Some of you follow my build thread, I never talk about the electric Power Steering system that I sell since 5 years now. I never talk about it because my goal here was to share, and take information, and, I didn't buy one for me since I don't get the car finished.
When I start the car last September I had a steering box issues. Not something important to start a post for. I ask friends if anyone could help me, and I found a great steering column.
The last winter I told to myself it was a good moment to put a electric Power Steering and promote it since, now, I have one in my own car.
I think you would you be interested if I make a How To post about that, and, for the first time, I'll promote the product.
Also, you must think « the system must work on 12 volts, and his car is 6», you're right, but, I built my own system, the Fitzback Garage Smart Charger, and the kit run without changing anything on 6 volts cars. First test year as been made with great success.
Let's get started
Fitz.
-- Edited by Fitz on Sunday 11th of September 2016 07:12:41 PM
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
The advantage of the system is:
Get power steering without clipping anything!
You don't change suspension geometry, you don't change any steer parts, no alignment needed. You keep the number of steering turn intact. You just get help to turn the wheel, only.
My system in NEW not reman or from junkyard, including electronic. I'm with the manufacturer, the kit is made in France and I imported them directly. NO USED PARTS.
No pump, no hoses, no leaks, no noise.
The system, as pictures will shows, is place between the steering and the gear box. The movement or rotation is sense by a sensor and with the help of a controller, send just enough current to the motor when needed. This motor is connected to a gear, to your steering shaft.
When driving in straight line, everything is shut off. No current demand, no motor idle running.
Fitz.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
Now,
I started with a kit like the pictures shows. Everything is there, with bushing ready to be cut to the need.
For those who want to follow the «used» route, hope this thread will help you if you need it.
Following that, you must «positioning» the system on the column, up/down and 360° rotation.
In this typical kit, a joint as been added for a particular application.
Fitz.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
I was particularly lucky to get another column, so I could work on it without removing the other right away.
Now it's time to prepare to cut the column. The measure were taken on the car's column and transferred on the «used» one.
It's time to get the disc cutter out!
Fitz.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
The upper part of the column need to be cut a little bit internally, to fit correctly over the system flange. It's important to do this right now because you'll need a proper fit to keep your total length always accurate. Mostly for your second cut. And fit two set screws to keep it solid on the system.
Since your top tube is fitted on the system, you can measure and cut on the lower side of the column
Fitz
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
It's time to work on the lower parts. In order to bolt the system to the lower tube, I choose to be more strong than weak. I welded a plate as straight as possible at the top of the lower tube. Before that, I need to disassemble the gear box to make room for the machining a little bit later. I shave the plate to put it 90° straight with the tube and the system. I need room also for the center hole.
ATTENTION: you can use another route, lighter if you want by using the center shaft as a guide for welding a plate. Since welding can make your parts moving and make your kit not aligned correctly after, so I choose a safer way.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
Now a pre-assembling is necessary to see were we are now.
After, it's time to weld the splined bushing to the lower shaft, and it's time to weld the sleeve between the upper shaft and the system shaft.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
Assembly mostly completed! But wait, don't forget the shifter....!
With the system and column assembled, we need to figure it out the shifter. I made some mock-up, and the final design look like this.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
The final look!
Fitz.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
The threaded upper shifter support has to be cut just a little bit to be installed by the interior of the car. It will be easier that way for the installation.
Fitz.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
It's time for the installation,
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
The system is bolted to the lower tube, on the plate, now put the upper tube.
Fitz.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
Once everything is put back, shifter lever, steering etc, it look like this!
Fitz.
Fitz said
Sep 11, 2016
Like said before, the system work on 12 and my car is on 6 volts. I run the car all the summer with the Smart Charger and it work great!
The system got a potentiometer to ajust the «torque» needed or for the driver feeling.
I found that the maximum position for the easiest driving steering feeling is too high. It's like turning the steering on a shaft and bearing, nothing at the other end. Standstill it's harder a little bit than driving on the road but, it's a huge improvement. You can go backward twist your back and head and turn the steering with one finger!!
The system is not separated from the IN and the OUT shaft, so if a problem occur, or a lack of battery you're safe, the car will go back like it was before, hard to turn. No differences!
