GoBabyGo Steering Bar (Part 2)

This modification adds a wide-surface push bar in addition to the push button switch. It’s designed for kids who can reach the steering wheel but struggle with the dexterity needed to both push the button and steer at the same time. With this bar, any downward pressure in the general area of the controls results in instant movement, boosting the child's confidence and independence.

This Instructable details how to make room for the new controls by integrating a custom "cutout" plate directly into the car's steering assembly on which you'll install the steering bar.

It is assumed that you already have an AbleNet Big Red switch and instructions to install it. If not, please see GoBabyGo Installing an AbleNet Big Red Switch & Emergency Stop (Part 1).

Overview:

1. Part 1: Installing an AbleNet Big Red Switch & Emergency Stop
2. Part 2: Adding on a Steering Bar (this one).
3. Part 3: Adding on a Grab Bar to the Steering Bar.

Materials:

1. 3/4" PVC Pipe (Length is dependent on car and child needs, but is typically 12" long.)
2. 12" x 12" x 1/4" MDF sheet

Steering Bar Hardware:

1. (qty?) M6 or M5 Bolts (12.7mm length)
2. (qty?) Nuts (compatible with M6 or M5 bolts)
3. (qty?) Washers (compatible with M6 or M5 bolts)
4. (qty?) Lock Washers (compatible with M6 or M5 bolts)
5. (qty?) Zinc-Plated Alloy Steel Hex Drive Flat Head Screw, 1/2"-13 Thread Size, 4" Long
6. (qty?) Medium-Strength Steel Hex Nut Grade 5, Zinc-Plated, 1/2"-13 Thread Size
7. (qty?) 18-8 Stainless Steel Washer
8. (qty?) 18-8 Stainless Steel Split Lock Washer
9. (qty?) 4117CS - 1.13 Inch Spring Steel Compression Springs

Tools:

1. Wrench or Socket (for tightening bolts)
2. CO2 Laser Cutter or CNC Router
3. Wire Strippers
4. Power Drill
5. 1/8" Drill Bit
6. 3/16" Drill Bit
7. 1/4" Drill Bit
8. 1/2" Drill Bit
9. Vice grip

Files:

1. DXF File (for the part to be cut)

Look for one of these three common methods for attaching the steering wheel to determine how to remove it:

1. Clip Method: The steering wheel is secured with clips on two sides of the shaft. Carefully pry the clips loose to remove the wheel.
2. Screw Method: The wheel is attached with a screw, typically a Phillips head. Unscrew it to detach the wheel.
3. Pin Method: The wheel is held by a pin. Use a rubber mallet and a screwdriver to gently push the pin out.

Disassemble the steering wheel:

1. Once the steering wheel is removed, place it on a flat surface.
2. There will be between 6 to 10 screws holding the pieces together. Unscrew these to take the steering wheel apart.

Use the provided DXF file to cut the design from a 12" x 12" x 1/4" MDF sheet.

A CO2 laser or CNC router can be used for this task.

Center the plate perfectly on the steering column.

Mark the spots where you need to drill holes using the plate as a template.

Drill holes using a 3/16" to 1/4" drill bit.

Use bolts, nuts, and washers to securely attach the plate to the steering column.

Run the wires through the middle of the MDF plate, the steering column, and the car's dashboard, ensuring the wires are long enough.

Mark the spots on the plate where the button will be attached.

Drill the necessary holes, making sure the button is straight and centered.

Reattach the steering column using the same method you used to remove it.

Ensure that the button wires are easily accessible, especially if they haven't been connected to the kill switch yet.

If the emergency stop switch is already connected, you may need to either cut the wire or disconnect the wire nuts from the emergency stop switch and the negative terminal of the pedal so that you can route the wire correctly.

Determine the required length for the bar.

Use PVC cutters to cut the bar to the appropriate size.

Measure 4 23/32" from the center on both sides.

Place the bar in a vice.

Drill pilot holes progressively using the following drill bit sizes: 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", and finally 1/2".

Bore out the 1/2" holes slightly to ensure a good fit.

Prepare two bolt assemblies, from the top down:

1. Bolt #1
2. PVC steering bar
3. Flat Washer #1
4. Spring #1
5. Flat Washer #2
6. Spring #2
7. Flat Washer #3
8. Nut #1
9. MDF steering plate
10. Flat Washer #4
11. Lock Washer #1
12. Flat Washer #5
13. Nut #2

1. Slide the assembly through the holes in the MDF.
2. Secure the assembly with Flat Washer #4, Lock Washer #1, Flat Washer #5, and Nut #2.
3. Tighten all components fully to ensure stability.

If using the additional Wrap-Around Grab Bar, attach to the steering bar on either end.

Ensure the bar does not stick and is easy to push.

Verify that the bar is straight and properly aligned.

Watch for pinch points for little fingers.

If the Test Fails:

1. Continue boring out the holes as needed.
2. Repeat the attachment and testing steps until the bar functions correctly

If your child needs the steering bar closer to their body, consider the modification found in GoBabyGo Wrap-Around Grab Bar for Steering Bar (Part 2).