[Staowners] actually driving a '54 Alpine - HELP!

[Mal Clark]

Ray hi, all the Alpines I have had, and been associated with, do have a fair bit of play in the steering wheel,one early write up in a magazine quoted 4 to 6" free play in the wheel,one area to check, is the relay lever on the steering,thats the lever that goes through the chassis,front to back, the bushes in there wear, giving way to a bit of movement,in the steering set up, Good luck Mal Clark.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: raymead at comcast.net 
  To: Staowners at sunbeamtalbot.info 
  Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 2:55 AM
  Subject: [Staowners] actually driving a '54 Alpine - HELP!


  Hello all,

  My '54, which I just bought last November (you all might remember it -
  the one with the Toyota 22R engine and 5 speed transmission) is finally
  being driven with some regularity!!!!   

  I had a local English mechanic go thru the suspension, shocks, brake
  system, etc., etc (basically everything but the engine/trans) and all was
  either in good shape, or repaired/replaced...........

  Well, when I started driving it, it was wandering all over the road.

  Took it to a guy who everyone swears is the best in the world (well,
  in this area anyway) at front end work...........

  He did an alignment - toe-in or whatever the heck he said was WAY OUT!

  Now it tracks/drives as it should - BUT......................

  There is play in the steering wheel.  Not terrible, but more than I would like.

  As one of the most mechanically challenged people in the world, my first
  thought was to contact Tony Bamfort, talk to him about it, probably order
  all the bits and pieces that affect steering, and have my local English mechanic
  replace everything.

  Then I started thinking - for all of you out there who have been driving/
  repairing/restoring these things for years, just how should it drive?????????

  Is there "normally" play in the steering wheel?????   (I know it is hard
  to define and describe, in writing, "play", but would appreciate any comments..........
  (to include any comments re "upgrading" the steering if that is possible).

  I really want to drive this car, so I'd like to make that as enjoyable as possible!

  tks much,  ray mead (near Scranton, PA)
  '54 Alpine
  '64 Porsche 356C
  '02 Thunderbird





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