The system need .5-.8 amps while running in straight line, for correction. On stop, it need .1 amp.
On a turn, car in motion, 3-5 amps it needed, for approx. 10-15 seconds.
Stand still with the Pontiac, 45 amps is necessary to turn the wheels, on bad pavement (where I was for the test).
The device can put in the small battery 2-2.5 amps if the battery is at a good level. If the battery get low, it will automatically get higher to 4-4.5 amps maxi.
The voltage stay between 13.5 and 14.4. Since most of the time, the car go in straight line, the device will keep the small battery in full state of charge, and no electrical modification to the car. A connector can be added to charge cell phone etc.
The device is design specifically for that power steering purpose, with a built in 30 seconds -ON- delay timer. This characteristic won't interfere with the ignition while starting the engine.
Fitz.
long stroke said
Sep 11, 2016
Wow, now that is really something. I am going to remember this for possible future use on a car. What would the cost be for the complete unit/kit, if a person installs it themselves. Thanks for sharing.
Pontiacanada said
Sep 12, 2016
You are a genius Andre'! I love seeing all your work!
Fitz said
Sep 12, 2016
Pontiacanada wrote:
You are a genius Andre'! I love seeing all your work!
No, I'm not genius. I just love those Canadian Poncho, and since nothing is made for 6 volts cars, it was a motivation for those cars.
Please help!!!! buy a lot of Electric Power Steering and Smart 6-12 volts Charger, my banker will love you!!!
Fitz
KiwiStarChief said
Sep 12, 2016
Great looking system! I wish I had known about it on my old Bel Air, when I could barely turn the steering wheel.
CdnGMfan said
Sep 12, 2016
I've been driving my 2010 Passat for more than 6 years. It has electric power steering. With 192k on it I can say that the system works mint.
Turdmagnet said
Sep 18, 2016
I too would be very interested in this conversion. What would the kit cost??
Canadian Poncho said
Sep 19, 2016
Fitz is too humble. I caught part 2 of the article on his Pontiac in the last Hemmings Classic Car magazine (yes, his feature took two issues!). Incredible what you did to adapt that frame Fitz! True genius!
Pontiacanada said
Sep 19, 2016
Canadian Poncho wrote:
Fitz is too humble. I caught part 2 of the article on his Pontiac in the last Hemmings Classic Car magazine (yes, his feature took two issues!). Incredible what you did to adapt that frame Fitz! True genius!
See, I said he was a genius!
jmont64 said
Sep 19, 2016
As always Fitz, just a pleasure to follow your detailed instructions. Thanks for sharing.
Fitz said
Sep 19, 2016
No I'm not genius, I just love our Poncho...
For Hemmings, it will use 4 issues. The last is November 2016. It's like winning 4 straight Stanley cup to me!
When I start the car last September I had a steering box issues. Not something important to start a post for. I ask friends if anyone could help me, and I found a great steering column.
The last winter I told to myself it was a good moment to put a electric Power Steering and promote it since, now, I have one in my own car.
I think you would you be interested if I make a How To post about that, and, for the first time, I'll promote the product.
Also, you must think « the system must work on 12 volts, and his car is 6», you're right, but, I built my own system, the Fitzback Garage Smart Charger, and the kit run without changing anything on 6 volts cars. First test year as been made with great success.
Let's get started
Fitz.
-- Edited by Fitz on Sunday 11th of September 2016 07:12:41 PM
The advantage of the system is:
Get power steering without clipping anything!
You don't change suspension geometry, you don't change any steer parts, no alignment needed. You keep the number of steering turn intact. You just get help to turn the wheel, only.
My system in NEW not reman or from junkyard, including electronic. I'm with the manufacturer, the kit is made in France and I imported them directly. NO USED PARTS.
No pump, no hoses, no leaks, no noise.
The system, as pictures will shows, is place between the steering and the gear box. The movement or rotation is sense by a sensor and with the help of a controller, send just enough current to the motor when needed. This motor is connected to a gear, to your steering shaft.
When driving in straight line, everything is shut off. No current demand, no motor idle running.
Fitz.
Now,
I started with a kit like the pictures shows. Everything is there, with bushing ready to be cut to the need.
