On 4/5/04 22:57, "Doug in CA" <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET> wrote:

> The sheer bolts that go through from underneath the column go up through
> those two slotted holes in the dash and into the support brackets. When its
> all bolted together its solid. You will see when you put your dash back on.

Ahh, yes.  I get it.  Sometimes it's a relief when I realize: It's not
actually broken, I'm just kinda dumb.

Thanks,

James V
90 Carat

>> On 4/5/04 20:01, "Doug in CA" <vanagon@astound.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Unless by "dash" you are referring to the speedo and tach and plastic
> cover?
>>
>> Nope, I mean the entire dash.  I wanted to do a "dry-run" to make sure the
>> column fit back together before I reassembled the dash.  That's when I
>> noticed the flex.
>>
>> So , the dash actually provides support/rigidity?  I didn't think the
> really
>> dash made contact w/ the column or its supports... Or does it?
>>
>> Thanks for your help,
>>
>> James V
>> 90 Carat
>>
>>> Obviously that has no bearing on the support of the column.
>>> If the metal "dash" which runs the width of the vanagon is attached to
> the A
>>> pillars and the sheer bolts are through the angled brackets and the dash
> and
>>> the column and tight. it should not move much at all.
>>> Or you would have to be flexing the dash sheet metal to do it, which
> would
>>> take quite a load on the wheel.
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Doug in CA" <vanagon@astound.net>
>>> To: "James V" <    >
>>> Sent: Monday, April 05, 2004 7:48 PM
>>> Subject: Re: Re: Steering Column "Flex"
>>>
>>>
>>>> If you attached the column with the dash off, that is why it is
> flexing.
>>>> The dash is what gives the column its rigid attachment.
>>>> Doug
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "James V" <tornadored@EARTHLINK.NET>
>>>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>>> Sent: Monday, April 05, 2004 6:41 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: Steering Column "Flex"
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On 4/5/04 17:16, "Doug in CA" <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> James,
>>>>>> I think part #24 is the sheer bolt which would be responsible for
> side
>>>> to
>>>>>> side movement, you may want to check these.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks, Doug.  But all the 3 pairs of bolts are very tight.  It really
>>>> looks
>>>>> like the rather thin straps that the shear bolts attach to, are simply
>>>>> flexing a little from side to side (I attached the column w/ the dash
>>> off,
>>>>> so I can see the strap move).  I can't see how I could have
> reassembled
>>>> this
>>>>> wrong... So I'm hoping someone confirm that it's normal... I just
> don't
>>>>> remember it being this way.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>
>>>>> James V
>>>>> 90 Carat
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> From: "James V" <tornadored@EARTHLINK.NET>
>>>>>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>>>>> Sent: Monday, April 05, 2004 3:42 PM
>>>>>> Subject: Steering Column "Flex"
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> In reassembling my dash, I reinstalled my steering column/wheel and
>>>>>> noticed
>>>>>>> that w/ moderate pressure, I can push the steering wheel from side
> to
>>>> side
>>>>>>> about .5".  It's moving the entire column, which seems to be from
> the
>>>>>>> flexing of the 2 support straps.  All bolts are tight.  There's no
>>>> up/down
>>>>>>> flex.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Is this normal?  I often grab the wheel when climbing in and don't
>>>>>> remember
>>>>>>> it doing this... But I never paid attention.  Just wanna make sure.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> James V
>>>>>>> 90 Carat
>>>>
>>>