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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Steering Column Swap

Having had a steering column related issue recently I've been looking at parts catalogues and realise that later Spridgets have collapsible steering columns.

Are these interchangeable? Could I fit one on my '67 Mk IV Sprite?

If so, would it be a straight swap or would I need to change the column-mounted switch-gear and horn arrangement too? Would the later column fit my rack?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Colin Mee

there's a rack change around 1972; not sure if that means a column change too.

Best plan is don't crash..
Rob Armstrong

Thanks Rob

"Best plan is don't crash.."

Agreed!

I like to have a Plan B though.
Colin Mee

I'm pretty sure the splined pinion shaft is common to both the Morris and Triumph racks, so any column will fit both racks. however what changed between early and late columns was the steering wheel fitting at the top. IIRC there are two different spine sizes, and also late columns had a bolt to retain the steering wheel rather than a nut. Not sure about the horn but it may change if the steering wheel is changed.
davidsmith

I don't know the answer to your question, but I can tell you that when a collapsible column was put in the MGB it needed a secure mounting and it became bolted to the bulkhead. So it can't easily be fitted to an earlier car.
Mike Howlett

Colin,
you really ought to treat yourself to terry Horler's book.

It has from Oct '71 a simpler (than N. America cars) collapsible steering column came with steering lock (lock varied with market).

The Morris Minor steering rack pin shaft and seal was revised from Jan '69 Sprite, Feb '68 midget, with revised direction indicator.

And of course there's the change to Truimph rack in Feb '72.

How much all this adds to the parts confusion I don't know.

The horn and column switch wiring you can work round. For a short time the horn was added to the end of the column stalk but I think (not sure) the hole would still be in the steering wheel so horn could be changed to pencil by just not wiring to column switch and required pencil parts.

You'll have the thumb piece type column switch stalk so the cowling might need modifying if you changed switch and depending on if you have headlight flash.

Depending on column you might need a different indicator cancel clip or just loose the facility and cancel yourself.

Steering wheel nut and thread seems very confusing, I've got a feeling I might have a non-collapsible column when it should be collapsible just because of the steering wheel nut I have and the fact that I have to cut down the cowling to get it clear of the dash but I've no idea where my column was from might be from a Triumph for all I know.

The collapsible column are better than not but they don't collapse much unless you use a big hammer to get the steering wheel off without using the JT technique (don't ask how I know).

Wear a seat belt/safty harness, I don't know but I wonder if the column would collapse if your head, even with helmet was to hit it anyway. It might save your wrist and arms a bit in a serious accident perhaps, again I don't know - I do know for sure that if you can don't hold the steering wheel at precise impact (again don't ask me how I know).
Nigel Atkins

I fitted a later, collapsible column to the early type rack and it was a simple operation. Having said that, I didn't fit a column stalk switch, as I shortened the column by 3". I used the early, floor-mounted dip switch and moved the indicator switch to the dash, similar to a Frogeye.

I've never seen a steering wheel held on by a bolt rather than a nut, though and the parts catalogue doesn't show this arrangement.

With regard to the collapsibility of the column, I believe the idea is that if you have a heavy enough impact, it is possible for the rack and column to be pushed backwards towards the driver, combined with the seat belt stretching enough for the driver's chest to come into contact the steering wheel.
Dave O'Neill 2

I'm sure you're right about seat belt stretch and chest impact in a serious crash and as I put better to have a collapsible column than not but I'd guess (but could be wrong) that Colin's car has a harness for hill climbing and of course a Spridget or classic are not the vehicles to have a serious crash in.

Do you guys wear HANS, arm restraints, window nets, polycarb windows, etc., no effective safety measure can really be criticized but where do you start and end.

Even spectating is dangerous.
Nigel Atkins

Not sure when the collapsible column was introduced in UK (it was 1967 in US) but but my 1972 RWA with the early rack has the collapsible column.
Colin, if you are replacing the column be aware that the mechanism that allows it to concertina may not work as intended after 45+ years. The column should telescope in two places - one visible in the engine compartment and the other further up inside the outer column. I recently had to repair mine (usual reason - use of BFH to remove steering wheel) and while the upper section had done what it was supposed to the lower section was rusted in place so securely that it took a considerable application of heat to separate.
While it pays to be cautious, it's probably best not to over think the consequences of crashing in old cars other wise we would never leave the front door.
Cheers
Bill
W Dunsmore

The collapsable columns for both the early 1970s Midget and B are weak. The bearing at the steering wheel develops play and there is little provision for pulling the column back to tighten it. The bearing is clearly undersized and was upgraded on the B in 1974.

I have ended up drilling and pinning the long portions of the columns in both the 1971 Midget and the 70 B. This has eliminated play in the columns and probably any chance of surviving a frontal accident scenario as well.

I have driven the Midget since it was new when I was 16 and am now 63 so I have had a good run. We eventually die of something anyway.
Glenn Mallory

I think the steering column swap it a non-starter.

I think Rob's idea is the one to go with: "Best plan is don't crash"

I thought it was worth asking the question and am grateful for all the comments and advice.

Many Thanks

Colin
Colin Mee

Don't worry Colin I'm sure the Sprite will throw up other matters to occupy and tax your thoughts, you should be pleased that you able to concentrate on improvements.
Nigel Atkins

Thanks Nigel - my recent experience with horns got me thinking about the steering column. I've put that one to rest now.

I probably ought to start worrying about making the paint work presentable but, in the mean time, I'm back to taxing my thoughts by trying to make my mind up which 'improvement' to go for next - thicker ARB, K&Ns, Minlites, Electronic ignition, electric fan ...

That's one reason I chose the Sprite - the options for improvements are endless and when I run out of these I can turn to restoring it to 'factory fresh'/ concours (some chance!).

Cheers

C

Colin Mee

You can get them 3rd party... i remember our old buddy bob had employed one that was part of a swivel joinf on his v6 midget to work around all the crap in the way

Prop
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This thread was discussed between 29/03/2017 and 06/04/2017

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