1963 Impala steering box question

Alright,

I have a 63 Impala I have had for 20 years. It has the ram assisted power steering that has always leaked and been a pita to find parts for. I was wondering if anyone knows if it can be converted to a saginaw style box?

I ask because I would like to simplify the steering and eliminate the leaky ram setup. Any input would be helpful.

I figure I will have to change the center link to make it work but where do you start trying to find one that would work?

Thanks in advance, CRYOMAN

 

Speedway has a kit:
1958-1964 Chevy Power Steering Kit
Item #: 91032580
Kit Price: $499.99

 

The Saginaw 605 box converts pretty easily ( Ihave one in my 62 SS).
But the newer 500 box is better and cheaper yet.
See http://www.classicperform.com/fullsize.htm#17

I would like to convert to a rack and pinion but Unisteer wants me to bend over and hold my ankles for one.

 

Thanks guys! The speedway kit looks like exactly what I am trying to do. The price isnt bad either.

Thanks!

 

Did you use an off the shelf center link to convert your 62? If so do you remember what it came off of?

 

You need a non power steering center link.

 

Like he ^ said. Non power steering center link. Got mine off Ebay for $25

 

the ram assisted parts are ever where, but they are price high

 

Yeah, I know where to get new stock replacement parts but it will always be a leaky pita so I would like to not replace them for the third time. Rather put the saginaw style box on and simplify things at the same time.

 

Bump this up, looking for anyone that has swapped a 605 box from a Gbody or similar donor car into a 63 impala, NOT using a kit.

Don't know much about the 500 box, is it available on factory vehicles that I can grab from a salvage yard?

Looks like late great chevy has mounting brackets for $130, IF you have a non power steering car already.
http://www.lategreatchevy.com/1963+...ering-box-mounting-bracket-kit-1958-1964.html

If anyone's made their own bracket or has done the swap, please chime in.

 

bump up again .

 

I had a 64 Belair post and converted it to a 605. Never pleased with the handling. Bump steer issues that were common to the 59-64 X frames. After much research I chose the Global West conversion. Not cheap and needs a notched radiator to fit the box location. However, it works and corrects all the previous issues. Sold the car to a fella who says he has never had a X frame that handles so well fwiw. Check out the GW site and watch the video on the steering issue.
http://www.globalwest.net/1959-1960...pala-el-camino-power-steering-conversion.html

 

Good feedback. How fid you convert to 605, was it a kit or did you fab it yourself.

Im running global west components on an OT build, great stuff. 63 impala build is a fill in budget build, wont be going that route.

 

Testing my memory here now as that was back in '06-'07 (it was a ten year project) but as I recall the box came with a adapter bracket that positioned it on the frame and a spacer for the idler arm. The fella I got it from is no longer around.