For those who want to follow the «used» route, hope this thread will help you if you need it.
Following that, you must «positioning» the system on the column, up/down and 360° rotation.
In this typical kit, a joint as been added for a particular application.
I was particularly lucky to get another column, so I could work on it without removing the other right away.
Now it's time to prepare to cut the column. The measure were taken on the car's column and transferred on the «used» one.
It's time to get the disc cutter out!
Fitz.
The upper part of the column need to be cut a little bit internally, to fit correctly over the system flange. It's important to do this right now because you'll need a proper fit to keep your total length always accurate. Mostly for your second cut. And fit two set screws to keep it solid on the system.
Since your top tube is fitted on the system, you can measure and cut on the lower side of the column
Fitz
It's time to work on the lower parts. In order to bolt the system to the lower tube, I choose to be more strong than weak. I welded a plate as straight as possible at the top of the lower tube. Before that, I need to disassemble the gear box to make room for the machining a little bit later. I shave the plate to put it 90° straight with the tube and the system. I need room also for the center hole.
ATTENTION: you can use another route, lighter if you want by using the center shaft as a guide for welding a plate. Since welding can make your parts moving and make your kit not aligned correctly after, so I choose a safer way.
Now a pre-assembling is necessary to see were we are now.
After, it's time to weld the splined bushing to the lower shaft, and it's time to weld the sleeve between the upper shaft and the system shaft.
Assembly mostly completed! But wait, don't forget the shifter....!
With the system and column assembled, we need to figure it out the shifter. I made some mock-up, and the final design look like this.
The final look!
Fitz.
The threaded upper shifter support has to be cut just a little bit to be installed by the interior of the car. It will be easier that way for the installation.
Fitz.
It's time for the installation,
The system is bolted to the lower tube, on the plate, now put the upper tube.
Fitz.
Once everything is put back, shifter lever, steering etc, it look like this!
Fitz.
Like said before, the system work on 12 and my car is on 6 volts. I run the car all the summer with the Smart Charger and it work great!
The system got a potentiometer to ajust the «torque» needed or for the driver feeling.
I found that the maximum position for the easiest driving steering feeling is too high. It's like turning the steering on a shaft and bearing, nothing at the other end. Standstill it's harder a little bit than driving on the road but, it's a huge improvement. You can go backward twist your back and head and turn the steering with one finger!!
The system is not separated from the IN and the OUT shaft, so if a problem occur, or a lack of battery you're safe, the car will go back like it was before, hard to turn. No differences!
Fitz.
The system need .5-.8 amps while running in straight line, for correction. On stop, it need .1 amp.
On a turn, car in motion, 3-5 amps it needed, for approx. 10-15 seconds.
Stand still with the Pontiac, 45 amps is necessary to turn the wheels, on bad pavement (where I was for the test).
The device can put in the small battery 2-2.5 amps if the battery is at a good level. If the battery get low, it will automatically get higher to 4-4.5 amps maxi.
The voltage stay between 13.5 and 14.4. Since most of the time, the car go in straight line, the device will keep the small battery in full state of charge, and no electrical modification to the car. A connector can be added to charge cell phone etc.
The device is design specifically for that power steering purpose, with a built in 30 seconds -ON- delay timer. This characteristic won't interfere with the ignition while starting the engine.
Fitz.
Wow, now that is really something. I am going to remember this for possible future use on a car. What would the cost be for the complete unit/kit, if a person installs it themselves. Thanks for sharing.
You are a genius Andre'! I love seeing all your work!
No, I'm not genius. I just love those Canadian Poncho, and since nothing is made for 6 volts cars, it was a motivation for those cars.
Please help!!!! buy a lot of Electric Power Steering and Smart 6-12 volts Charger, my banker will love you!!!
Fitz
Great looking system! I wish I had known about it on my old Bel Air, when I could barely turn the steering wheel.
I've been driving my 2010 Passat for more than 6 years. It has electric power steering. With 192k on it I can say that the system works mint.
See, I said he was a genius!
No I'm not genius, I just love our Poncho...
For Hemmings, it will use 4 issues. The last is November 2016. It's like winning 4 straight Stanley cup to me!
Fitz.