90 Prostar 190 Complete Steering Upgrade

[Pro351]

So I decided it was time for a new steering cable in my 1990 Prostar 190. I removed the cable and figured while I was there I might as well check everything, steering related. I noticed even with the cable removed, the wheel would turn difficult in certain spots. And the steering wheel had play in it. I removed the big T helm, took it apart and realized a few teeth were broken. They don't make a big T helm for my year boat, so I purchased a SeaStar SH5000P Helm, Big-T from Amazon. The body of this helm is the same, but the shaft will not work. I know there's another thread on this, but the shaft has to be swapped over. Not too difficult. Once the shaft is swapped over, it's ready to go.

[Pro351]

I then purchased a tilt steering column (splined shaft) from Skidim. Comes complete with mount, hardware, covers, etc.

[Pro351]

The old mount had to be removed and new holes drilled for the new mount. I also had to trim part of the dash panel to allow room for the trim piece. Here is the new upgraded mount:

[Pro351]

Next, install the helm. The bolts on the kit weren't long enough, so I had to get longer ones (4 center bolts) But it bolts up perfectly.

[Pro351]

Then install the tilt column with the supplied hardware. Two Phillip head bolts.

[Pro351]

Then install the lower plastic trim piece. It's secured by two machine screws that bolt into the mount.

[Pro351]

Next is the rubber boot and splined mount, which fits perfectly on the new shaft.

[Pro351]

Finally the steering wheel. The only thing I haven't installed is the center cap for the wheel. It's a pain to get off... so I wanna make sure I'm good to go before I install it. You can see in the pictures the new range of motion my wheel has. It tilts so far up, that it almost hits my dash. It's great for when your in and out of the drivers seat a lot.

[Pro351]

After completed, my steering turns flawlessly and is very solid. No play at all. Like new. I routed my cable but haven't had the time to hook it up yet. Basically with a new cable, helm and column, all of my steering components are new. I checked the rubber and that is absolutely fine, so I installed a new grease fitting and greased it.

[Pro351]

Here's just a couple pictures of my old set up, in case anyone was wondering.

[waterlogged882]

Thanks for the follow-up.

Best on the upcoming season with the new wheel.

PS: nice shoes

.

[RxMC]

Here's just a couple pictures of my old set up, in case anyone was wondering.

That's the original setup? 1990 model, no tilt?

[Pro351]

That's the original setup? 1990 model, no tilt?

Original setup did have tilt. The bushing was worn and had play in the shaft.

[RxMC]

1990 did not come with tilt but I'm interested in converting. So this is second replacement for your boat?

[Pro351]

1990 did not come with tilt but I'm interested in converting. So this is second replacement for your boat?

Mine is a 1990 limited edition... so I believe it came with factory tilt. Although you or someone correct me if I'm wrong. But if yours doesn't have tilt... this would be a nice upgrade. The range of motion on this new column is amazing. And super tight. No more play.