The steering column will attach...
The steering column will attach to the input shaft at the upper end of the Steer Clear aluminum housing. At the lower end, the output shaft extends through the firewall into the engine compartment. The shafts are welded to upper and lower 21-tooth sprockets connected by a single-strand, continuous chain.
There must be a thousand different definitions of "hot rod" and probably 100,000 different opinions about which definition is the most accurate. One definition that is indistinct enough to satisfy almost everyone is "an early American automobile that has been modified for performance." Fifty years ago, when the majority of people building hot rods were young guys, the performance modifications being made to hot rods were almost exclusively in the area of increased acceleration and speed. Nowadays, the hot rod hobby includes at least as many old-timers as young-timers and the concept of "performance" is as expandable as the waistband of our comfort-fit jeans.
Acceleration and speed are still priorities, but they've been joined by other considerations, including ergonomics. Comfort is important, especially as more hot rodders are building their rods for long-distance road trips. Legroom, supportive seats, A/C, and other comfort-oriented modifications have become part of the performance equation.
Repositioning the steering wheel and column is a good way to gain some legroom and improve driving position, especially in early cars where the wheel was originally positioned more horizontally and the column went through the floor-but running the column through the firewall means running into all kinds of obstacles inside the engine compartment.
David O'Connor, owner of Wizard Fabrication, has the solution to the problem: an offset steering coupler consisting of upper and lower sprockets, shafts, bearings, tensioner glides, and a drive chain, protected by an aluminum housing case.
The first time we ever saw the Steer Clear steering system it was a prototype. The product had just debuted at the '05 SEMA Show and had only been installed on a handful of hot rods. Now hundreds of cars are running Steer Clear systems.
The Steer Clear aluminum housing...
The Steer Clear aluminum housing is available in either a brushed or polished finish. Many customers choose the third option of painting the housing to complement the engine compartment or interior; it can be mounted on either side of the firewall.
We recently photographed this Steer Clear system at Hot Rods By Dean where it was being installed on a customer's '32 sedan, where the Hemi engine almost completely filled the engine compartment. It would've been difficult to navigate a conventional steering system through the limited remaining space, but there was just enough room for the Steer Clear.
Safety First
When we spoke to David O'Connor about the unconventional steering system, we raised the issue of safety, particularly regarding chain-drive failure. We learned that the systems are extensively and constantly tested, and no wear has been discovered. Test units have undergone more than nine million revolutions at 1,500 rpm (can you steer like that?) with no negative effect. In real-world usage, the forces applied to the Steer Clear are so minimal that the tolerance of the parts far exceeds any forces that would ever be put into them. The riveted steel roller chain is continuous with no master link and is preloaded to help eliminate initial elongation. It is capable of handling 2,400 pounds of pressure. Real-world testing has been provided by Steer Clear-equipped cars competing at Speed Week in Bonneville, off-road race trucks, and other race vehicles. In addition, the sealed aluminum case keeps out dirt or any external particles that could jam the chain. Four tensioning guides inside the case are preset to control backlash. The product is delivered with the tensioners set, and the customer will never need to adjust it.
This Steer Clear can be mounted...
This Steer Clear can be mounted on either side of the firewall, and can be hidden out of sight, or shown off. We've seen the elongated aluminum cases dressed up with paint and pinstriping. This system, like most applications we've seen, is mounted vertically, but if necessary, it could be mounted at an angle, depending on the proper position of the steering wheel and the point where the lower shaft needs to extend through the firewall.
Take a look at the improved...
Take a look at the improved angle of the steering wheel and the improved position of the column. The wheel is in a better, more comfortable position and the column is away from the driver's feet.
On this application, the steering...
On this application, the steering system extends below the floor. Wizard Fabrication manufactures the Steer Clear in five standard lengths:
12 inches (8 inches shaft to shaft)
14 inches (10 inches shaft to shaft)
16 inches (12 inches shaft to shaft)
18 inches (14 inches shaft to shaft)
20 inches (16 inches shaft to shaft)
Custom lengths can be special ordered. Each case measures 4-1/4 inches in width and is only 1-1/2 inches deep.
The steering column attaches...
The steering column attaches with U-joints to the 3/4-inch, 36-splined input shaft at the upper end of the unit. The lower shaft is the same size.
The more horizontal angle...
The more horizontal angle allowed Hot Rods By Dean to mount this tachometer at a visible location on the column.
On the engine side of the...
On the engine side of the firewall, the lower output shaft is located well below the engine.
The Hemi motor in this '32...
The Hemi motor in this '32 Ford didn't leave much room for steering, but even in these tight quarters, it took only a few U-joints to thread the steering shaft from the Steer Clear output shaft to the steering box, avoiding the engine, headers, suspension components, and other obstacles without any extreme angle changes.
Steer Clear is showing up...
Steer Clear is showing up on all kinds of top shelf hot rods from racers to Grand National Roadster Show entrants. Todd Stevens' Hemi-powered '32 roadster, built at Squeeg's Kustoms, was a contender for the America's Most Beautiful Roadster award at the '10 Grand National Roadster Show, and is equipped with a Steer Clear system. Look closely at the engine photo below and you can see the lower shaft coming through the lower firewall behind the headers (arrow).
Mike Richards' Dearborn Deuce...
Mike Richards' Dearborn Deuce convertible, built by Hot Rods & Custom Stuff, also utilizes Steer Clear. The car was featured in the Dec. '07 issue of STREET RODDER. Photo by Randy Lorentzen.