Hot Rods Cowl Steering Again

There's a curious necessity-is-the-mother-of invention in that.

 

@krylon32 I may have missed this but what is your main reason for wanting cowl steering? My current project pretty much mandates the need for it.

 

I had Thom Taylor do a special rendering of a 32 lakester I designed 20 years ago and it featured cowl steering. I would like to stay true to the drawing. I did a 32 roadster about 15 years ago and it had a Schroeder cowl steering which at the time I thought was cool? The car is now in Japan and being driven with the same steering. Like I said above I may end up with a simple tried and true Vega cross steer. The Outlaw cowl steering components are about $3700. OUCH.

 

Cowl steering is not for tall people! I value foot room in these cars.

I have seen folks who got it right and seen alot who got it wrong. If you get the geometry off its a pile of junk in the handling department.

 

Anyone use a dodge box?

 

Do you mean like this:
Technical - mopar cowl steering problems | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com)

 

I'm using it in my avatar champ car because its traditional. I'm 6'6" w/ size 13s. Its snug, especially with a C4 transmission, but do-able.

No, but a '50s era Ford pickup will work. And a two-piece adjustable drag link will allow steering ratio changes while minimizing bump steer.

 

Speed Shop in I believe Tenn used to convert F100 boxes to cowl steering? I think Hilton Hot Rods built several cars using that setup. Must have worked as they drove them.

 

Yeah, I dont have any problems…
Have one of those Gratiot roadsters, over 30 of those built with mopar boxes , did have to reinforce the mounts but that was fixed along with many other problems, it has been on the road since 78.

 

Not trying to hijack the thread, just asking a question. I've seen some 16-year-old posts on here from people reversing mid-70's F150 manual steering boxes to use for cowl steering. From what I read; the ratio is 24:1 with 6 turns lock to lock. The pictures don't exist anymore. Has anyone on here actually seen one used for cowl steering or seen it done?

 

Alan, here is a link to reversing a 525 saginaw if it is of any value for comparison. I kept it in my favorites from when i found it.

Reversing a Saginaw 122.pdf

 

Just use an old rear end

 

I am using a RHD F100 box in a vintage sprint car project.

It was pretty easy to reverse - I followed the instructions on reversing a Saginaw mentioned above.

Here's some pics of the seal adaptor and plug I machined up. They are a press fit with bearing retainer to seal.