Hi All,
I am restoring a 1952 Jaguar XK120 roadster by myself and want to know if anyone has some "how-to" advice for re-installing the steering box and steering column after the body has been lowered onto the chassis.
When I tried inserting the steering column from the top-side into the hole on the firewall and I discovered there is not enough room to manuever it in (it needs a fairly straight shot). I tried raising the body off the chassis about a foot and still there is sufficient room to manuever the steering column in to the hole on firewall.
I have removed the steering arm from the steering box and will try manuevering the steering column in from the bottom-side tomorrow morning. My only other idea is to raise the body higher in the air and try to manuever the column through the hole. I am trying it alone - is it a 2 man job?
Does the steering column need to be removed from the steering box? I am afraid the roller bearings would fall out in the process.
CAN ANYONE TELL ME THE "CORRECT" WAY TO DO IT? I have read the service manual and am not sure what it means?
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
Bob
La Verne, CA
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:45
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:40
How to Re-install Steering Box & Column
One last trip down memory lane. Here is a picture of my 1933 SSI that I bought for $700 back in 1972. Ran great.
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:37
How to Re-install Steering Box & Column
Another picture of my first jaguar XK120 at 1986 Long Beach show
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:35
How to Re-install Steering Box & Column
Me back in 1986 at my first JCNA event in Long Beach, CA. With my friend Freddy Lake. Showing my 1951 Jaguar XK120 roadster - my first restoration.
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:31
How to Re-install Steering Box & Column
Me in my old 1950 Jaguar XK120 custom racer
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:25
How to Re-install Steering Box & Column
Just a couple days ago... my son helping me lower the body onto the chassis
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:22
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:21
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:21
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:20
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:20
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:19
How to Re-install Steering Box & Column
Here's what I started with: buckets of nuts & bolts. Body, chassis, suspension,EVERYTHING was taken apart and had to be reassembled.
Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 21:11
How to Re-install Steering Box & Column
I answered my own question by visiting a friend who has a 1954 Jaguar XK120 roadster. By looking at his steering setup it became cystal clear what to do.
On to the next job of reinstalling rear fenders, boot, bonnet, etc. Then it goes to a metal fabrication expert for alignment of bonnet & doors before I start final bodywork and paint the car.
The SSI came out of New Zealand. I traded it for my 1951 XK120 somewhere around 1982-1983 to some guy in Hollywood that rented out exotic cars. Not sure what became of it.