A company called Kiley and Clinton in Birmingham UK supply some new racks
for classic cars (and really know what they are doing) - if you need any
help in locating them contact me off list.
John Kipping
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Kramer" <rgk@flash.net>
To: <fot@autox.team.net>
Cc: "Roger Bolick" <rgb@exact.com>
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2002 4:09 AM
Subject: steering rack question
> FOT,
> I have a friend who is involved with a rather ambitious project to build
> replica Cobras, alluminum bodies and all. They have replicated the frames,
and
> are working on the bodies now, but are still sourcing some items like the
> steering racks. They plan on selling these cars in the sometime future,
and
> are attempting to do it first class and duplicate as acurately as possible
> with new parts. They have invested mega bucks in the project already.
Anyhow,
> they are trying to source steering racks and they wrote me the following
to
> which I have no answer. I though someone on the list might know more:
>
> "On another note, no rush here, but I've got a little problem finding a
> part... The original Cobra used a MGB steering rack, slightly modified.
> The later cars were wider, i.e. track 52 --> 56, so in their infinite
wisdom,
> the folks used a "tie rod extender", this looks like a male/female coupler
for
> the 9/16-18 threads, i.e. a wide
> nut and a stud.
>
> I had these made for use with the Flaming River MGB/Cobra rack (nice
unit).
> The racks were made to order via recent specs, the tie rod ends (shaft)
> are longer than a MGB... Shelby's cars use a different tie rod end than
the
> MGB, i.e identical to what TRF sells with grease fittings, etc. EXCEPT
the
> cast portion is a little longer, like 1/2" or 1". MGB is identical to
TR6
> by
> the way and both families use the same threads (maybe AH and Jag, though
the
> ones I looked at differ completely in design).
>
> What car used a MGB/TR6 steering rack with a wider track? and thus
longer
> tie rod ends?
>
> My guess is the "redesign" eliminated the worthless "extender" piece and
> added some length to the rack
> and used some commond tie rod end (slightly longer) to made a workable
combo.
>
>
> Have you noticed an identical, but longer cast TR6 style tie rod end used
> anywhere? Anyone widening
> a TR chassis would have run into the same issues. Sedan?"
>
> Any ideas please contact Roger Bolick <rgb@exact.com>
>
> TIA
> Bob Kramer
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