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Collapsible steering column in early beetle
Aussie - July 23rd, 2017 at 08:51 PM

Hello,

Has anybody modified an early beetle steering column and added a collapsible section (like the post '68 columns)? Or put a late column in an early car??

Cheers.


vw54 - July 24th, 2017 at 12:32 AM

yes I fitted a 76 Golf coloum to my 65 bug

bit of bodywork required to make it fit


Aussie - July 24th, 2017 at 05:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vw54
yes I fitted a 76 Golf coloum to my 65 bug

bit of bodywork required to make it fit


Interesting. Was that the whole column unmodified was fitted? What about turn signal and ignition assembly? I want to keep everything stock that is visible inside the car inc. OG steering wheel - 1956 Beetle.


vw54 - July 24th, 2017 at 11:49 PM

ok so I used the top half of the 76 golf and the bottom half of the 65 beetle, but you can adapt the 68 or later collapsible column, the outer tube will have to be adjusted most important is the distance from the dash to the steering column so you don't hit your knuckles on the dash if yr fitting different seats then allow for this


I had to cut under the dash approx 30 x 30 cm to have a flat section as the original has bumps and different curves then weld in a new flat section of sheet metal to allow the new column to be mounted its a bit of cutting and welding. I also allowed enough room to fit a 76 bug fuse box with the push in blinker, hi beam n wiper modules fitted

the later switches blinkers n wipers have to be re wired to fit the early stuff or you fit later wipers

I am Overseas at moment and don't have access to my pictures so can do on my return Aug 14

mine looks factory and no out of the way bits added very flat dash and unders