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 Post subject: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 18, 2019, 7:52 pm 
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Joined: September 8, 2015, 1:32 pm
Posts: 22
Location: Atlanta Georgia
So I decided to cut the rack down 4.75" and took a few photos of how i did it. not sure why people cut the shaft in half and weld it up when you need only cut off one end and drill and tap.

Well, it wont upload the photos.


So Simply all I did was cut the 4.75 inches off the long end of the shaft, the shaft is completely hollow so the I drilled the hole slightly larger and tapped it with a tap matching the inner tie rod bolt. Then cut the 4.75 inches from the housing center and welded it back. Screwed the ties rods on and DONE!


Not sure the thought of cutting the excess out of the middle of the shaft and then welding it back together and having to then grind it smooth. I'm sure this isn't very safe.

Sorry, no photos.


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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 18, 2019, 7:56 pm 
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Joined: July 26, 2010, 10:37 am
Posts: 752
Location: Tennessee
I agree. I cut mine by about six inches and drilled and tapped the end. I've put 28,000 ,miles on it since.


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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 18, 2019, 8:58 pm 
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Joined: July 17, 2008, 9:11 am
Posts: 6414
Location: West Chicago,IL
Same construction on the RX7 rack. No way would I cut and weld the shaft.

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Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 19, 2019, 12:40 pm 
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Joined: December 22, 2006, 2:05 pm
Posts: 8037
Cukali wrote:
Well, it wont upload the photos.


If you can't do it with a phone, pick up a digital camera. Consider it as just another tool for the build. :cheers:

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Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12


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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 19, 2019, 12:45 pm 
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Joined: September 8, 2015, 1:32 pm
Posts: 22
Location: Atlanta Georgia
Uploading from facebook photos.

You will notice the two groves in the shaft.....that is the spot where the center piston was. Groves didn't harm it much but I cleaned the shaft and filled with glass filler and sanded smooth. Added about 15 minutes of extra work but was fine with that. Tap and drill bit cost me an extra $18 but is IMO the only way to do it. Way easier also. Cutting shaft and welding it then grinding it smooth would have taken me much longer. All this I could have done with a cut off wheel but since I had a lather at work my friend cut the shaft for me.


You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.


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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 19, 2019, 2:40 pm 
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Joined: January 31, 2012, 12:49 pm
Posts: 1713
Location: Louisville KY
no fair! You have friends! With tools!!!

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Hayes front, S10 +2 rear, Lalo body.


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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 19, 2019, 5:28 pm 
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Joined: September 8, 2015, 1:32 pm
Posts: 22
Location: Atlanta Georgia
geek49203 wrote:
no fair! You have friends! With tools!!!



I like to think of it as having tools....with friends.


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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 19, 2019, 5:55 pm 
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Joined: December 22, 2006, 2:05 pm
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Fantastic detail! Thanks for the update! :cheers: How about doing that for your build topic?

I'm also in ATL, fwiw.

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12


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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 19, 2019, 11:24 pm 
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Joined: July 17, 2008, 9:11 am
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Location: West Chicago,IL
Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F wrote:
Fantastic detail! Thanks for the update! :cheers: How about doing that for your build topic?

I'm also in ATL, fwiw.


Hint Hint Wink Wink. :roll:

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“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766


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 Post subject: Re: Miata Steering Rack
PostPosted: February 20, 2019, 4:53 pm 
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Joined: September 8, 2015, 1:32 pm
Posts: 22
Location: Atlanta Georgia
Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F wrote:
Fantastic detail! Thanks for the update! :cheers: How about doing that for your build topic?

I'm also in ATL, fwiw.




Yeah I think I should update my build. Been really busy with kids, work, fishing, hunting, traveling, motorcycling, and too many other things. BUT I am finally going to start working on this project this year. Going to get a rolling chassis in about a month, and hopefully finish it by this time next year. Have only worked on it 2 months a few years ago and then about for about a few weekends this year. I dont plan on working on it during the heat of summer but spring and fall months. I really need to start thinking about how to register it. Thats going to be my hard choice.


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