I am strongly considering adding power steering to my '63 Biscayne. I have an aftermarket (Flaming River) power steering pump as well as reservoir that my Son gave me. I see there are aftermarket kits available. Opinions on using factory salvage yard parts vs just buying a kit ?? Thanks in advance..
I added factory power steering to my '58 way back in the '70s. It used the old steering box but added a ram and the pump connected to the back of the generator. Worked great. By '63 things may have been different.
As Blowby said, the stock ram style worked just fine but obviously there are other options out there now. You could upgrade the stock steering box with an adaptor plate to use saginaw 605 box which will give you a slightly quicker ratio and you dont have to use the ram ***embly. In fact im pretty sure all the manual steering linkage is used. I'm also pretty sure i even have a used adaptor laying around here for that conversion, and i know i have a couple complete stock original p/s set ups for x-frame chevy's here if you're interested in any of that. The stock stuff is in used cond though. Tony
Flaming River also makes a bolt in cradle that converts it to rack and pinion. They may be expensive but it cures a lot of install issues.
I kinda like that idea Tony...will do some more checking, and probably get a hold of you.. one question...my current box is very close to the radiator. Will the 605 be longer ?? I am planning on changing radiators, so that would not necessarily be an issue..
I dont think it will interfere. Pretty sure it is designed to replace the stock box without creating other issues like clearence. Absolutely do some checking, and if i can help just send me a note. Tony
Friend had to replace the radiator in his '62, ordered one that has a cut away area in the lower left corner to clear the bigger 605 box just in case he decides to change out the stock power steering set up in the future. Maybe something to consider.
^^^^^^^ Really good info! I had 2 605 set ups but actually swapped them for stock manual set ups because i personally prefer manual, but both the 605's i had were with piles of parts, not on the cars so i really didnt know. Bob, if you decide to go stock original i have that stuff too Tony
A bit of FYI....currently running a radiator out of a '66 Impala 327. It is in average shape, so picked up a really nice one out of a '66 Impala 396. Took a bit of adapting to make the '66 radiator fit, so if I make this switch and there is a clearance issue I will just take the newer radiator to a shop and have the lower corner cut out. Appreciate all the help here... as I continually state, the forum just plain ROCKS !!
I've got 605's in two different cars right now. Easiest and cheapest way to go. Just make sure you start out with a rebuilt box not a junk yard box. That said, 605's are inherently a little twitchy for some. They work for me. Gary
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