I am trial fitting a 420 steering column into a MK2 as part of my transmission conversion. It appears that the MK2 with a BW35 used the same or similar steering column.

Unfortunately once mounted, using all original spacers, the shift operating lever (not gear selector lever) contacts the sheet metal bracket that the column is bolted to. I am wondering if I have a RHD 420 steering column. The gear selector lever is on the right hand side of the column.

Can anyone kindly post photos of a LHD 420 steering column installed or out of the car.

Thanks

Bob

 

Hi Bob,

Here is a picture of my 420 LHD steering wheel. If you need some more views, just let me know.

John

 

Would you please take a photo of the under dash view. Showing the mounting of the upper steering column and gear selector mechanism. Thanks

Bob

 

I have attached a parts view of the gear selector that was used in the late MK2's with the BW35 transmission.

Note that part no. 17 is the part the contacts the metal under dash mounting pedestal. There are two no. 17 listed. One for LHD and one for RHD. I do not know which part is illustrated.

This assembly looks very similar to the 420 assembly. That is what I am attempting to install to compliment the BW66 transmission.

Bob

 

Apparently I cannot get the attachment to open.

Any suggestions?

 

It appears I have solved the problem. Apparently the lever which actuates the gear selector cable mechanism also actuates the switch. This double duty lever is positioned at the top of the shaft and therefore it will have space to move. The second "bottom" lever on my column is not attached. I purchased a correct column and will install it as soon as it arrives.

Bob

 

Glad you managed to solve your problem. I took another pic of the area beneath the steering column, but it probably wouldn't be much help because the gear mechanism is covered by trim pieces

 

I was a bit premature with declaring victory. A comparison of parts books (420-MK2) it appears that the double lever arrangement as I have on the 420 column assembly is in fact the LHD variant. While the single lever design actuating both the trans and switch is the RHD version. So it appears I am back to the beginning. The lever part numbers are the same for the MK2 with BW35 and the 420. The steering column tube part numbers are different.

I do not see why the 420 will not function on the MK2. I will have to get a photo of the 420 in situ and see how the "lower" lever clears the mounting pedestal. My guess is that the column is supported by an intermediate bracket which lowers the steering column slightly (P/N C26251 bracket upper mounting). No such bracket listed for MK2.

The ultimate solution would be to find a bw35 equipped LHD MK2 or 340. That would have to be in Europe and possibly Canada. Any of those in the U.S. would have been owner imports. I will press ahead. Thanks.

Bob

 

are you wanting a RHD or a LHD column ?

from a MK-2, S type, or 420 ?

 

Hello,
it does not matter if you have a rhd or lhd steering column.
I converted my s-type from rhd to lhd, only needed to make a few litle modification to the dash ( removed some metal, and made a hole, sorry I have no pictures ).
Regards,
Peter Jan ( s-type 3.8 1967 )

 

Unfortunately the parts book shows different gear selector levers and design for LHD and RHD gear selectors. I am interested in the BW35 equipped MK2 (340) gear selector mechanism. Apparently they are different and use different levers.

It is confirmed in the parts book that the twin separate lever design is for LHD cars. If the 420 twin lever design and column is the same as the MK2 with BW35 than it will not fit into my MK2 without surgery. So to be certain I am seeking the LHD BW35 mechanism from late MK2s and 340's.

It is possible that the parts book assigning a different number may not mean it is a different part. I have e-mailed a German Jag club requesting information on a BW35 equipped MK2. As the BW35 MK2s were primarily sold in Europe and Germany is a LHD country. If In can get a steering column and gear selector or photos from a LHD BW35 equipped MK2 I can positively identify the parts. Then it will be a matter of completing the BW66 installation.

It also appears that the single lever version identified in the parts book as RHD will fit into my LHD MK2 and function. I do not wish to be pedantic rather I want to be educated.
Bob