Steering column support problem,

[Ray White]

I am at the stage of fitting the new TC body to the bulkhead and I am having a few problems. Before I begin drilling holes through the frame I need to establish how the steering column support it fitted. It seems obvious that it is clamped to two of the long bolts that go through the frame timbers but on my car one of the frame to dash brackets is directly in line.

Will I need to move the bracket? ... I presume that will mean removing the outer scuttle frame timber and drilling a new hole for the bracket screw.? I would also need to countersink another hole in the inner dash.

OR ... if I open up the hole in the frame to dash bracket, can it share the same bolt? Unfortunately, the holes in the wood are not exactly in the same place.

What is the best thing to do?

[timberstone]

Ray,
Is there any way to get some photos of the underside of the scuttle area where you are working?
Hope this photo of the underside of MGTC 0820 can show a little bit that might help.

If you want more photos, please ask.
Just do not drill any more holes in the wood or metal bulkhead than the minimum possible.
If in doubt, DO NOT DRILL! There is plenty of stiffness there already.

Any comments will be appreciated.

Octagonally Yours,
BOXLEY (Robert and MGTC0820)

[Ray White]

I am having a few problems with photos at the moment.

I can't see the angled bracket in your photo. Is it just out of view to the right of the column support?

Obviously it is not sharing the same mounting point so I presume my frame builder has put the bracket in the wrong place. Either way I wish I had noticed the problem before fitting the scuttle top.

[Tim Jackson]

does this help?

[Ray White]

Yes thanks. your bracket is over to the right of the column support ( where I thought it should be. ) I will have to remove the body again and unscrew the upper bonnet support fillet to gain access to the bracket screw. I will also need to drill and countersink a new hole in the dashboard backing timber. The problem then will be to see if the bracket can be moved. It may not fit (too tight) or else will need packing.

Because the screw hole is not quite in line with where the bulkhead bolt hole needs to be, it will cause the hole to be greatly enlarged...... the whole thing will be a mess.!
I really hate a bodge!