Power to the people?

QI’m thinking of having electric power steering fitted to my Triumph Dolomite. I’ve found a reasonablypriced universal kit, recommended by the club, and wondered if a garage would be capable of fitting it? David Steel, via email

Matt says:

AThe kit you mention contains a servo motor and gearbox, plus shafts and universal joints that are spliced into (or in place of) the existing steering column. While the electrical side is well-detailed in the instructions, the physical side is very much left to the imagination of the installer. Bespoke kits exist for many popular classics like the Minor or MGB, but for most cars everything would have to be worked out and fabricated onthe-fly by the installer. Issues include reengineering the steering shaft to insert the unit; mounting it discreetly where it doesn’t obstruct the steering cowl or the driver’s knees and making brackets to secure the unit and the revised steering column.

If your club can refer you to a garage that has converted other Dolomites (or which specialises in converting any car) then this is the best way forward. We think this would be a difficult job for most garages whose breadand-butter is straightforward repair

How simple is a universal power steering kit?

work. Perhaps you could show the garage photos of similar installations in Dolomites which could serve as inspiration.

The development work is what takes time, and time is money, so try to find someone who’s tackled the job before and understands the challenges it presents.