This is going to be interesting.....steering column modification.

[Moose]

Alrighty, I discussed (briefly) on here a couple weeks ago the thought of finding a way to add some length to the steering column of our Yarii. Some of us have long legs, and end up rather uncomfortably reaching for the steering wheel.

Wellllllllllllllllllllllll......I have a few friends that have been doing custom fab and tricky electronics work for quite a while. One is a machinist for Panoz Racing (think LeMans/Esperante), the second a CAD/D designer for Penske Racing (think NASCAR and INDY), and the third a Master Lexus Diagnostic Technician with 25+ years of Toyota experience.

I've got these guys to join in on my project- we're going to attempt to design and manufacture a "spacer" for the steering column that will extend it approximately 2-3" and still allow for the factory steering wheel and airbag to be used- the spacer will probably end up looking like a MOMO hub adapter with an internal, extension plug-and-play harness for the airbag.

This will not be an overnight thing- I'll probably be driving back and forth a few times between Braselton, GA and Charlotte, NC (my car will be the guinea pig), and there will be some considerable time needed to do the R&D, drawings, machining/wiring, and testing, and then doing it all over again because we're not happy with it- it happens.

Anyhoo, is there even any interest here? I can't be the only long-legged freak!

[ChinoCharles]

Will it allow for adjustment or be a set spacer?

[Moose]

Will it allow for adjustment or be a set spacer?

At this point we're looking at just a set spacer- adjustability would, more than likely, mean tampering with the original steering column, which is something we are trying to avoid. We're trying to create a "non-interference" part that has no effect on other vehicle systems if we had to remove it, and, more importantly, on the factory safety equipment. Something else we had to consider is the material of the [collapsible] steering column, which is almost impossible to weld safely. The idea we have come up with appears to be the easiest and safest way to do this. We're open for ideas, though!

Note- I just had to edit the first post because I was reprimanded for calling it "CAD" instead of CAD/D. Computer geeks. :rolleyes:

[ChinoCharles]

If not allowing for adjustment, I would suggest (mind you suggest, you don't tell me how to build my parts and I won't tell you how to build yours) making the spacer modest. 2-3" sounds like a pretty drastic change, although I guess I would have to sit in the car and see where that would bring things. Also, price is a HUGE factor with something like this because people are rarely willing to pay big bucks for something that offers little more than added convenience. Keep it cheap and I think you could be onto something.

Hey, while you're down there see if you can get the steering wheel to come down a bit more too. :wink: I feel like Snoop with one hand on the wheel because it is so HIGH.

[Moose]

2-3" sounds like a pretty drastic change
It is- that's my selfishness, though- I prefer to be waaaay up on the wheel- I may tone it down a bit, though- even 1 or 1.5" would make a huge difference.

Hey, while you're down there see if you can get the steering wheel to come down a bit more too. :wink: I feel like Snoop with one hand on the wheel because it is so HIGH.
Most def. I'll have to look into whether or not it is physically possible to get it any lower- there is a point at which the column joint will begin binding. We'll just have to see how far away that is.

[ChinoCharles]

OK. I'm listening.

[PetersRedYaris]

100% interested!!! 2 inches back would be nice, tilted a little lower, even better. I WILL buy one of these if you make it look factory clean. :thumbup:

[brickhardmeat]

There is some interest here too.

[CASTREX]

100% interested!!! 2 inches back would be nice, tilted a little lower, even better. I WILL buy one of these if you make it look factory clean. :thumbup:

X2 if is an easy installation and cheap.

[PetersRedYaris]

BUMP... We need more support for this mod.

[MrMondayNite]

Definitely interested for the 3 inches closer design.

[Galavoxx]

Sounds good on this end since I suffer fromt he same problem. 2 inches would be a great improvement. I am wondering however, will this make the car undriveable by people with short legs? My GF is 5'1".

[MWill517]

Interest from one more "long legged freak"

[Dragonacc]

I'd be interested in this, it would be nice to have the wheel closer.

[brickhardmeat]

I want one of these now. I am really irritated with the position of the sterring wheel. Now I can't stop think about it when I'm driving. I drove my friends Matrix this weekend and it just felt more right in the cockpit. I still really like this car but something must be done about the steering wheel.

[spkrman]

I just want it to telescope :)

[365Motorwerks]

I'm interested in this setup :thumbsup:

[eTiMaGo]

has any progress been made on this?

[Vanderkitten]

Yeah, and it is CAD... it's a general term these days like "Graphic Design". CAD- Computer Aided Design. Whether you use Pro-E or Solidworks, you are still engaging in CAD.

[squirt1982]

Such a good idea! But isn't the Yaris drive by wire? Hence no steering column? Granted, I really don't know anything about it but I would think it would be easier than welding in an extension. Or are you talking about adding a steering wheel spacer? Which would be much easier, hell I don't know, maybe I just can't read.

[DMart]

i'm interested too...i'm 6'1" and i hate the way it feels...

[BailOut]

I'd be interested in this, too, especially if it would tilt further down along with the lengthening modification.

[joey1320]

any pics of the design?

[AlphaFox]

Yeah, and it is CAD... it's a general term these days like "Graphic Design". CAD- Computer Aided Design. Whether you use Pro-E or Solidworks, you are still engaging in CAD.

what does your definition of CAD have anything to do with how far along this mod is? :confused:

[armature]

Such a good idea! But isn't the Yaris drive by wire? Hence no steering column? Granted, I really don't know anything about it but I would think it would be easier than welding in an extension. Or are you talking about adding a steering wheel spacer? Which would be much easier, hell I don't know, maybe I just can't read.

drive-by-wire refers to the throttle not the steering column. the throttle is electronic instead of using a cable.

[fuji]

Very interested and I am only 5'7".

[Phaeton]

Me too, I've been bitching about this from the day I got the car.