While this publicity image of Flaming Rivers trick dash mount tilt steering column virtually screams "hot-rod," the fact is this versatile and innovative new product will solve a multitude of fabrication and packaging issues in various off-road applications. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FLAMING RIVER)

If you think about it, sometimes it's very easy for the off-road world to stay nestled within itself. Like most automotive niches, the standard operating procedure typically follows a "monkey see, monkey do" mentality. Any why not? The tried-and-true is much less likely to leave us stranded in the middle of nowhere.

But in recent years, we've noticed the influx of unique aftermarket products into our universe. Previously unthinkable items such as complete air-conditioning units from companies like Vintage Air, satellite radio systems from XM and Sirius and a plethora of billet-aluminum components are just a few examples of this cross-pollination.

Recently, we discovered another one of these crossover gems from Flaming River, a company more at home with the hot-rod crowd. Based in Berea, Ohio, Flaming River is famous for innovative steering shafts, steering boxes, steering pumps, steering wheels and, as you might surmise, just about everything steering related.

This photo perfectly exemplifies the usefulness of Flaming Rivers ultra-compact new column. The unit provides all the comfort of a tilt steering wheel, despite the short distance from the rear of the column to this cars center-mounted steering rack. (BOYD JAYNES)

And while that's all good, we were recently turned onto a brand new product just perfect for many off-road applications. As anyone who has fabricated a steering system will attest to, one of the biggest headaches is incorporating one of today's cool hot-rod style, all inclusive tilt steering columns into the tight confines of a modern off-road machine. For the most part, these traditional columns, while a great idea, were just too long to allow their use in trucks or buggies.

But now Flaming River has introduced a really slick and well-made solution: the company's dash-mount tilt steering column. Made of 304-grade stainless-steel, this item's most unique features lie in its ultra-compact design (just 7 1/2 inches in length) and the fact that it attaches via a solid, four-bolt circular mount that can be easily incorporated into almost any imaginable dash space. This column also eliminates any possible pedal interference and takes the steering tube completely out of the engine compartment. The short length also allows far less universal joint angularity for center-mounted steering racks so prevalent in off-road machines. Best of all, the column has an easy-to-use, production-car-style tilt mechanism and a turn signal stalk built right into the unit, along with a GM-style wiring harness and four-way hazard switch.

The units four-bolt mounting system can be incorporated into almost any interior dash. A Flaming River-supplied hub makes installation of this MOMO steering wheel a breeze and provides plenty of clearance. (BOYD JAYNES)

These Flaming River dash mount columns come in three assorted finishes: a paintable mill finish, black powdercoat or polished stainless. They should never rust, are easy to clean and can be painted to match or highlight any interior with only minor preparation.

The company also sells a wide variety of universal joints and shafts to help complete the entire installation, as well as five- and six-bolt steering wheel adapters to finish off an ultra-trick but elegantly simple solution brought to us by another part of the automotive universe.

SOURCE
Flaming River Industries Inc.
Berea, OH 44017
440-826-4488
http://FlamingRiver.com/