Hi there, if anyone has done this to their car I would be very grateful for some pictures. I had previously decided not to use the 126 rack in my 500D resto on grounds of originality, but with a 45hp 126 engine, disc brakes etc etc I think I might be dreaming if I think it is still original!
I have the rack from a 126 and have cut out the brackets. Before doing so I took pictures and also a lot of measurements. It looks pretty straightforward, but if anyone has any pics of the brackets mounted to a 500 it would certainly be helpful. Also, very keen to see a photo of the new hole in the bulkhead where the pinion joins the steering column ( to gauge where this hole is relative to the old one) and also the bracket that needs to be made to support the lower column. (I won't be using the 126 upper column, but will be grafting the lower section with the collapsible universal joint onto a standard column).
Thanks Roger

Hi Roger;
Look onto, or contact, Proietti ltd--www.fiat500.cc--they have fitted a number of 500s with 126Bis rack-and-pinion steering and have all the mounting plates available--should be able to give you sound advise--they tell me that it transformes the steering of the car--hope this helps.

Good suggestion, will do. 24 hours since I posted this question and 34 views. I guess I am not the only person interested. I often hear the 126 steering rack conversion referred to as "a common modification" yet there is precious little info available. I'll be posting info on my rebuild thread as I go so hopefully that helps a few people who might also want to do this.
Cheers Roger

Hi I am wanting to do this conversion myself as I have a RHD 500L.
The steering box is worn and I will probably be able to do the conversion
for less than the price for reconditioning (.the right hand drive ones are
impossible to get)

I have the full kit for a LHD conversion and have investigated fitting it myself and Proietti carrying out the work.
It's about a £1300 job at the specialists.
When I researched carrying it out myself there are a few tricky elements.
Do you wish for me to explain more?

Brian phoenix1.
Just up the road from you at Carnforth.
http://motobambino.com/item.asp?iID...ded+on+receipt+of+your+old+serviceable+unit.+

Hi. Yes I have tried him although he advertises a RHD box ,he dosn't
have one.If I took mine to him it would take up to 2 months or more turnaround.
So I will use as is for now .About 1.5 inch play even well adjusted.
Some of you guys must live on this forum,I am also on a mini forum
and on an Austin Healey one as well as the British rally forum so have to divide my time.But thanks talking.

Hi regarding the tricky bits yes if you wouldn't mind expaining before
I go jumping in at the deep end.
Thanks Bryan

The basic premise is that you have removed existing box, idler and rods and column and fuel tank. The conversion brackets are either bolt on - or weld on - takes your choice.
The rack and mounts are offered up and a new hole is drilled for the column - old one blanked with grommet.
Fix new rack brackets
Existing column is then either replaced with a 126 type (requiring steering wheel adaptor) or a joint is put between the bottom half of a 126 column and the top half of the existing 500 column.
Then a bracket is fabricated to support the new position of the lower column through the bulkhead. (under fuel tank)
Attached track rods and organise some tracking setup.
Not rocket science - but not for the faint hearted also.

The joint in the column (if you go this route) requires some quality fabrication - potentially pinning AND welding - MIG is not sufficient.

I hope this helps.

Hi Yes I thought that would be the way.Ithink the main problem is either
buying the brackets (pricey) or fabricating myself .Thats not a problem
only the angle and stand off to work out.I think I would join the column
and as you say it needs to be done with care.Best to sleeve it and probably a 10mm bolt and weld. Why the extra support for the column ?

phoenix1 said:

Some of you guys must live on this forum,I am also on a mini forum
and on an Austin Healey one as well as the British rally forum so have to divide my time.But thanks talking.

Click to expand...

I don't exactly live here but I am a squatter at every tea-break and I have lots of those.
Don't waste your time on the Mini Forum Bryan...waste it here.
Pity I can't get at my spare car at the moment as I could have lent you a box whilst you got yours fixed...I'm down there at Christmas.

i'm not sure about the support bracket reason - I'm thinking that the offset column requires support as the top support is from the dash..... I'm at work at the mo' and my info is at home....
I have brand new bolt on brackets in my kit that you are welcome to copy.
i have attached some images that I have stored on my work machine....better ones later