steering column break away bracket

[EK JAY]

anyone know if there is a after market steering column brake away bracket to suit old holden
for a collapsible steering column do I need to fit one or what are people using and is it a must to pass
rego / engineer any info is good
Thanks Jay

[Harv]

Jay,

There are many, many views on just how much of the column has to be collapsible. Here is the story I got from my engineer.

a) I had to have a collapsible column for the V8 conversion as it is called up specifically by NCOP, which my engineer (almost 100%) conforms to. I decided to use an LH Torana column.
b) My engineer was not comfortable with the argument that the "elbow" joints used to join steering shafts in an LH provide sufficient collapsability for the engine-to-dash portion. He was happy that the outer column mesh + inner column slidey bits do though.
c) My engineer's view is that whilst the engine-to-dash portion will concertina (and stop an impact driving the steering column into you like a spear), it does not stop you head-butting the steering wheel. If the steering wheel is "fixed" at the dash, then it can do head/chest damage. For this reason he wanted the wheel-to-dash portion to also be collapsible.
d) Stupid me had not collected the under-dash mount from the LH Torana. I sourced one from Alien Retro (from their scrap pile). A little trimming, and it now bolts up nicely under the dash. The LH mount was cut to retain the original aluminium inserts that "slip out" on impact. I understand Alien Retro also do a custom mount for their columns.

Cheers,
Harv

[NoMAD]

I would be keen to see what you find Jay...

I haven't looked into this bit yet... Already have a column converted but unsure if my engineer will say I need a break away... Should probably find out haha

Cheers
Nathan

[Mick]

silly question but would not a brake away from the dash make things worse if the collum is attached to the dash the dash must move to drive collum back if the collum brakes away there's nothing stopping the collum coming back

[EK283]

I must admit this issue is confusing at the best of times but I got an explanation from an engineer once cause I asked the same question and it makes sense to me now.

The collapsible column is designed in such a way that it absorbs the shock between the driver moving forward and the sudden impact on the front of the car. If you watch any slow motion footage you will see there is great force exerted to the steering wheel especially by the head and shoulders of the poor driver like Harv said, the column is supposed to collapse telescopically towards the dash hence the slip tabs. I suppose once this happens beyond its design parameters then the driver is in big trouble.

Jay I have used the bracket from a torana column modified and welded to the column and a plate that takes the bolts welded to the pedal box right up hard against the dash.

Regards Greg

[EK JAY]

Thanks for your info guys any pics would be good too
Im using a HT holden colapsable column and I have the brake away bracket still

[EK283]

Hey Jay,

I don't have any photos of mine and I can't get to my car at the moment but it similar to this set up.

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k51 ... 00x533.jpg

Regards Greg

[EK JAY]

Thanks greg
did you guys use the original bolts from the torana bracket or just normal high tensile bolts
im using a ht hg column and bracket witch has the bolt and wedge type is the torana one the same

[EK283]

Hi Jay,

I'm pretty sure they are high tensile. I am going to my shed this weekend so will look whilst I'm there.

Regards Greg

[EK JAY]

Thanks Greg some pics would be good tooooooooo