Sealing steering column / rack to front bulkhead

alackofspeed · #1 14th March 2007, 22:02

Hi all,

I'm wondering how you've sealed between your car's rack / column, and the aluminium bulkhead.

The rack I understand is from a Metro, and thus I'm wondering if a Metro boot with fit the bill.

If you've sealed yours, I'd welcome learning how you've done it.

Thanks,
John.

limpabit · #2 15th March 2007, 05:23

Very good point John.

Something else to add to the list.

craig · #3 15th March 2007, 08:28

John, I don't think that the metro boot will fit as the column is rover 200,
and it's sealed on the column side normally
I tried the actual rover 200 column boot yesterday which is made for our column's to no avail

alackofspeed · #4 15th March 2007, 09:34

Yeah – I’ve looked at the rover 200s at the scrappy, but I’ve yet to see a Metro (spit!), at the breakers to ascertain the feasibility.

I’m hoping a Metro has a boot more akin to that fitted to 1980’s Volkswagens, which seal exactly as our car requires – push fit into bulkhead, with a jubilee used to clamp the bottom of the boot around the rack.

Here’s one I replaced on a friend’s car:

http://www.johndry.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=334

A VW one would be ideal, except it’s far too tall for the 5EXI application.

bigrich · #5 15th March 2007, 17:21

When you fit the carpet just cut a 'slit' where the shaft goes through the bulkhead. That provides a reasonable draught seal....worked OK for me.

Rich

limpabit · #6 15th March 2007, 18:08

Does it let any water in that bulkhead area Rich?

bigrich · #7 15th March 2007, 18:42

John...

I would doubt it due to the positioning.....but I can't be sure.

Don't forget I have NO ROOF AT ALL...so it don't get wet!

Rich

alackofspeed · #8 15th March 2007, 19:11

I think I'm going to go belt and braces, and keep scanning the scrapper to find a suitable donor. I want to use mine come rain or shine - if I have to worry about the weather then trips to Le Mans / Alps will be out of the question. How the car will fair on that sort of journey I don't know, but Dylan seemed to get along with his.

limpabit · #9 16th March 2007, 06:51

On the 200, there is a plastic surround that goes around the steering column and clips to the bukhead from the inside. Is this what seals it on the donor?

If it's any help Rich, I can bring my roof down to Stoneleigh (I think I'm only going to be there one day). Just in case the weather turns. Let me know your thoughts.

craig · #10 16th March 2007, 08:27

yes that is what seals it on the donor