WHY!! XP - collapsible steering column with V8?

[charles bronson]

Hi people. How come I am told that I have to change my original XP steering column to collapsible yet I am spotting V8 XP's everywhere around here (in QLD) still with the orig column. I understand if the engine is a 289 or under then you dont have to change the column. Yet you need to make alot more changes to your car if it exceeds that engine size.

Seatbelts, the wheel pattern changed to be 5stud and discs (only on front) front needs upgrades such as stronger springs. I have even been told I need to change the colour of my front indicator lights to red..

I have a 302 Windsor and live in QLD. Does it just come down to certain engineers being more (shall I say) casual about the regulations? Or is everyone simply lying about there engine sizes. Easily done I guess as they made Windsor engines for over 20 years and 289 and 302 being so physically similar.

Any contacts or info would be great. My question. How are people getting around not changing the steering column? Thanks heaps.

[xwboss]

I will be talking to a QLD Early Falcon club member tomorrow who is the most recent member to fit and register a V8 (302) in an early car.

I will let you know what he had to do and who he used

[charles bronson]

Nice - cheers. The car is 100% done and I have been holding off getting it certified as I dont want to make the steering column alterations. As I see so many XP's/302 around with the orig steering column and think why should I... Thanks mate.

[fat289]

Originally Posted by charles bronson

Nice - cheers. The car is 100% done and I have been holding off getting it certified as I dont want to make the steering column alterations. As I see so many XP's/302 around with the orig steering column and think why should I... Thanks mate.

The rules change , maybe the cars you have seen have been registered for some time now !!!!!!!

If you don't change it - NO rego , fairly simple !!!!!

[xwboss]

Talked to a mate today who recently went through this and yes he had to put a collapsable column in which is a bit of a job.
I will PM you with some people you might want to contact.

[stephane]

trying to convert my wagon at the moment and had same problem anything bigger than 289 and qld rta wants collapsable column, lucky for me i am fitting 289 in but hey in the end you cant tell from outside if its 289, only give away is cast number anything starting with c8 ie 1968 and your starting to run into 302, 289 stopped been built after 1968( give or take a few months). good luke i haven't even started mine its all on paper at the moment, but working with good mech who hasn't steared me wrong yet.

[vicki34351]

How did you get on with the collapsible steering column. I currently am in the same situation I have an XP and just fitted a 302 and must replace original column for engineer and registration.
Not sure what I can replace it with!
Regards,
Vicki34351

[xwsarebset]

I have in the past done xrs and xts using an xw xy column very easy to fit, you can then put xr xt coffee pot etc on xw xy column and install your original indicator switch assembly and steering wheel take an expert to pick and no structural integrety modications to steering assembly. I also done this to my compact fairlane i had over twenty years ago. I am unable to remember if the xk to xps have flex link on the steering box the same as the compact fairlanes and xw xy or solid shaft same as xr xt.
when working on these old girls it is amazing what parts are completely interchangeable,without any structural changes to parts just mix and match.
If you are worried about coloured lenses no reson why you cannot do what the new car manufacturers do and fit orange or red coloured bulbs behind the clear lenses. if you cant then that would make a lot of new cars unregisterable off the showroom floor.
I always say look and measure the size of the beast before you butcher it.

['63Deluxe]

Originally Posted by xwsarebset

I have in the past done xrs and xts using an xw xy column very easy to fit, you can then put xr xt coffee pot etc on xw xy column and install your original indicator switch assembly and steering wheel

Gold! I have been wondering how to use my original steering wheel

The search begins for a xt coffee pot...

Cheers

[gravelrash]

Fit a 302, tell em it's a 289..or fit a 289 and put a 347 crank in it..

[xwsarebset]

You can put in orange bulbs on front indicators but no RED lenses on front of vehicles as red designates braking and taillights. only emergency vehicles and police can have forward facing red lights or lenses.

That is why guide posts have red reflectors on one side of the road and white on the other so you know which side of the road your on.

The mounting holes for the seat belts may be there from factory as this was an option on early fords.

[choppmyride]

I have just done a collapable collum for a XP Squire , used a XW colloum with XP top end of colloum , auto gear change , all works fine
Leon

[nuthin' fancy]

Originally Posted by choppmyride

I have just done a collapable collum for a XP Squire , used a XW colloum with XP top end of colloum , auto gear change , all works fine
Leon

Chopp,

Time for a build thread for your Squire......

[662DXP]

302 going into my coupe. Engineer requires collapsible steering column to be fitted.

I have fitted a Xe column coupled to the original steering box.





Plenty more pictures of the fitment back on page 14 of my thread click on the link below.

[skr8pn]

Do any of you guys that have had to change to a collapsible have the original auto column?

Thanks

[marxy]

I have an xp 3 speed auto column I might sell for the right price!

[skr8pn]

Originally Posted by marxy

I have an xp 3 speed auto column I might sell for the right price!

I need the linkages also. I want to change from manual.

[marxy]

I will send you a pm, cheers

[Interceptor]

what I really dont understand is why people are up in arms about what is basically a safety measure....