Hello all!
(Long)
Was invited to the opening of a local business park yesterday.
It was being opened by An Taoiseach (Our head of government).
I even got to shake his hand and exchange a word or two.
About 200 were at the event, outdoors at the entrance to the
business park.
The sun was shining so I brought the +2…
At the end of the official launch I decided to leave directly
after the politicians. As a result I was in convoy behind their
government cars…slowly moving towards the entrance/exit to the
park where everyone was gathered.
On the way I heard comments like:
‘Look a Jag!’
‘No that’s a Lotus…an Elan…lovely’.
Internal grin on my face…
Anyway, finally got to the entrance, intending to let the
audience hear the nice exhaust note.
Slowly out…intending to go the opposite direction to the
politicians.
Turn the steering wheel…NOTHING!!! EEEK!
Straight into the ditch opposite the entrance.
And there I had to sit till the event was over, as a backdrop
to the remaining invitees.
I had to stay with the car as it was blocking a part of the road.
The Gardai (our police) were at the event…but I’ve never
seen them scatter as quickly as soon as I got stranded.
I checked to see what was wrong…top innner steering column
(collapsable type) has sheared at the coupling to the lower
part. Not even bodgable to move the car safely.
I’m thanking God for a few things today:
- My wife is still with me (previous weekend had been spent
changing the rear bearings…I’m into major brownie point
debt) - That the steering broke at 3 km/h and not at any time in
the last 24 hours during which I covered 300 miles at times
at 120+ km/h… - That my insurance has vehical recover coverage!
In hindsight I think I know why the column sheared.
The previous day I was caught by an unmarked, and very sharp,
speed bump. I guess i hit it at 30 km/h (20mph) tops, but it was like
driving over a curb!
At the time I was worried about chassis damage so I checked that
and the rack, tie rods etc, but never thought of the column…
By the way, the +2 even looks good on the back of a recovery
lorry!!!
Spoke to Sue Miller yesterday. Apparently this column shear is
not an unknown with the Elan…
Will make sure the repair is strong enough for a truck!
Still love the car!
Peter '73 +2S 130/5 with no steering!!