Hi All: does anybody know of a retrofit for the 544 steering column to provide some collision protection from the steering shaft.

For example an aftermarket installation of a collapsible steering column (difficult with the existing column-in-tube design) or even complete replacement of the steering box/column to a later saginaw style that incorporates a collapsible feature or angles that prevent the column from spearing the driver in the event of a front end collision.

Thanks
dean

I'm sure anything can be made to fit. It just won't look original. All depends on what matters to you, I guess.
--
Tony - 1958 Volvo PV444, 2012 Volvo XC70 T6 Polestar

You could probably get creative with some 122 parts. Might need to lengthen or shorten the shaft, but it would at least look pretty correct when done. The 122 turn signal housing is different, but it's at least 'Volvo' and old.

That's one of the death trap features on a 544, for sure. Any hard impact in the front and that column will likely come back at you.

I sort of rationalize the old thing as being safer than a motorcycle. Heheheh (gallows humor).
--
'63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic #1141 245 (now w/16V turbo)

Does anybody know if the amazon steering gear fits the splined 544 pitman arm shaft?

Dean

Saw a 544 at Florida Club Meet, and this fellow had used a MANUAL rack/pinion from a '75 240-later were power racks. He said rack mounts to front of cross member( made bracket) , and tie rod ends fit into the 544 spindle tie rod receivers. He had some "bump steer" so installed a small shock to counteract that. This gave access to the 240 column w/ safety feature.

Another modification seen on a 544 running the Baja Mexico race was a complete 140 cross member, axle to axle, replacing original 544 with disc brakes, using the 544 box, but you could use 140 box w/ column and it's safety feature.

I have rolled a couple of 544s(ran-drove when turned upright), crunched one, and the belts are to be worn snug in these old troopers...should keep you out of the horn ring etc.

As McD. wisely noted in a thread on brakes a while ago......Disc Brake conversion is the single best safety upgrade you can do to a 544. This avoids the impact, that and a sway bar!!!!

Take care, Ken in Florida

As far as cars from that time period go, I would think the PV is one of the safer ones you could drive. That being said, it sure wasn't made for IIHS Safety evaluation. I'm just happy mine has 3 point belts in it.

I would think you'd have to suffer a very serious impact to send the wheel into your chest. If you have that big of an impact, I would think the steering wheel would be only one concern.

If it's a track build, who cares what it looks like, and you could make anything fit in there, including custom-built, race-spec steering columns. Your wallet is the limit.

I was under the impression that the Volvo engineers of the 50's & 60's had mounted the steering column in such a fashion so as to have it "pivot up" in the event of a severe front end collision, with the steering wheel taking the windshield out - from the inside. Engine was to go under the floorboard and the fenders shearing off along side the car. A rather complex "crumple zone" of the old school design.

But I could be wrong.

I converted a steering column from a 122 including the locking system to fit my 544. It was more or less a plug and play conversion, the only modification was adding 5 cm to the upper column to get the correct length. If you have a B16 version, you should adapt the old housing, saves you from problems with the pitman arm.
Rgeards Michael