[chucks66]

I'm not sure everything is going to fit in one link, so I'm reserving the next couple links so the information is sequential. 3/3

VSS testing back in June. How do you like my "exhaust pipe" driveshaft?

Slow-Poke, I see you are testing an induction sensor for getting the speed of the driveshaft. Would you be able to use the hall effect type sender that is mounted to the T5 trans (used in a digital speedo setup)? I'm guessing with the control box you are designing, that could be substituted for an input signal?

Just thinking out loud, because I totally agree that eventually a real time responsive power assist would be ideal versus the potentiometer with Bruno's unit.

 

[slow-poke]

Slow-Poke, I see you are testing an induction sensor for getting the speed of the driveshaft. Would you be able to use the hall effect type sender that is mounted to the T5 trans (used in a digital speedo setup)? I'm guessing with the control box you are designing, that could be substituted for an input signal?

Just thinking out loud, because I totally agree that eventually a real time responsive power assist would be ideal versus the potentiometer with Bruno's unit.

Chucks66,

The signals should be compatible, I will need to test.

Do you know if there is a pass through version of the sender that allows the speedometer cable to be connected while also providing the pulse stream? If so can you provide a link?

 

[chucks66]

Chucks66,

The signals should be compatible, I will need to test.

Do you know if there is a pass through version of the sender that allows the speedometer cable to be connected while also providing the pulse stream? If so can you provide a link?

Sure! Here are two, I am using the Autometer unit in my car right now.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-5292

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g2887-2/overview/

 

[slow-poke]

Sure! Here are two, I am using the Autometer unit in my car right now.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-5292

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g2887-2/overview/

I tested a couple of different hall effect transducers back in June. They give a nice "cleaned up" signal compared to the VR sensors, however the VR sensors are likely more reliable due their simple design.

Do you know what voltage the Autometer Hall effect sensor runs on +12V or +5V?

 

[chucks66]

I tested a couple of different hall effect transducers back in June. They give a nice "cleaned up" signal compared to the VR sensors, however the VR sensors are likely more reliable due their simple design.

Do you know what voltage the Autometer Hall effect sensor runs on +12V or +5V?

It is powered via a +12V feed, but as for the signal voltage I would have to test it. I want to say that its signaling at +5V though.

 

[bacchus203]

so over the labor day weekend, I went to pick-a-part and picked-a steering column & motor from a Saturn Vue. I actaully got 2, one from a 2003 and one from a 2004. I noticed the intermediate shaft is different, like slow-poke pictured. The 2004 intermediate shaft is thinner on top.

Anyway... Here is my plan.

I am starting with a early 67 coupe, so I have the long shaft attached to the steering box. The engine is out, so that will help.

On the lower 1/2 of the steering shaft, I plan on cutting the steering shaft in the engine compartment. About a foot up from the steering box. I will probably start closer to the firewall. I will file it down to a 3/4 DD and use the saturn lower intermediate shaft to connect to it. The intermediate shaft slides so I dont have to worry about being precise on the actual distance. I will eventaully put some set screws in the intermediate shaft to lock it in place. The only issue with this is if the Saturn shaft it too long, even shrunk down. If so, then I will look at a coupler.

On the upper 1/2 of the steering shaft, I plan on doing the same thing that FordForever did on The Falcon Forum Network. Remove the upper 1/2 of the collapsible column and remove the shaft. Cut the upper shaft and drill part of it out to 3/4 to fit over the mustang steering shaft. So one end of it will fit on the saturn shaft with splines and the other end will fit the mustang steering shaft. Some set screws to hold it all together.

So that will take care of the steering shaft portion.

Cut the column tube to length as needed. Cut and Bend some tabs to bolt it to the saturn motor casing. I may also get the firewall mounting plate that clamps to the tube.

the only grey area is fabrication a bracket to attach to the motor or to the pivot sleeve to support the motor and to keep it from moving.

I actually want to leave the intermediate shaft so that it can float up and down, but the Falcon Forum had some issues with the motor wanting to move up and down, so I expect to have to secure the intermediate shaft. However, I would think that if it is attached securely at the steering box and at the saturn motor, it would not move, so the intermediate shaft would not need set screws. Something to look at when I get to that point.


Comments welcome

 

[slow-poke]

Sounds like a good plan. You will be happy with the results.

One important measurement to make while removing your steering wheel. Initially I had adjusted my shaft 0.1" too short and the turn signal reset actuator was binding. Fortunately I was able to simply adjust the slider. http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=196754&stc=1&d=1409913598

 

[Billison]

so over the labor day weekend, I went to pick-a-part and picked-a steering column & motor from a Saturn Vue. I actaully got 2, one from a 2003 and one from a 2004. I noticed the intermediate shaft is different, like slow-poke pictured. The 2004 intermediate shaft is thinner on top.

Anyway... Here is my plan.

I am starting with a early 67 coupe, so I have the long shaft attached to the steering box. The engine is out, so that will help.

On the lower 1/2 of the steering shaft, I plan on cutting the steering shaft in the engine compartment. About a foot up from the steering box. I will probably start closer to the firewall. I will file it down to a 3/4 DD and use the saturn lower intermediate shaft to connect to it. The intermediate shaft slides so I dont have to worry about being precise on the actual distance. I will eventaully put some set screws in the intermediate shaft to lock it in place. The only issue with this is if the Saturn shaft it too long, even shrunk down. If so, then I will look at a coupler.

On the upper 1/2 of the steering shaft, I plan on doing the same thing that FordForever did on The Falcon Forum Network. Remove the upper 1/2 of the collapsible column and remove the shaft. Cut the upper shaft and drill part of it out to 3/4 to fit over the mustang steering shaft. So one end of it will fit on the saturn shaft with splines and the other end will fit the mustang steering shaft. Some set screws to hold it all together.

