Alright boys, I've never been let down by the HAMB'rs so lets try this one on.... I am about to install a new IFS on my 52 Chevy Deluxe, I've heard of a conversion box or some kind of adapter that I can install to where I cut off my original steering box, this adapter or whatever the hell it is would allow me to keep my original steering box and my shifter keeping my car looking stock. Has anyone of you guys heard of such a thing?????? I'm trying to avoid changing out the column and I would really like to keep the shifter in its rightful place. As always any help would be a great help! Thanks, Sam Navarro 832-618-0447
Mill or grind a double-D pattern on the end of the shaft and use a good quality universal joint. If it doesn't line up right, you can use an intermediate shaft with a joint on each end. If you're on a budget, you can try adapting a 1970s-1980s GM full size van steering shaft - it will fit the steering wheel and has two U-joints in it already.
you can cut the column in two pieces, the outer column shorter to expose the actual shaft. Install a bearing over the shaft into the column. I have the part number for the bearing from a bearing place in waxahachie, I'll PM that to you. then I like to support the shaft in the engine bay. A couple of universal joints and you can adapt it to the front end you using. This keeps nothing effected inside and the shifter intact.
Thanks for the info guys, I could have sworn that I saw a box for sale like $350 or so??? Maybe the booze was talking?
Would I be able to run my 700 ****** still with the original shifter? Or would I have to take it out?
You can still run the three on the tree with the auto, just you have to find or feel the pattern, I have done this on a few trucks and cars, just drop one of the links, and you can run your horn wire out side the colum so you keep the center buton for that....Roach.
It's not as hard as you might think. On my old Stude pickup, I simply cut the column shaft right by the old worn gearbox, welded on the very end of a GM column to get the flex-joint mounting plate, then bolted a GM/JEEP Saginaw power steering box to the frame and connected the flex joint as if it were a stock installation. I just needed to make sure the pin on one plate matched the notch in the "other" plate so that there would still be a good steering connection if the rubber flex joint failed. Then I bought a urethane flex joint disc replacement piece to replace a stock GM rubber flex joint disc. AutoZone. View attachment 980202
Why didn't the picture show in the last post? This is what I used- Old original steering column and wheel with a newer power steering box. It wasn't hard at all.
Keep in mind that the original shifter attached to the automatic trans will have no provision for reverse/park lockout. Would hate to accidentally shift into reverse or park at speed...especially reverse. I've thought a time or two how a lockout could be engineered by maybe utilizing the spring-loaded feature of the original shifter and a plate with notches and something to engage them. I know it could be done, just never worked it out completely.
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