Datsun steering box

[Peter K.]

Hi Whitworth Heads,

Its been a long time, and for good reason. I used to be pretty active here when Walter (RiP) was still driving. Anyway, my MGTC is now in New Zealand (NZ). The owner is French, 30+ year younger, a Jaguar restorer, and loves the TC, but he doesn’t have license plates for it yet.

Problem is getting it registered and tagged with a NZ VIN. Because it now uses Datsun steering that I bought from a guy in Australia 30 years ago, they’re telling him no-go unless he puts the factory’s BC assembly back in, or prove somehow the Datsun conversion is safe. Of course it is, much safer even, we know, but the official who has to sign off that it is no expert.

So, does anyone have advise or know of TC in NZ already registered with a Datsun box? Can someone offer documentation that might help Sam describe the Datsun conversion to his DMV people?

Details: TC5168, Peter Pleitner, Ann Arbor, Michigan, previous owner; new owner is Samuel Chuffart, Wellington, NZ.

Cheers, Peter
www.enjoyclassiccars.com
“pkp at enjoyclassiccars.com”

PS: Direct contact via a cc: to pkp and Datsun in subject line would be very helpful !

[i.thomson]

I'd put the BC box back on to satisfy the jobsworths. Whether he returns it to the foreign box will then be the lesser of his problems. He might even like the original box.

Ian

[Peter K.]

Ian,
Agree, but almost as risky, because the old BC is glaringly modified with a Thompkins kit.
The original trust/top plate was hurled into space long ago.
A different “jobsworth” is the other gamble.
Cheers, Peter
www.enjoyclassiccars.com

[i.thomson]

Surely a flat topplate would be easy to fabricate by hand. A couple of hours with a hacksaw, file and drill should do it. They'll never notice that it isn't hardened.
Ian

[jddevel]

Out of curiosity I wonder how many motor companies call backs for safety modifications have to past the scrutiny of the "jobsworth" people who incidentally one must assume past the originally designed item based on a "experts" confirmation.

[jddevel]

Whoops -pass not past

[Ray White]

This is a salient lesson to all us restorers... that we MUST keep all the original stuff even if we don't use it.

[i.thomson]

...or even "passed"? Seriously though I can see more of this ahead as we move into a more and more risk averse world where drivers are increasingly unwilling to take responsibility for the lethal machine they are driving. This will inevitably be compounded by the view that our quaint little cars are ever more dangerous because they do not have the wonderful technology that modern drivers rely on so much to keep them "safe". I see increased restrictions on us ahead compounded by difficulties in getting the fuel we need.

Ian

[Peter K.]

Does anyone know if:
1. Mr. Finch in AU is still around? I think he was my supplier and originator for the conversion to Datsun*.
2. there is another TABC in NZ?
3. someone can supply an old top for a BC box?
4. you have contact info for Mike Sherrel (sp?) author “TCs Forever.”
The DMV and DOT etc. do respect expertise from clubs and forums like TABC. Worth considering - make a list of Best Practices for maintaining (and operating) the breed.
* Japanese asked VW sixty years ago for advise about a name to use for entering the US car market. The Germans asked when? Their answer, this year. The Germans responded, “dat soon.”
Now its really funny that the current conversion is to install a VW steering box.

[Steve Simmons]

I know we have a few members in NZ, hopefully one of them will see this thread. The supply of Datsun boxes has dried up, hence the popularity of the VW. The Datsun was a better conversion but the VW works also. It just has a slightly lower ratio and requires more work to fit. Most TC parts houses sell new tops for the BC box and they are not expensive. I think Moss was charging $25 last time I checked. I also agree with Ian that a temporary top could be made just to get through inspection. I probably have a spare top here somewhere I could send, but the shipping to NZ is expensive.

There are lots of threads about Datsun boxes over the past 20 years so maybe you could use one to convince his DMV that the conversion is not dangerous. There are a lot of praises and a lot of negative comments in those threads, but I doubt there is any mention whatsoever of the Datsun being weaker than the original. Even those who strongly oppose steering conversions will admit that the Datsun and VW boxes are far more robust. It's the change of character that many people oppose, not anything to do with the design.

On another note, I just noticed the RIP after Walter's name. Are we talking about Walter Prechsl? I saw him posting on another list a few months ago, so hopefully something hasn't happened.

[Peter K.]

Yikes! Now I really really want to call Walter and apologize

Anybody have contact info ? He used to live in Neu Ulm.

Cheers, Peter

[Steve Simmons]

I'll email you the contact info I have. Hoping for the best!

[Duncan M]

Michael Sherrell's (first) book "TCs Forever" is the only book I know of that TC owners consider a must-have. It discusses the Datsun conversion in glowing terms on page 104. On page 115 he has a picture of it installed. He does not go into detail on the installation, as he points to the need for it to be professionally installed.

[Peter K.]

Thank you Duncan!
That’s very helpful. I sent that book along with everything else (including wrenches, sockets, taps and dies) etc. He being French, he’s is not inclined to read cover to cover.
That book with those two pages bookmarked and the original steering column/BC assembly might be enough to convince the authorities. Sam is in Turin, IT just now on business (pitty him, 46 hours, four connecting flights). But he just received confirmation from Moss that four new hubs, four alfin drums and misc. hardware and seals are shipped to Wellington.
As to the opinion of some that the BC preserves an important aspect of the TC’s character, I say criminal tendencies are also a clinical diagnosis, not to be sluffed off. I did my best to reform the good Bishop in the 1980s. I rotated the sector pin 180 degrees and bolted a Topkins kit on top plus packed it with 600W grease. 8000 miles of trials later the Datsun conversion was a relief and revelation! My wife would drive it.

[Tom P]

Wow. I wonder how this situation came about, as an inspector smart enough to spot a non-standard steering box would also be smart enough to know it is an improvement. This is a sign of the times. Good luck with getting it sorted (yes, my BC box is stored in the attic just in case a future owner is concerned about originality - but I won't be re-installing it anytime soon!). Tom

[Peter K.]

I’m very pleased to report somewhat belatedly that the TC5168 is now a legal mode of transport in New Zealand! And its Datsun steering gear has been homologated and deemed safe, by non other than the chief scrutineer from their World Ralley Championship race last year. It is a resident of Wellington, owned Samuel Chuffart.

Cheers, Peter K. Pleitner, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
www.enjoyclassiccars.com

[Steve Simmons]

Well done! You've done a service to all TC owners down there.