Is there anyone out there that has converted a 50 chevy with a V8 with original front suspension to power steering? If so how did this work out and what components did you use? (steering box, control arm, steering column) I have purchased a project car with rebuilt original suspension already done. I do not want to invest in Mustang II or other suspensions if possible. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Has anyone tried the rack and pinion style thing like fatman's does for the bigger GM's of that vintage? The kit I got for my 47 Buick is pretty generic maybe they have something similar for your car. I have not attemted to install yet so I can't comment on how it is going to work.
Thanks for your reply. I've heard of the fatman kits. Kinda looking for alternatives (old school I guess!) Good luck with your project.
Honestly, Is it really that hard to steer? I have never had a problem driving my 50, mine is all stock.
I have owned several of that vintage Chevy and power steering really isn't necessary. The steering wheel is large and the box ratio is long, in short, it steers just fine
Thanks for your replies. I'm kinda wanting to get rid of the large steering wheel and also wanting to upgrade brakes etc.
Just buck up for a Ch***is Engineering bolt in MMII kit and get it all, plus (relatively) easy installation. The only easy stock type P/S would be the rare as hen's teeth '54 Chev unit. And THAT is not likely to easy to find and while a bolt-in.....it's ***bersome..at best. Most home made rack & pinion adaptations I've seen to date have failed to take into consideration the geometry issues. Perhaps one of the "engineered" commercial kits would address that effectively and, in my opinion, be worth the cost.
saw a rack installed on one and it seemed to hang way below where I would want it to. if there was a viable rack or power steering set up for these cars, someone would be selling it. people who think the stock stuff "steers just fine" have a different definition of "just fine" than I do. parking spots these days are not made for our old cars. MII is the best way, otherwise you just have to live with it.
One of my cars, actually I've given it to my nephew, is a 51 Chevrolet Business Coupe; we've gone with the V-8, auto trans, open rear, lifted up, G***er look. It still has the stock steering wheel (leatherette wrapped), and i can't really see how a smaller, custom style steering wheel would really make much difference, if any; well maybe if it was a road racer or chicane (sp) type of car. If it did, I'd just take up a little weight lifting training before I'd add power steering. The stock power steering setup for 49-54 cars is very rare, and problematic with rebuild/parts availability. You might want to check out the 49-54 forum over on ChevyTalk.Org for more answers. Butch/56sedandelivery.
Thanks for the info from all. I'll ck out the ChevyTalk.org also. I use to have a 56 sedan delivery for drag racing. Sure wish I had that car back but heard it got totaled many years ago.
Hmmm......I'll have to check on that. Since it is so common that these type kits are offered w/ or w/o P/S, I (dangerously) ***umed it was available that way. I can't imagine any mechanical or spacewise reason it would not be available. Ray
I can- the steering shaft to crossmember clearance would likely prevent a power steering rack from fitting.
Is that related to the width between frame rails ? Because many of the crossmember kits offered are "dished" or "notched" just above and behind the valve body/coupling of the rack for clearance. If the frame rail is a problem, rather than the crossmember, I could comprehend that. EDIT: You are correct David. I just went to CE's webpage, and while they don't say why, they only offer manual racks for their bolt on kit. What is your opinion of the steering effort with the manual rack? Ray
Well- I'm not rolling yet, but I can easily turn the wheels lock to lock at a standstill with one arm. I'd say the effort was at an acceptable level. I'm no bodybuilder. Definitely not as easy as with power steering, but it's not hard enough to warrant the expense/h***le of power steering, imho. I'm not anticipating any issues with the steering- I've driven worse.
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