BMW track rod ends for 2CV

[Tom Rae]

I read Howard's article in issue 168 of Flat Out with interest and it seems a superb idea but a few questions remain. I can see the need for the Track Rod End to fit the adjuster threads which I assume is the Burton item thought the 2 cv standard item is the same threads? What I cannot find is the BMW 5,6,7,8 track rod end that replaces the steering arm. In the photograph it looks like a standard 2cv steering arm that has been drilled to take the track rod end?

Confused of Edinburgh

Tom

[administrator]

Hi,
Having spoken to Howard at the recent AGM, I seem to remember that the steering arms were laser cut at a very reasonable price - the only bespoke bit of the project.

Rgrds
Callum

[Duncan Grimmond]

I hope you're planning to do the 10,000 ft run Howard, I need to pick your brains!

[QFAD]

Hi Howard,

Your alternative track-rod ball joint looks just the job.

Laser cutting is so affordable these days it makes previously unaffordable small batch or individual item production a practicable option. Did you provide the laser cutting chap with a set of drawings of the modified arm or did you supply an original ball arm - curious to know the 'in & out' as it were.

All the best,

Steve

[howardjs]

Hello all, sorry for late reply, just back off hols.
Regarding the alterative TREs.

The adjuster/adapters are specially made and not from Burton. They are M14 both ends but one end is left hand 1.5 pitch and the other is right hand 1.25mm pitch.

The BMW parts are M14 left hand thread. the end of the 2CV track rods are 1.25 right hand.

The steering arms are laser cut from 12mm steel. the end that fixes to the 2CV hub assembly has a machined tenon to an interference fit, same as the original arms.

The TRE end of the steering arm is double thickness (24mm) and is machined with a taper hole to match the BMW TRE.
The plan profile geometry of the steering arms are exactly the same as the original 2CV therefore the steering Ackermann angle is unchanged.

If anyone is interested in playing around with different Ackermann geometry I can get some special arms cut to your requirements (But the results are at your own risk)!!!! (You may end up disappearing up your own exhaust pipe)

I have a very good working relationship with a local laser cutting firm who can cut from my DXFs (the same firm makes the CSC badge bar badges).

Yes Duncan I will be at the 10,000, look forward to seeing you all there...!!

If anyone needs more info just give me a call or email, my details are in the front cover of Flat Out (please use the number shown in the latest Flat Out as this is a new number)

Thanks
Howard

[Tom Rae]

Howard, what an excellent response and thank you very much for that. I was partly asking on behalf of Duncan with a possible interest myself in the future. My TRE's are fine but I do have a little play at the rack which is a different (though similar) issue!
Thanks again and hope you had a nice hols

Tom

[howardjs]

Some photos of the TRE assembly, should make things a bit clearer.
Thanks
Howard

[Duncan Grimmond]

I'll second Tom's thanks, just the job. Do you by chance also have a drawing for the arms please?

[Marcf]

Are you selling these?

[Boggy]

Hi Howard
Would be very interested if you do decide to market this as a kit

Boggy