procon ten question(s)?

[mcandmar]

I think what Shane is getting at is which part is designed to break when the cable it pulled. Yes the corrigated bit is the collapsable section of the steering column, but something in the mounting has to give way for it all to move. Either the alloy casting will break off below the two mounting bolts, or the bolts themselves are designed to shear off with the force. It all looks so sturdy you would expect the cable mount to break first, would be interesting to see one that has actually been in a head on collision.

P.S. Just looking in the part system the two bolts that mount the column are M8x110x22. If i read that right its an 8mm diameter bolt with a 22mm hex head, seems an unusual conbination so my moneys on them being the weak link.

[4WheelDrifter]

Ah-ha. I see what you mean, Mark.

There isn't a part that breaks AFAIK. There's a wedged part in the aluminium mount that looks like it would come apart with a tug towards the front of the car.

[s2_wot]

Ah-ha. I see what you mean, Mark.

There isn't a part that breaks AFAIK. There's a wedged part in the aluminium mount that looks like it would come apart with a tug towards the front of the car.

That's the photo I was looking for. Thanks Men. Excellent.

I've just been out to the car to take another look. The 2 M8 bolts (Normal 13mm hex heads) are inserted through the aluminium part that has holes 9.8mm in diameter.

By loosening the bolts and raising the column I got about 5mm more knee room. Still not enough but it's a start. 15 minute job.

Before:


After:


2 x 13mm ring spanners

[4WheelDrifter]

Here's another photo to try to show the slip wedge.




Shane, it looks like 5mm is the most you can gain, until the aluminium bracket hits the steel bracket.




Also, if you have any doubts about how to spell procon-ten...

[s2_wot]

procon-ten

For some reason I'd assumed that the urS6 adjustable column I got from spink didn't have PCT.

Here are some photos of how the slip wedge is attached and how it works. It is simply joined together and the glue is pumped into the space until the column is pulled towards the ground.

















All the ancillaries removed, now the difficult bit.

[Tonks4x4]

Shane, it looks like 5mm is the most you can gain, until the aluminium bracket hits the steel bracket.

is there anyway you could elongate the holes for the rear bolt allowing you to pivot the column and clamp it back up in the required position?

[andy10v]

Good info, thanks guys.

I feel a session with a file and spanner coming on.

[bikerjim]

Quick search on you tube, this any good? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STzHV...e_gdata_player

[Mark.se]

When we did the V6 to ANN conversion in my B4q, we ripped out the whole procon 10 system. You'd be surprised how much the whole lot weighs....

[s2_wot]

When we did the V6 to ANN conversion in my B4q, we ripped out the whole procon 10 system. You'd be surprised how much the whole lot weighs....

Did you go for an adjustable column afterwards or stick with the stock position Mark?

[4WheelDrifter]

is there anyway you could elongate the holes for the rear bolt allowing you to pivot the column and clamp it back up in the required position?

I'm not sure Tonks, as the column would pivot from the UJ.
Surely you're the man to find out. Unless you've been out and tried it already.

Shane, it looks like you've answered your own question there, by taking apart that spare rack.

My procon-ten is also now gone. The original system won't work with the DSY gearbox. Besides, I've driven lots of cars in the past without procon-ten, airbags, side impact protection, and son on.
I figured the weight saving could make the difference between having an accident, and avoiding one.

[newsh]

Mats and carpets out give you a load more space

[Mark.se]

Did you go for an adjustable column afterwards or stick with the stock position Mark?

I stuck with the original non-adjustable column

With regards to procon 10 and air bags, you'll only going to use them once anyway.....

In the event of a smack with procon 10 you'll damage the whole dash etc also the cable runs around the gearbox, so that will be knackered as well.
By removing it at least you'll minimize some of the accident damage caused.

[mcandmar]

So thats how it works, interesting. I have been tempted to remove the system from my own, those big brackets on the bulkhead must weigh a ton, and always get in the way trying to bleed the clutch.

As for accident damage, its a bit of a non issue if you ask me. If you hit something hard enough to move the engine the car is dead anyway.

[UrS4boy]

As for accident damage, its a bit of a non issue if you ask me. If you hit something hard enough to move the engine the car is dead anyway.

The idea was never to save the car, it was to prevent the driver from being impaled on the steering wheel and column, like the "good old days".