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I just bought a British Coach Works VW based MG TD replica Kit car. I have already begun the process of cleaning off 10 years of grime from its hibernation in a car port. I know that it was built in Mass and traveled to CO Springs then VA. It has sat doing nothing for 10 years. I plan to only make the minimal amount of changes as just getting it back running is going to be a project. This is my second VW kti car and it looks to be a blast. Has anyone had any experence with relocating the steering column up a couple of inches? I think the VW metal in the dash can take the cutting and minor welding but wanted to know if I needed to do this as a body off restoration or if anyone had a trick.You picked up a nice kit. The BCW is an excellent car!
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
I’ve got a BCW VW and have been thinking the same thing since I went and installed a gigundous 17-inch tiller on her. Haven’t cut anything yet but looks to me like the brace bolted behind the dash could move up an inch at least. You could also relocate the hood latch and gain even more flexibility in terms of interference with the gauges.
I think the way on this would be
1. remove the dash wood & etc. Mark all the wires and stuff.
2. unbolt the column (weird allen screws or something on mine; good luck)
3. Unbolt the bracket, drill new holes above and bolt it back in.
4. cut the fiberglass dash so the column can bolt back onto the bracket.
5. enlarge the tops of the holes in the “firewall” where the column goes through. Rotozip or a Dremel would probably get it.
6. Loosen the big bolts holding the steering box on the beam; rotate it up like one degree while lifting the column up.
7. Line ’em up nice. Think about maybe to install a new steering coupler.
8. Realize you can’t line them up nice without also cutting into the side of the hood & making the slot for the column bigger.
9. Despair of cutting that neatly enough with the tools available, particularly without removing the column.
10. Remove the column. Cut a little, replace the column loosely and check fit. Repeat as needed.
11. When it’s good, tighten it up. Relieve the wood dash (TDs were actually asymmetrical this way; you could copy that look if you want). Re-install the gauges and switches as needed, and enjoy your new-found belly room.
I’m not sure how the seats are mounted in the VW based TD ,my BCW is Chevette based, but you may be able to lower the seats by reworking the seat bases and get the clearence you need and gain head room as well. Do some checking before you start cutting.
If you decide to move the column, Ed’s advice seems right on and well thought out.
Well the column has been moved up 4 inches. Pretty much followed the plan above but these was not need to cut the firewall as the BCW had sufficient space nor did I have to rotate the Steering box as the small diff was taken up by the coupler. Yes a new coupler is soon to be installed. Next I might still lower the seat for headroom but that can wait. Too darn hot to work on anything
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