Hello all,

I have recently purchased a mini 850. I had it in at the mechanic and the guy said the steering column has been changed at some stage for a longer one?

Does anyone know the standard lengths? Are the hard to come by and swap over?

Cheers,

Michael.

I think your mechanic is mistaken. Early cars had the longer column which I believe was shortened by the time the 1100K, Mk 11 Cooper and then Clubmans arrived on the scene. These had an inner column 25-5/8" long and identified by the short fat shroud or indicator switch cowling whereas the earlier (longer) columns had the long narrow cowling. Many prefer the shorter column, but if you wish to keep your 850 original.........

_________________
1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

whats the difference like, i always have to stretch for the steering wheel

A couple of inches, I think. (Not much but for some, 2" means a lot )
I'm not sure they would look too good in a later model car, and you would also need to consider the wiring difference re the horn & indicators. And they are not lockable.

_________________
1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

Interesting....

I'll have to go see another mini and figure out if its worth changing or not.

I think my main concern was not being able to use the existing indicator and cowling on the replacement column.

my 850 isn't overly original, no wand, different grill, im sure there is more. Not by choice i bought it like that. If it were orig i would keep it that way steering wheel and all .