Technical First hand reviews on "steer clear" unit.

Looking at them on the links provided above, the Posie's unit uses gears and the Steer Clear uses chains. Both are very positive powee transmission systems as a concept, with pros and cons to each. When you consider the forces transmitted by either in other applications, either could work well, provided properly designed and built from quality materials. and we all know in today's world of imported junk, that's not a given.
I think I would have to see one opened up to where I could examine it to really trust it. With about 50 years as a machinist, I do know that without a doubt this thing can be built and work, but it better be built right.

 

It's been out for 10+ years and if you can't google any negative feedback on it I would say it works as advertised as in this day and age the first thing anyone does when a product doesn't work is get in the internet and bitch about it.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Friend has one in a Dearborn Deuce that was needed to clear 392 Hemi. Hasn't had any problems with it. Probably only 2500 miles

 

I installed one about 10 years ago in a channeled steel coupe with a big block to solve all the mentioned problems i.e. foot room, steering clearance, etc. and according to the owner it is still working well with no problems and this is no trailer queen, 20k miles last I looked. As mentioned in another post this was a common design years ago in dirt cars to get the center steering and some of those installations were rather scary. Others were rather brilliant with adjustable tensioners and multiple sprockets. One in particular used a Harley primary chain. Of course, many of the dirt cars use power steering which would be much easier on the chain. Anyone remember the straight cable connection that the Pinto used, now that was a shakey installation. I would have no problem using one again and as mentioned, mounting on the inside of the firewall might be a preferred installation. I think Speedway still sells them.

 

Wear should not be much of an issue on a well made unit. Most chain apps. see way more movement and there is almost no kickback in a normal steering gear

 

Yes they do. A roundy round supplier is where I would look. There is a place called Lake City Racing in Chi Town where I buy that sort of thing.

In answer to the original question there is a '49 Dodge coupe running around here that has had on for quite sometime. I still see it on the road once in awhile.

 

I remember them and had one that I was intending to use on a '35 Ford with a SBC. I was never able to keep the cable from flopping around and hitting the exhaust. That problem finally cured me of wanting to steer a car with what amounted to a piece of rope.

 

Saw this on another thread and thought it was pretty cool.

 

Very cool !

 

I think I'd want to use #40 chain.....but I'm weird like that.

 

This is the kind of stuff that trips my trigger, and I was pretty sure you were of the same mindset. Wish I could see some more details of its construction, all it needs is a squirt of that good anti-sling chain lube, not much to it.........except thought, creativity and time.

 

Where'd you get the pic from?
Might be a lead to more info there

 

Give George or Paul a ring.
From the Swindlers 2016 event thread.

 

I worked in a center steer dirt track car that used two sprockets and #428 double row chain (Harley primary chain).it was an old car and looked like it took a real beatin'.

 

How hard to you have to turn the mast end of the steering to park? Recall pedaling your Schwinn (or in MY case, my cool Hawthorn!) uphill. Never do we have to sxert that much torque on a shaft where the gearing is in our favor!
...Namely, the upper end of a steering box.
But make no mistake: That Pinto cable up top was a recipe for disaster.
My brother installed one onto a Vega box in his '29 Roadster Pickup. He was 'dry-steering' it one night, showing off how well it worked. The guy was watching the coupling, and said, "Hey! Take a look at this!"
The end of the cable's wiring mass had begun to shred, a number of the little wires inside had broken, and were beginning to poke out thru the hard rubber sleeve encasing them. Every time he turned to the right, these little wires would go, "tip,tip,tip," and another pinch of them would show their severed ends!
Big Lou brought over his F350 tow truck, and Holmes-slung the R.P. back to little Bro's digs, in proper style! ("On the Hook"!)

 

Aside from the looks, the chain drive steering is a great idea. We actually designed a similar setup for our formula SAE car in college. It works, and that was under extreme conditions. The college is still using that car for training almost 10 years later with no steering issues.