alternative hot rod steering boxes?

Whats out there besides the tried and true F-1/F-100, corvair, or vega boxes?

I'm building an early 50s Av8 and the F-1 steering boxes keep slipping through my fingers.

I've got access to a '38 and a '39 Ford sedans. One is a deluxe.

I also know of two late '30s chryslers.

So I'll ask again. Whats out of the cookie cutter realm?

 

'38-'39 box will work for cross steer or side steer with the pitman arm pointing up.

 

sweet, that could work seeing that I plan on doing a full exhaust.

 

bump for morning crew

Not sure if i like how the arm facing upwards will look

 

I've used a couple early Ranger/Courier boxes and love them. Usually cheap at the u pull it at around $30-$35 ea. I just put another in my Falcon to run the Econoline straight axle.

 

39 side steer would feel and drive really great if you can get it to clear the motor. I'm running a '40 and my car handles like a dream compared to the previous f100 box I had.

 

There is the Schroeder box for cowl steering as well as the BMW 2002.

 

I've used Mustang boxes in the past. HRP

 

pics and tips? You've got my attention

 

May not be for you, but take a look here:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=749287&highlight=fj40

 

early vw bus, maybe?

 

Here is a pic where you can sorta see the whole deal. I like it because you can box the frame and not cut into it for steering, and everything is still nice and period looking. It stays nice and stiff and you build a mount on the inside of the rail. The key is to get your engine mounted and manifolds or headers in and then position your steering box. Make sure you check not only the clearance for the box and column, but for the tie rod too where it crosses near the oil pan.

 

Land Rover/Burman box. All aluminium, looks period. Here's the one on Steve Lang's T coupe;

 

60's mustang box works good for a drag link style. And they are still somewhat cheap and plentiful.

 

BlackJack, does that mount right through the frame rail for side steering?

 

I've got an early Mustang box in mine (side steer, pitman arm points up), it works well, but for some reason I got the impression he wants an earlier look....

 

Yes - that's how I've used it on my 27 Modified. Really cheap to recondition too. They polish up beautifully.

 

I have a 46 ford box set up as a cross steer in my roadster.

 

Holy Crap!!!!!!!

 

I used a 39 ford car box in my 33 ford pickup for cross steering...loved the way it drove.

 

'60's Chrysler boxes have seen some usage lately. Aluminum box, good looking. Can be set up for cowl steering or cross steering.

I've got a '37 Ford box, is that the same as the '38-'40 unit? I'd like to use it in a '32 chassis.

 

I used a 70's Toyota Land Cruiser box on the Peter Beater. Paid less than $20 for it and it looks like an F1 box......

 

X2. I have a '62 vw type I box and it looks great and offers great mounting options.

 

If you are going for side cowl steering the MoPar manual steering box is a good choice. Get the alum. one its liter . If you want I have a list of cars that could have them on them.

 

No one has mentioned that sixties icon, reversed corvair.

 

I'm also using a VW Type 1 (Bug) box on my '39. It has worked great for 5 years now.

 

Older Volvo (164/144....?) is a good looking, compact ally box that I have seen used for cowl steer. I'll be using one on my roadster.
Toyota Landcruiser/Stout is another good one, but bulkier.

 

I used a Corvair van box on my Austin build. Different from Corvair car boxes. Small and the steering shaft is part of the box, so I had to cut the shaft off short and convert to DD.

 

Hey that VW bus box. I was looking at one in the local u pull it yard. How do you guys orient them to work? Flip them 180* or use them as cross steer?

 

Reversed Vega instead of a Corvair if a stronger box is needed. Just have to turn off some material on top cover to make room for u-joint to fit on.