I don't share your safety concerns, but I have had a thought about better packaging for three-abreast seating, given a scratch or fairly intrusive build. Install engine back-to-front; bolt TH425 to what is now the front of the engine; run driveshaft to offset rearend. The tunnel would run between the right and middle passengers. It would work well in my RHD environment, the local dearth of TH425s notwithstanding, as the tunnel right next to the driver would provide a place for a console, shifter, etc. It might also work with central steering, with the tunnel to the right of the driver. Packaging might still be tricky, but it might be easier to tuck the steering gear under the pulley end of the engine than snake a column around the transmission and flywheel. Central steering on passenger cars isn't unprecedented, but it was something which tended to appear in the company of other kinds of weird. The Panhard Dynamic of 1938 is an example: How they did the steering, I have no idea. Edit: the wheel was offset a bit to the right, so the steering column probably just ran close alongside the engine:
Sand rails and dragsters can do it because there's no motor in front of you, nor drive train under your feet. I don't see this idea panning out. No place for pedals in a normal car....
With a transmission tunnel, I’d think you would have (assume an automatic) gas pedal on the right side of the tunnel, brake on the left. Seems like an awkward way to drive. As far as the steering, I’ve seen those “things” (technical term) that people use when the column is offset too far. I guess they are chain driven with a tensioner or gears? No clue. Don’t even know if something like that is made to cover the distance required.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Stee...MIn_uqj5Gx_wIV9O7jBx0FZwwtEAQYAiABEgK1Y_D_BwE Another way around....
If you’re that worried about getting T boned, put in a full race cage, or just stay at home. Life is full of risks, worrying about trying to cover all of them will drive you crazy.
Well, I'm not sure of the motivation, but maybe the easiest way would be to buy or build something like one of those steer-clear devices. You could end up like a McLaren F1?
Sounds like you are describing a Sprint car setup. One way or the other you will likely end up with a steering gearbox, and brake / clutch master cylinders + pedal****emblies under the dash. Shift linkage could also be fun, cable pull maybe?
Sounds like you have a bad case of paranoia but with the screwball drivers around here I can see your point. A far better solution might be to reinforce the insides of the doors with crash bars even if they weren't much more than were required after 1968. Then build an actual cage in the car/truck. That and install some Altman or other latchs that won't pop open. As far as the 68 column goes, get a 68 style box to go with it. I am pretty sure that it bolts up the same as the early boxes.Rock Auto says 67/70 Mustang and Cougar boxes are the same but there are two sector shaft diameters and turning ratios. I can't blame you on the column.. one memory that sticks in my mind 58 years later is holding a flashlight at a headon wreck one night while the first responders pulled a guy off the steering column that he was impailed on in a 65 Mustang that he hit a VW bug head on in in the fog.
Many a man has met his fate on the road he took to avoid it. I agree with what's been said above if you're honestly that worried about being t boned, do a cage, or drive a modern car. I honestly doubt a center steer vintage car is going to protect you as much as you think anyway. These cars aren't designed to crumple up or protect passengers like modern cars.
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