Lotus Europa Community

Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: kerrywittig on Saturday,April 16, 2016, 12:23:20 PM

Title: Steering shaft dimensions, Please?
Post by: kerrywittig on Saturday,April 16, 2016, 12:23:20 PM
I'm away on business for a few months and so when sitting in my hotel I am gathering parts and info to help expedite getting my 1970 S2 back up and roadworthy........

So therefore I ask what may seem strange questions....because I can't just walk up to my car and take a look or get a measurement...

So here goes....What is the diameter and spline count on a 1970 S2 steering shaft at the steering wheel?

Why?  I plan an putting a quick realease on the steering wheel to make entering and exiting a more "open" effort...

Thanks for doing my foot work!!

Not lazy, just not there Me
Title: Re: Steering shaft dimensions, Please?
Post by: jbcollier on Saturday,April 16, 2016, 10:10:38 PM
AFAIK, it's 9/16" 36 spline.

John
Title: Re: Steering shaft dimensions, Please?
Post by: jbcollier on Saturday,April 16, 2016, 10:14:29 PM
Oops, wrong end.  This site says 5/8" 36 spline for the steering wheel:

http://www.specialtypartshop.com/zcart15/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_10

John
Title: Re: Steering shaft dimensions, Please?
Post by: jbcollier on Sunday,April 17, 2016, 06:46:12 AM
PS: interested in hearing more about the QR steering wheel hub you use.
Title: Re: Steering shaft dimensions, Please?
Post by: kerrywittig on Monday,April 18, 2016, 12:46:53 AM
PS: interested in hearing more about the QR steering wheel hub you use.
 

I will post that info....along with many other upgrades and ideas along the way.......I already have many shortcuts, economical andeasy improvements that I will compile and post..........Maybe I should start a thread containing all this in one place? Thanks for the dimensions JB....

Me
Title: Re: Steering shaft dimensions, Please?
Post by: kerrywittig on Wednesday,October 12, 2016, 02:06:33 PM
So....has it been determined exactly what the dimensions are for the 1970 S2 Europa steering shaft at the steering wheel?

9/16" or 5/8" w/36 splines??

Also is the steering wheel mount to the hub via 6 or 7 screws?

Again I am away from my car till 11/20.......any insight appreciated.

Trying to come up with a quick release steering wheel hub w/horn operated via OEM wheel and button. Almost there, just tying up the last loose ends..........

At 64 years young and not as "slim" as I once was, this is HUGE.....(pun intended)!!

Me
Title: Re: Steering shaft dimensions, Please?
Post by: jbcollier on Wednesday,October 12, 2016, 08:16:47 PM
It's 5/8-36 at the steering wheel end and 9/16-36 at the coupler end.

The stock steering wheel is held on by 7 rivets: two for each arm and one extra at the top.  The problem with trying to fit a QR using stock components is that the stock wheel's spokes are individually attached in recessed slots in the boss.  It could be done but it will require some careful machining.

I went with a Motolita steering wheel, Lotus boss and a QR from Lifeline (through DemonTweaks).  Works great.