Sealing steering column / rack to front bulkhead - Forum Archive

alackofspeed 14 Mar 2007, 11:02pm

Hi all,

I'm wondering how you've sealed between your car's rack / column, and the aluminium bulkhead.

The rack I understand is from a Metro, and thus I'm wondering if a Metro boot with fit the bill.

If you've sealed yours, I'd welcome learning how you've done it.

Thanks,
John.

limpabit 15 Mar 2007, 6:23am

Very good point John.

Something else to add to the list.

craig 15 Mar 2007, 9:28am

John, I don't think that the metro boot will fit as the column is rover 200,
and it's sealed on the column side normally
I tried the actual rover 200 column boot yesterday which is made for our column's to no avail

alackofspeed 15 Mar 2007, 10:34am

Yeah – I’ve looked at the rover 200s at the scrappy, but I’ve yet to see a Metro (spit!), at the breakers to ascertain the feasibility.

I’m hoping a Metro has a boot more akin to that fitted to 1980’s Volkswagens, which seal exactly as our car requires – push fit into bulkhead, with a jubilee used to clamp the bottom of the boot around the rack.

Here’s one I replaced on a friend’s car:

http://www.johndry.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=334

A VW one would be ideal, except it’s far too tall for the 5EXI application.

bigrich 15 Mar 2007, 6:21pm

When you fit the carpet just cut a 'slit' where the shaft goes through the bulkhead. That provides a reasonable draught seal....worked OK for me.

Rich

limpabit 15 Mar 2007, 7:08pm

Does it let any water in that bulkhead area Rich?

bigrich 15 Mar 2007, 7:42pm

John...

I would doubt it due to the positioning.....but I can't be sure.

Don't forget I have NO ROOF AT ALL...so it don't get wet!

Rich

alackofspeed 15 Mar 2007, 8:11pm

I think I'm going to go belt and braces, and keep scanning the scrapper to find a suitable donor. I want to use mine come rain or shine - if I have to worry about the weather then trips to Le Mans / Alps will be out of the question. How the car will fair on that sort of journey I don't know, but Dylan seemed to get along with his.

limpabit 16 Mar 2007, 7:51am

On the 200, there is a plastic surround that goes around the steering column and clips to the bukhead from the inside. Is this what seals it on the donor?

If it's any help Rich, I can bring my roof down to Stoneleigh (I think I'm only going to be there one day). Just in case the weather turns. Let me know your thoughts.

craig 16 Mar 2007, 9:27am

yes that is what seals it on the donor