Felt Steering Column Bushes

[david.g.chapman]

The felt steering column bushes on my early +2 are a bit tired, and there is some play in the lower bush. The column is the non-collaspable type.

Paul Matty does not stock them and I have a feeling they are not obtainable from Lotus sources.

Does anyone know of another source? I tried Southern Truimph in Bournmouth expecting Spitfire bushes to be the same, but the Spitfire bushes are metal.

Dave Chapman.

[gerrym]

Dave, I've got the later steering column so my reply is referenced to Plate HB in the parts manual (rather than hardware in the flesh). Part no 4 looks like a simple cylindrical bush.

If you can't buy new, have you just though about making a new bush from scratch. Do you have a lathe or know someone that does?.

Regards

Gerry

[david.g.chapman]

Yes, I could take some measurements and get a machine shop to make some up. Intereference fit on the outer tube and clearance fit on the inner rod. Possibly nylon 66 as the material, unless someone knows better?

Dave Chapman.

[elanman999]

Dave,
The felt bushes on the early +2 are a Ford part to match the column, I think from an Anglia. You need to try the old Ford suppliers. Woolies or some other trim suppliers may have some thick felt you could make one from.
Just oiling them makes them expand a little.
Cheers
John

[david.g.chapman]

Thanks for that. I like the idea of using felt if I can get the right density. I will try classic Ford sources as well.

Dave Chapman.