Thread: Electrathon - A Different Kind of "Hotrod"

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Steering is next! A lot of Electrathon cars have twin-lever steering because entry and exit of the car would be difficult or impossible with any type of steering wheel in the way. In this design, however, a steering "wheel" is not only possible, but preferred. It works just like the steering seen on most Go Karts; a shaft, "wheel", pittman arm, and tie rods.

The first step is to locate where the steering shaft will go. To do this, I used a piece of conduit about 4 feet long. I put one of my students in the car and determined the approximate height and angle needed for the shaft. Then with the long shaft propped in place with a piece of flat stock and a folded rag, I was able to tack-weld the upper sleeve in place.

Next, I fabricated the pittman arm from 3/16 x 1 1/4" flat steel. I have to admit here that I actually made this piece three times before I got it right. The one in the unassembled pic is the first one and it was too short. The second one was also just a bit too short. Finally, on the third try I got it long enough. I also cut the conduit shaft down to a useable length.

The tie rods are fabricated from 1/2" O.D. tubing (bought at ACE Hardware) with a 1/4-28 grade 8 bolt welded to the end. At this point, the pittman arm is still not welded to the shaft.