So, now I have the suspension and brakes fully installed it was time to install the MK Indy steering rack and column. I have the standard Mk2 Escort quick rack supplier by MK. With the standard extensions and track rod ends provided with the kit. I am also reusing the standard Mazda MX-5 steering column with all the standard controls. However, it is adapted to take a new steering wheel with the Momo IVA compliant Boss also supplied with the kit.
Steering Rack
Fitting the MK Indy steering rack is pretty straight forward and as per the manual. I did find that there wasn’t quite enough clearance between the steering rack boots and the body work. So, trimmed a further 10mm out of the steering rack bodywork hole towards the front of the car.
I also made sure I painted the MK Indy steering rack arms with Simonez Satin Black paint. These are unfinished and not obvious when you first look at the rack. But if they get a bit wet they will soon develop rust spots. So it is best to do this now while it is easier. I used the same paint for all the steering extensions and track rod ends as they are also unfinished.
I tightened up the track rod ends to the wheel upright just finger tight for the moment. I’ll tighten these up properly once the car is on the ground.
Steering Column
I took the standard Mazda MX-5 upper steering column and cut off the unnecessary brackets. This is as per the manual, this was easy to do with a hack saw. I then cleaned and painted the column again with the Simonez Satin Spray Paint. This paint is absolutely brilliant and provides such a professional finish that looks very similar to the power coated chassis. I also removed the windscreen wiper stalk from the steering column which is straight forward and I used a YouTube video to guide me.
The bottom part of the steering column had already been modified and lengthened with the Mk2 Escort bottom connection by MK. This was treated to the same paint. Fixing both parts to the chassis was very straight forward as per the manual and with the fixings provided in the kit.
Steering Wheel Boss
The steering wheel boss as part of the kit is the IVA compliant collapsable boss from Momo. When I first tried to fit this I came across a problem. It did not fit with the standard clock spring that provided the connections for the horn. The manual shows a non collapsable boss being used which does work with the standard clock spring. I was determined to make it work with the standard clock spring. So, I developed a modification to the clock spring and mounting it with a 3D printed part. This can be used on any Mazda MX-5/ Miata to use the collapsable Momo boss. I’ve documented this mod in a seperate post to make it easier for Mazda MX-5/ Miata owners to find it.
With the mod in place the Momo boss fits straight in. The connections are now maintained with the standard clock spring.
Steering Wheel
The steering wheel mounts onto the Momo boss really easily. The connections for the horn are simply connected to the spade connectors. I’m really pleased with the OEM feel final result!
Summary of Build Costs and Hours
Here is a summary of the costs and person hours (total number of hours for every person that has helped) for the build so far. This should hopefully help others with the planning of their builds, by providing cost and time actually incurred for this build. A more detailed breakdown of all the costs and hours worked on the build to date can be viewed here.
| Person Hours Worked This Post | |
|---|---|
| Clean, Paint and Install Steering Rack and Column | 4 hrs |
| Totals | This Post | To Date | All Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Person Hours Worked | 4 hrs | 367 hrs | 404 hrs |
| Car Build | £0 | £12,349 | £13,202 |
| Tools / Consumables | £0 | £459 | £470 |
| Total Cost | £0 | £12,808 | £13,672 |