Re: [AMC-list] Safety Weinie

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

True about the rag joint, but it will rip away in a hard frontal collision. It's better than the old solid shaft even if it just allows the shaft and box to pivot at that point and doesn't rip apart. Takes a LOT of effort to rip it apart, but a head on collision easily provides that! 

The old columns are as you described. Newer ones (mid 70s on) just have a collapsible intermediate shaft. Those have a "D" or "Double D" solid shaft inside a hollow one that will collapse 6-12" depending on model. 

---------
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:43:52 -0500
From: Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>
To: "AMC, Rambler, Nash, Jeep and family" <amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [AMC-list] Safety Weinie
Message-ID: <4B3175D8.5010301@xxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed

The rag joint is there for vibration isolation only. The collapsible 
part is in the column and how it mounts. The shaft is at least partially 
hollow and pinned together with nylon, the column has an expanded metal 
section in it, and the dash mount can partially break away from the dash 
so it can collapse.

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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