Being a first time mini owner it wasnt until yesterday when I was around a lot of other minis to compare I could confirm my suspicions. My steering column inner stick out by about 100mm past the outer. The inner is about 700mm from floor to tip of the horn butting. Starting to think its out of a different model.. Does anyone know where in melbourne can grab a new/replacement column from... I'll try and get pics tonight to help explain..

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64' 850 1275cc

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Does anyone know the standard length it should be ?

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64' 850 1275cc

I just measured my Mk1 Cooper S and 1275LS. (which covers both types of columns)
These measurements were taken in a fairly dodgy manner and are not 100% accurate but are a useful guide.

Mk1 Cooper S inner column = 695mm (not including horn contact)
Mk1 Cooper S outer column = 580mm

1275LS inner column = 688mm
1275LS outer column = 546mm

The earlier columns have a horn contact, the later ones don't

Sounds like yours has similar problems to what mine did before i rebuilt it. When the upper bush wears, the inner column protrudes much further than it should. If the inner column can move side to side or front to back as well as up and down, then this is definitely the problem.

If you have some minor mechanical skills then you should have no trouble disassembling your existing column and fitting a new plastic upper bush and lower felt bush. It took me a day all up including sanding and painting the outer column.

cheers
michael

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the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

Thanks guys.. Yeah the inner is out of the outer by 100mm id say and I can move the wheel up n down not by much but it's not firm right fit. Which the movement would be cos of the extra 100mm of "leverage". Ill try and get pics tnrw. But by sounds of things I got a fun job for the weekend

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64' 850 1275cc

Poor memory but i think the two types were 23inch and 25or 26 inch. John Smidt at mini kingdom (sydney) procured my last replacement. Not trying to tell you how to suck eggs, but if redoing the bushes, check the bottom spline, the good quality 8.8 grade pinch bolt at the bottom is not worn/fretted, and that there is a gap in the outer edges when clamped( not sitting flush) and finally if adjusted , do up the steering column bolts last of all. Cheers Darryl

Ok I finally got around to taking some pics...

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64' 850 1275cc

So I've pulled the steering column apart and yes need new bushes. But worked out the aftermarket sterring boss is what's causing my issue. It's 95m in lengh and 60mm from the spline. So gonna replace the bushes and try find a much smaller universal boss.

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64' 850 1275cc

That it exactly what mine looked like before i redid the bushes. Different aftermarket boss though. I also got a repro shroud because mine was broken both top and bottom. The fit is terrible, but race car so meh.

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the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

The Horn Contact needs to be a bit further up to contact on the flat part of the brass slip ring. And make sure you get the Splines alignment correct with regards the self cancelling pin for the indicators. Make sure you do it with the wheels pointing dead forward.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

Grabbing new bushes tomorrow but finding a shorter aftermarket boss to suit a mini is gonna be harder then I thought. Most I've found online so far look like the same size as what I have now.

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64' 850 1275cc

Just put your boss in a lathe and machine a bit off.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.