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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Steering Column 'Improvements'

1965 AH Sprite Mk3

Ignition switch on the dash, side and headlamp switch on the dash, foot mounted dip/main switch, indicator stalk and centre push horn switch.

I am considering a few changes to the steering column.

I have been looking at how I can get the steering wheel further away from me and I think that if I could change to the later indicator / horn stalk it would make shortening the steering column easier.

But before I rush off and waste loads of time doing it, had anyone tried this before and have any suggestions ?

Thanks
Malc Gilliver

First get the drivers seat as far back as it will go and then raise the pedal heights if you can't fully depress them (usually it's the throttle that needs raising).

Second fit a flat rather than dished steering wheel.

Yes, you can shorten the steering wheel but difficult to get more than an inch out of it (due to consequential issues) and have it done professionally. You will then also need to take the same amount of distance from the boss, adjust the shroud and bend the indicator stalk. For a racing car with no dash it's possible and easier to take a lot more out (though not sure if anyone does).

While this will always feel better to you don't expect anyone else to notice that you have done this but watch their hunched up elbows out driving style!
Daniel

Hi Daniel,

I'm 5'10" so the seat is already as far back as possible - even loosened the securing fixing then pushed the seat back to the point it touches the carpet on the axle kickup and I can still reach the pedals.

I have a semi dished wheel - all I could find at the time, but I keep looking at all the wasted space in the steering wheel boss and wondering if I could gain a couple of inches there.

I have even got a couple of spare dashboards to see if I could modify them for more space.

I'm happy to change the whole steering column to get more space, with it getting colder and wetter I have driven the car with the roof up and windows closed, it was that bad I had to have the window open !
Malc Gilliver

I shortened my (collapsible) column by about 3 inches and moved the indicator switch to the dash, like a Mk1-2.
Dave O'Neill 2

Hi Dave,

I have a later collapsible column in the garage, where did you cut that to shorten it ?

Now I need to look at the earlier indicator switchm but I do like the stalk, so would love to keep that, somehow.

Thanks,
Malc Gilliver

I cut a section out of the outer column and welded the two pieces back together. I don’t think I actually cut the inner column, I just collapsed it and put a small weld on the joint.

It was a race car, but I don’t think that matters.
Dave O'Neill 2

Dave,

I ask cos I remember that Williams killed Ayton Senna with a broken steering column so while I want a shorter column I also don't want to weld one. Thanks for the advice I'll look at modifying my collapsible one.

Malc
Malc Gilliver

6 footer here - I cut a slot accross the rear panel behind the drivers seat and colapsed the panel back in about an inch so the seat would go right back then rewelded it back up,(Fibreglass shell seat) made a hell of a difference, a lot more straight legged and easier by far to operate the pedals without the old legs folded up. Then had a std. column but had a flat sports wheel but had that bolted up to the underside of the hub instead of on top. This dropped the wheel quite a bit to the point that the gap between the wheel and the dash was as small as you'd ever want it, any smaller would have restricted operating room. -----worked for me

willy
William Revit

Get an MGB. 😉.

anamnesis

Anam 🤣. Although you want something that goes round corners..... (apologies to Dave and others).
Bill B

This thread was discussed between 22/08/2026 and 23/08/2026

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