Mercules MCF Project Part 7 - Panels & powersteer rack

[aj510]

Mercules has been moving along nicely, we had to throw our camry rack in the bin and go for a larger VN rack as the engineer wouldn’t let us use a rack from a smaller car (camry weighs in at ~1200kgs and the mercedes is ~1400kgs).



This actually turned out to be a good thing in the end as the mounts were relatively simple to make. The tags used to mount the VN rack almost lined up perfectly with the bolts on the lower control arms (see pic above). For the engineer this is a plus as this is an point of *strength* or some such garble. He said that he would be happier if we always tried to mount brackets on existing / factory strong points - ie original engine mounts in the crossmember, original trans xmember etc…

Our brackets are very basic, couple of pieces of 5mm flat bar with tags welded on to line up with the VN powersteer brackets. We’re planning on welding our brackets to the front X member once we have everything sorted out. The tie rod ends look like they will need to be shortened and an adaptor will need to be made for the column to attach to the rack, but apart from that the rack is pretty much finished.

We’ve also been working on finishing off the primer on the doors and other panels. Two coats of primer have been applied and another two to go. Then it’ll be time to get everything to the panel shop for a brand spanking new coat of white and a bit of a celebration since there will be no more sanding for quite some time!
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Mercules Build Up Part 7 Gallery
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[FAT-245]

Hey adam, if you wanted to have a Power Steering pump but didnt want something hanging off the engine, look at the Toyota MR2 Electric Pumps...i have some information somewhere here about them but other than that.


Jeez you guys are handy with a welder!

[aj510]

we have the pump setup for the rack - pretty sure it will sit in there fairly well and look pretty neat by the time it is done. But shall keep that in mind re the mr2 electric pump - cheers

[FAT-245]

the best thing about the electric pump is that you can hide in in the wheel well :)

But how much is left on the car? also did you find any more surprises?

[simbad]

AJ.510, why did you want to put rack in it. mercs in average condition have awesum steering, and turning circle. that rack you have put in will not work. what sort of engineer do you have!

[simbad]

Kiss- Keep. It. Super. Simple ! A Steering Rack Conversion Has Nothing To Do With Overall Length! Its All To With Rack Height And The Measurement From The Lower Control Arm Inner Bolts And Making Sure The Chosen Rack Has The Steering Arm Swivel Joints Exactly The Same Length. If These Are Not The Same, Then" Bump Steer" Occurs. Tyre Wear And Tyre Screaching Become Obvious! When Take Off And The Front Lifts, The Wheels Will Toe Out, Then When You Brake And The Front End Dives, The Wheels Will Toe In. The Rack Must Be Shortened In The Centre And The Steering Rack Ends Lenthened, By Fabricating New Ones! Is The Commodore Rack Mounted Behind The Crossmember Or In Front?

[SOLID350]

put a camira pump on there......theres a kit on ebay it bolts to the front of the lh head.....get the remote res.....off the camira too looks neat got one for the misses camaro

[simbad]

check with your engineer first. some do not approved welding of brackets on to xmembers. they prefer them bolted! if the racks overall length is to long, dont shorten the arms yet, get someone to look at shortening the body! or maybe it will be easier if you choose a rack with the correct bolt to bolt dimension. get that dimension and i will check out some racks i have in stock. dont throw your original drag link out yet you will need the tie rod ends!

[aj510]

@ simbad - we absolutely had no choice - the original steering was enormous.

I have spoken to an engineer and he said welding to the cross member is not a problem. However we will have to cut down the body of the rack which he said will not be a problem as long as it is done properly.

@ solid - a bit apprehensive with regards to anything camira but will definitely have a look at it thanks.

[simbad]

have you tried your distributor in yet, from the pics the motor looks close to the firewall! the rack was only temporarly mounted in those photos ay? it wasnt the right height! make sure you sit the engine at the right height, so the water pump is in the middle of the radiator.