The 'E' Type Forum

I was just about to order some replacement bushes and noticed there’s a change from 860863 ONWARDS - RHD FHC

Whilst I appreciate the age of my car the column may have been swapped in the past. But I appear to have a column that takes the bushes 860863 onwards.

What was the column my car was supposed to have. My bushes don’t look particularly worn or aged. I just want to make sure I don’t have a column/shaft mismatch and I’m ordering the correct parts.

The earlier bushes were felt with two retaining clips top and bottom of the felt - there should be a hole to retain each clip both ends of the upper column. The later plastic type bush had only one hole and that was slightly bigger to engage with the pip on the bush. Your correct bush would be for whichever column you have in front of you really.

hope this is of help !

Barrie

I have 4 holes in my column, and the later plastic bushes that appear to have locating tabs in all 4 holes.

Hello TGN I have just reread my reply to you - and I need to revise it - you have holes diametrically opposite each other at the very top and bottom of the column I think. The felt bush type has an indent both sides of the column at the depth of the bush to secure a thin washer - then the bush is fitted then another washer and finally the clip on top (or bottom) . Many people open out the holes in the top and press in the plastic (Elastolan originally I believe ) so using the later bush. If your column does not have the indents then it is the later column.

thats better I think

Barrie

Is this one of the indents you refer to?

Yes thats it.
So it seems if you have the plastic bushes the column has been lightly modified to accept them. You could refit the felt bushes - I think the clip will work ok with the larger holes - or you can weld them up and re-drill. Or leave it as it is your choice of course.

Barrie

As originally posted, the changes to the Steering Column were introduced at FHC (RHD) 860863 under Spares Bulletin L.26 (dated Oct 1962) and Service Bulletin I.7 (2nd Issue published Dec 1962). The changes were introduced to accommodate the "Waso Verkon" combined ignition switch and steering lock to be fitted as an optional extra. The spares bulletin states that the "New column incorporates bushes of "Vulkollan" Material". The parts number for the bushes were C.20090 (Upper Bush) and C.20091 (Lower). This would therefore be the point the transition from felt bushes took place.

Thanks for your input Barrie
I think I’ll order some Delrin and make my own

Hello Trevor, I have made them from Nylatron bar before.

Barrie

Now you’re just confusing things.

HaHa

New bushes turned and fitted.
Same issue as with the previous supposedly upgraded bushes and modified column.

Problem resolved now by pushing the lower bush further into the column, as it was too far out to support the lower part of the column.
I don’t have an original column to reference if the holes in the picture above, were just enlarged when it was modified

If they were then they need to be drilled inboard by about 10mm, and it might be they’re still perfectly serviceable.