Triumph Steering column extension

[GeoffB]

Hi
I need to extend a Triumph Spitfire steering column but have been told that the metal used in them makes them unsafe to weld. Can anyone help to either confirm this fact or put my mind at rest that it is safe?
Are there any tests that I can do to check?
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Don't know what space constraints you have, but one option might be to cut the steering column and sleeve it with a shrink fit spacer tube of the required length, No welding involved,

Cheers gordon.

 

[pedrobedro]

Drill and pin the sleeve, I wouldn't trust something with no mechanical fixing. I have welded Ford column extensions, they are steel and no problem and I can't see why the Triumph should be any different

 

[fingers99]

That -- and I'm assuming you're thinking of cutting and welding the main shaft -- would be my thought.

Any details on why the shaft should not be welded?

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

isn't it an MOT failure point?

Regards
Peter

 

[fingers99]

I think not -- just about all the kit cars have cut'n shut columns and -- think about it -- the OE ones are welded as new.

 

[malcolm]

Personally I'd weld and sleeve. Belts and braces are handy for such things. See http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=7427 Don't take it on if you are not 100% confident in your welding. It's unsafe to weld without also adding a sleeve - what if you get a crack?

I have no idea how you would identify the material. They have splines on the end so likely a machineable mild steel. If it already has manufacturer's welds then chances are it's weldable - unlikely to be heat treated.

I had a steering column snap on a Spitfire 1500 at the silly flat bit where they adjust for length with the nice stress raisers. If you can engineer that bit out of the design it might be a good idea.

 

[pedrobedro]

Steering column can be welded but track rod welding is frowned upon, go figure. I've extended a few Sierra down links just by sleeving and welding. I found some cds tube at my local metal shop that is a perfect knock on fit when the paint and rust is sanded off. One of them is 8 years old and still going so not a problem. I cut the sleeve at 45° to get more weld area and make sure you get a good overlap both ends don't scrimp.