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In fact, even though the car is in great condition, a lot of people unfamiliar with old cars (especially British ones) are not aware of the many grease nipples requiring attention. It's a good idea to go around all of them with a grease gun. The Mk1 had a higher geared steering box (fewer tuens lock to lock) than most of the non-PAS Mk2 and S-Type. Though preferable when on the move, it should be even heavier at low speed.
If after greasing, the steering is still stiff with the front wheels off the ground, we can go back to the many long and happy discussions that we've had on what's the best thing to do about it.
I didn't realise the Mk 1 had less turns lock to lock so thanks for that info - along with the lesser overall curb weight (I believe) it is fast becoming an even better proposition than I'd hoped! - I wonder therefore if the Mk 1 steering box can be fitted to the mk 2 front subframe? here's hoping it can. If it can It is would also help with that other decision - should I keep it left hand drive (ex Canadian car) rather than convert to RHD. I don't mind LHD in the UK....
Last edited by markone1957; Nov 18, 2021 at 12:59 PM.
Welcome fellow oilco retiree. Sorry it was remiss of me until I saw Peter's post. I was based in Dallas for a fair time.
I agree. Get the front off the ground & grease everything. Maybe with a 3 to 5% Moly grease.
Heavy steering is why the Mk1 was fitted with a huge steering wheel & skinny Cross Ply Tyres (originally 4.5" rims). Lower-geared steering was introduced in April 1959. Don't know which side of that your car falls or whether it was really a positive move. Steering remained heavy at parking speed. Just more twirling of the wheel.
if LHD is original, keep it LHD. Better chances to sell it if LHD.
Jose the car is in the UK so less chance of selling it if the steering wheel is on the wrong side. Might be an original LHD Canadian car but if the parts are available in the UK which are possibly only the dash, pedals and steering box then why not. Don't forget that you also have to change the interior mirror angle.
Actually Peter I have driven a couple of LHD drive cars in the UK for 30 years now, the only downside is when starting a manouvre after being stuck behind the vehicle in front otherwise there are also benefits on LH curves and when getting out on the pavement
My experience has been more RHD on the continent and in the US. It wasn't much of a problem. It saved my wife from seeing the shear drops on some Alpine passes! On the other hand, it made overtaking a bit more difficult on those passes and also in other parts of Italy. Most places these days, you can't overtake anyway
