Elan Steering Column Bracket Mods

If like the writer, you have removed or you intend to remove the steering column from your lotus elan, then you will most likely agree that the job can be frustrating and a bit more than finicky to carry out.

The problem is that the screws, bolts and nuts that secure the steering column to the die cast column bracket which is attached to the rear of the dash board/bulkhead can be a real pain to access and replace, there is not a lot of room to work behind and between the instruments.

Well, we have a fix, and while this mod may take a little bit of time to complete, you will be happy to know that the next time you need to remove and or replace the steering column or the dash board, the job will take much less than half of the time it took previously.

The mod involves the production of custom captive nuts and attaching them to the die cast bracket where required, the nuts remain attached to the sheet metal bracket which means that you don’t have try to hold the nuts and washers (Very fiddly and awkward) while attempting to thread the nuts onto the screws or bolts.

Note: Looking at the masthead photo above you will notice a small digital bicycle speedo attached to the steering column. The speedo reads to nearly 200KPH, and it is very accurate. We wrote an article about the “how to install” you can learn more here.

Now, back to the steering column. Perhaps I should also add that this article refers to the S1 and S2 elan, later models may differ slightly.

The simplest way to explain what we are doing is to show the die cast bracket and parts as an exploded view, and then in the assembled form. Please examine the photographs below to understand the modifications required.

The exploded view above illustrates the original top half and bottom part that actually clamps the steering column to the upper bracket.
Note the sheet metal bracket which has two round threaded 1/4″ UNC buttons hard soldered to the sheet metal.

Then there are the long 2.25″ X 5/16″UNC socket head cap screws that fasten and clamp the bracket around the steering column. Further forward in the photo are the two fish plates with 3/16″ UNC nuts soldered on, in the next photo below, you will see how they are secured to bracket.

To the left of the fish plates, (Photo above) there is an aluminium part that has been turned, drilled and threaded 3/16″UNC, and it also has flats milled on the sides, the flats fit into the elongated hole at the top of the bracket. (Press fit – or held in with epoxy glue:

The remaining three 3/16″UNC socket head screws are the fasteners that hold the bracket to the dashboard/bulkhead. Note the special polished domed washers machined from aluminium round bar, these add a touch of class to the final installation.

A side on view with the bracket assembled to show where the fasteners go, (No different to that of the original) note the two light coloured pop rivets which have been finished flush with the face of the bracket, each pop rivet holds the fish plates with the captive nuts. there is no need for sturdy captive nut holders, once the screw or bolt has been inserted and made finger tight, it has done it’s job.

Another clearer view of the bracket and fasteners. Understand that when the steering column is being re-installed, you now wont have to worry about having to fiddle with nuts and washers in a place where you previously had work by feel, because you cant really see properly under the dash, unless you are a contortionist.

Now, when the reinstall is being carried out, all that is required is to align the parts, insert the screws through the brackets, do them up finger tight, set the steering at the correct length, then tighten all of the fasteners, no fiddly nuts and washers to drop or worry about any more.

The dashboard and the steering column support bracket have been re-installed. Note the cone shaped custom machined alloy washers that the socket head screws are counter sunk into – Makes for a neat and professional presentation.

The final installation of the steering column, all fasteners have been tightened, and the steering column has been set in the correct position, the only thing required is to refit the steering wheel with spokes at the correct orientation, and to torque up the large steering boss nut.

And that’s it, everything is now complete. The next time the dash and steering column have to be removed it will be much easier and quicker to do.

Ed Note:
Captive nuts can save a tremendous amount of time when reassembling many things on the lotus elan, over time it is possible to almost eliminate the majority of self tapping screws and fasteners that are located in very awkward spots.

If you wish to contact us – Please use the form below.

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]