1973 Federal Twin Cam Special Upper Steering Column Mysteries

[Quebec_Europa]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently begining the restoration work on our TCS, and one of my challenge is the Upper steering column.

I don't know for what reason, but the previous owner decided to weld on an Hex Steering Wheel Quick-Release, something similar to this:

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Hex-Quick-Release-Assembly-3-4-Inch-Steel,112635.html?sku=91032847-POL&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImpC3oKbF9QIVdMqzCh1mSApkEAQYBiABEgLHX_D_BwE

So I'm now in the hunt for a complete upper steering column for my car.

Also, I've done many search and readings but I still have not found a Triumph cross reference assembly. I've read that some have fiited Triumph TR7 upper steering column instead of the original but I'm not quite sure on which exact car the same assembly was used.

I think it is a known fact that during these years, Lotus was using the same parts and assemblies of parts, as used on other cars (Triumph as an example).

So my real question is, which other exact car was using the exact same upper steering column assembly than the federal twin cam special?

Here are two pictures of my inner upper steering shaft with the welded hex fitting.

[jbcollier]

Pretty sure a period Triumph Spitfire column will slot right in.

Pause for a second though.  A removable steering wheel is a pretty useful thing in theses cars.  It makes it much easier to get in and out, and also a brilliant anti-theft device.  I added it to my car, albeit via a bolt-on adapter.  I love it and use it all the time.  YMMV.

[Kendo]

Yes, I’ve learned how to wiggle under the steering wheel of my TCS, but a removable one could be very useful, assuming DPO didn’t mess up the fore/aft dimension.

And I totally understand return to stock. I’m undoing a bunch of “features” my car came with.

[Quebec_Europa]

Thanks guys for your answers.

In fact, yesterday I decided to attack this issue with some of my tools. I was able to grind the welds and remove that Hex quick removal fitting.

I managed to do that without damaging to much the original shaft. The splines are still there and in 85% good shape.

The end threads are a little bit damaged though...so I'll think carefully about my next move.

And I understand the comments about this feature being practical to get in and out of the car. But since I'm 5'-7" and slim, I don't think I'll have that problem 

And most important, I want to put back the original steering wheel.

So now I searching for correct replacement column switches to replace my old ones...Are they really supposed to be Triumph MK4 Spitfire ones?

[jbcollier]

IIRC correctly, the switches are the same but the mount is Europa specific.  Simply fit the new switches to the old mounting plate.

[Tom999w]

Large dudes may benefit most from a removable steering wheel.