Hi All
I have a Fiat 126 LHD steering rack ready to be fitted to my 500 classic.

I have all of the rack, tie rods etc but need a lower column to use to connect to my 500 upper column.

They seem crazy expensive - does anyone know if they are used on other vehicles (ie X1/9.....)

Your assistance what be most welcome

I'm not sure what you mean by a 'lower column' but if it's a shaft with upper and lower universal joints and splined clamps to attach to the splined stub from the rack and pinion unit and the upper column shaft, then I can say this is used on lots of Fiat models, e.g. 127 (incl Fiorino), 128, X1-9, 131 etc. Lots of later models, different lengths, maybe different shaft spline size?.

The two shafts were designed to be not in-line so in the event of an accident there was less likelihood of the steering wheel being pushed towards the driver.

Any photos you could post up of this lower column, with measurements etc? Might help in identifying a suitable candidate. Also possible to fabricate a shaft using the ends from another. Some makes of car iirc use u/j's units with one splined end and one plain end which accepted a round shaft with notch cut-out for a pinch bolt? (might be Ford or Vauxhall?). Not sure. Maybe peruse what's available in a motor factors to see if something there can be used.

Have you checked www.carbuildersolutions.com Scroll down to Mechanical Parts, then Steering Components.

Just throwing out a few suggestions, sorry I can't be of more help.

Al.

Many thanks for your help - i bought a 126 steering box type as it was €100 cheaper!
I will need to join it to my 500 column to keep my steering wheel setup as it is

Hi. The 126 column should fit wth a bit uf grinding.You will probably have
to elongate the slot for the upper mount as the shaft is a bit to long .I also
ground the bottom of the large diameter shroud near the splined part of the upper shaft.
It does fit just takes a bit of fettling as the splines are the same both ends unlike the 500 column which has a coarser end for the steering box.