Hush panel/cover for exposed steering shaft?

[sprchik]

Does anyone know if there is a hush panel or some sort of cover that will conceal the steering shaft? I can't believe it's exposed. You'd think that would be a safety concern... I don't like being able to touch the steering shaft with my foot! I actually thought that maybe mine was just missing... called the dealership service center, and the guy went out and checked another one on the lot, and yep, this is totally normal.

Would love to install a panel to cover this.

 

[SonicBoy24]

Why exactly are you concerned?

 

[ColonelPanic]

This is a common practice in the cheap tin can transportation appliance segment. Where every fraction of a penny the manufacturer can save counts. When we buy cheap cars, we have to live with things such as this.

This is my second subcompact in a row that has this type of setup. Alarming at first sight, yes. But for me it never really caused any problems. I would still prefer a cover, but it is what it is.

 

[Preloader]

I'd be concerned about the missing 3rd pedal.opcorn:

 

[sprchik]

Why exactly are you concerned?

I said I thought it would be a safety concern. And I just don't like it; don't care for how that looks at all. Not that I or anyone else will be in a position to see it while in the vehicle... but now that I have seen it.. I'd like it covered.

From a safety standpoint, it seems something could easily get caught there, potentially interfering with the steering of the vehicle. Or as a friend jokingly pointed out, "Don't drive in flip flops. You might break off a toe."

This is a common practice in the cheap tin can transportation appliance segment. Where every fraction of a penny the manufacturer can save counts. When we buy cheap cars, we have to live with things such as this.

This is my second subcompact in a row that has this type of setup. Alarming at first sight, yes. But for me it never really caused any problems. I would still prefer a cover, but it is what it is.

Ah, I guess this is my first cheap tin can transportation! I had no idea this was common. Out of the other 4 vehicles I've ever owned ('92 Corsica, '94 Sunbird, '96 Prizm, '01 Sierra 2500HD), none have ever had the steering shaft exposed - that I noticed, anyway. And nice to hear I'm not the only one who would prefer a cover!

I'd be concerned about the missing 3rd pedal.opcorn:

I won't be ashamed to say it - I don't know how to drive a stick.

I mean, theoretically I know, but I've never actually done it. My ex husband would NOT let me practice with his Civic, either.

 

[ColonelPanic]

Jalopnik had a lot of concern with their shoe laces getting tangled up in the Fiat 500. Hilarity ensued.

 

[Preloader]

Fair enough. My wife doesn't know how to drive stick, and it prevents her from driving my car.

She's always talking about equality and women's rights...... I reply by saying she's chosen to give up her right to drive my car.

Then I give up my right to sleep in my own bed and camp out on the couch.:blankface:

 

[sbpphoenix]

Fair enough. My wife doesn't know how to drive stick, and it prevents her from driving my car.

She's always talking about equality and women's rights...... I reply by saying she's chosen to give up her right to drive my car.

Then I give up my right to sleep in my own bed and camp out on the couch.:blankface:

At least you dont have to play 20 questions before bed on those nights.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

 

[SonicBoy24]

I said I thought it would be a safety concern. And I just don't like it; don't care for how that looks at all. Not that I or anyone else will be in a position to see it while in the vehicle... but now that I have seen it.. I'd like it covered.

From a safety standpoint, it seems something could easily get caught there, potentially interfering with the steering of the vehicle. Or as a friend jokingly pointed out, "Don't drive in flip flops. You might break off a toe."

You could also get something caught in your steering wheel, should probably put a net over that too.

Not trying to give you a hard time, but, really? You have to make an effort to get your foot/shoe up there, and even more effort to get caught.
I've had my Sonic for a year and a half now and I don't think I've ever touched the steering input shaft, much less got something caught in it.

 

[laborsmith]

I love this thread. :banana:


I should admit the steering column shaft on my Corvair is completely exposed, and I will add this thought, as many complaints as Ralph Nader had about the Corvair I do not recall the exposed steering column being one.


Laborsmith