woild fit my buggy. I really don't know but would doubt that it would fit if not listed for my year. Anybody know different? TOMINATOR, what year VW steering are you using?[/FONT]

Siggymanx33 · Post by **Siggymanx33** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:17 am

Roger, There is indeed a difference in the diameter and amount of splines between 72 and 73. I have a locking 73 and the selection of pre 73 was much better. The folks at CIP1 were very helpful on this issue.

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