Quote:
Originally Posted by jgatl
Thanks for reposting Bill, I had seen these earlier, but thought with the final placement that things might had changed.
I'm curious how you will connect the Firebird steering column to the steering linkage in the Prius. Also, I read in post 508941 (#90) that you are reusing the Prius speedometer/cluster. Are all the telematics in that one unit?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elhigh
I was thinking a modified rag joint for connecting the steering. You'll lose some of the precision of the Prius' equipment, but if you remember you're driving a 40-year-old Pontiac some of your expectations become more modest.
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The original GM steering column is actually too long and would stick through the Prius V firewall. The connection to the Prius steering gear is actually on the floor protruding almost vertically, and connects to the stubby Prius steering column by way of and angled intermediate splined shaft with a universal joint at each end. (See arrow and center line on images below.
The Prius has electric power steering, so I would lose power steering on the car if I tried to cut-up the Firebird column. The plan at this point is to use a stripped-down version of the Prius V steering column which will be about a foot aft of its original position. I have obtained a second intermediate shaft to use to create the longer one that I will need. I intend to adapt the Firebird steering wheel and shaft covering onto the bare Prius column, and remotely mount the controls close by under the speedometer. (Image of Prius V column during removal from car.)
The speedometer, which Toyota calls a multi-function meter, and the navi display together are the only displays on the car. The dash panel will be altered to the shape of the MFD, and the navi display will be installed where the old radio and ash tray were in the car. (Electrical connections are planned be done in 2017 once the body welding and panel work is completed.)
Bill the Engineer