So that will take care of the steering shaft portion.

Cut the column tube to length as needed. Cut and Bend some tabs to bolt it to the saturn motor casing. I may also get the firewall mounting plate that clamps to the tube.

the only grey area is fabrication a bracket to attach to the motor or to the pivot sleeve to support the motor and to keep it from moving.

I actually want to leave the intermediate shaft so that it can float up and down, but the Falcon Forum had some issues with the motor wanting to move up and down, so I expect to have to secure the intermediate shaft. However, I would think that if it is attached securely at the steering box and at the saturn motor, it would not move, so the intermediate shaft would not need set screws. Something to look at when I get to that point.


Comments welcome

Please post pics once you are done. I got the same set up

 

[shockerS197]

I take it 65/66 and the 67+ cars have different steering components/shafts? I ask because I have a 66. So this Saturn EPS mod will differ on my car considering slow-poke and bacchus have 67 cars. Kind of sucks was hoping to mimic you guys. I have factory power steering, so I need to get manual steering link to do this correct?

 

[slow-poke]

I take it 65/66 and the 67+ cars have different steering components/shafts? I ask because I have a 66. So this Saturn EPS mod will differ on my car considering slow-poke and bacchus have 67 cars. Kind of sucks was hoping to mimic you guys. I have factory power steering, so I need to get manual steering link to do this correct?

My car is a 66, early 67 cars are very similar to a 65/66 in that they have a one piece shaft from the steering wheel all the way to the steering box.

Late 67 and up have a two piece shaft with a rag joint in between for safety.

That being said I have a TCP rack that is closer to the late 67 style in that the top shaft ends just past the firewall where it connects to a universal joint (similar to a 67 rag joint). Vintage Mustang Forums

 

[bacchus203]

Please post pics once you are done. I got the same set up

Most definitely will post pics as I go along.

I take it 65/66 and the 67+ cars have different steering components/shafts? I ask because I have a 66. So this Saturn EPS mod will differ on my car considering slow-poke and bacchus have 67 cars. Kind of sucks was hoping to mimic you guys. I have factory power steering, so I need to get manual steering link to do this correct?

My car is a 66, early 67 cars are very similar to a 65/66 in that they have a one piece shaft from the steering wheel all the way to the steering box.

Slow-Poke addressed this also, but...

My 67 is the same as the 65/66. However, I have factory manual steering. I do not know this will differ from your factory power steering.

 

[Beau M]

I can't wait to start. I have a 68, so the two piece shaft.

My plan is to solidly mount the motor / steering wheel side of the column to the pedal hanger and dash, much like Slow Poke did. But, from there I hope to just put a u-joint on the steering box and one off the back of the motor, with a single shaft connecting them. Just like it was in the VUE, but longer shaft. It should be a straight shot pretty much, but I don't care if I have that lower outer tube or not. If I really bolt that sucker in I hope to not need the support that lower tube provides. Also, removes the need for a lot of measuring and welding


-Beau

 

[slow-poke]

I can't wait to start. I have a 68, so the two piece shaft.

My plan is to solidly mount the motor / steering wheel side of the column to the pedal hanger and dash, much like Slow Poke did. But, from there I hope to just put a u-joint on the steering box and one off the back of the motor, with a single shaft connecting them. Just like it was in the VUE, but longer shaft. It should be a straight shot pretty much, but I don't care if I have that lower outer tube or not. If I really bolt that sucker in I hope to not need the support that lower tube provides. Also, removes the need for a lot of measuring and welding


-Beau

This is how one of the expensive kits does it. Not a bad idea, they sell a pivoting bearing that works well for the pass through at the firewall.

 

[Beau M]

This is how one of the expensive kits does it. Not a bad idea, they sell a pivoting bearing that works well for the pass through at the firewall.

I hope to use this one:

Firewall Mount Flanged Bearing for Steering Shaft - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

 

[slow-poke]

I hope to use this one:

Firewall Mount Flanged Bearing for Steering Shaft - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

Perfect, small square of sheet metal with this in the center and away to the races!

Should simplify the install in someways.

No concern with no mount for stability, if mounted well at the motor and dash it will be solid.

 

[darthdino]

I ask because I have a 66. I have factory power steering, so I need to get manual steering link to do this correct?

yes, you need to convert to manual steering. you can use a manual steer center link, or use your old center link with a conversion adapter that replaces the P/S control valve.

.

 

[shockerS197]

Get it going Beau! Going to be awesome. Can't wait to copy you lol. I'll be pulling my steering column from the junkyard next Friday.

 

[jonahdeich]

This has got to be one the the coolest threads Ive seen! Thanks for sharing

 

[slow-poke]

Interesting paper on power steering assist levels. Performed back in the 80's by Ford, they had someone in the back seat tweaking the assist level as 40 different drivers did various maneuvers.

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/196/72531.0001.001.pdf?sequence=2

BMW version:
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/technology/technology_guide/articles/servotronic.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/electric-vs-hydraulic-steering-a-comprehensive-comparison-test-feature

Cadillac version:
http://www.cardone.com/tech-help/steering/how-it-works-best-practices/understanding-variable-effort-steering-systems

When I was in high school (late 70's) and for a few summers after I would car jockey new vehicles from the the dealer to the company I was working for. After a while you better appreciate the way one car handles compared to its lesser cousin. I recall driving what I think was a Honda Prelude around 81, that car was just a pleasure to drive, it just felt very responsive compared to the typical car of that era. Looks like Honda introduced variable assist in 1978 and the Prelude had it in 1981.

 

[shockerS197]

Slowpoke how's the car drive feel with the Vue power assist? Comapared to say any other modern power steering car?