I want to install a completely new steering system in my 37 Chevy. The system in the car now is old school, and frankly scary. This car was a backyard build from the early 70's. It has a GM tilt column of unknown origin. It does not have the ignition key, so I ***ume it's pre-1969. At the end of the column in the engine bay is a "U" joint. Coming from the "U" joint is a round solid metal rod, which then transitions into a spiral "flex" area about 10" long. This spiral flex resembles the flex stuff you see on hand tool extensions. That piece then "bends around" the exhaust manifold and finally goes into a Mustang II rack via a Double D connector. There is absolutely no support for the mechanism from the firewall "U" joint to the rack. The spiral portion of the shaft actually rides on and rubs the side of the rams horn exhaust manifold. I've had some guys look at it, and they've never seen anything like it. Can anyone suggest a book, or give me a link/links to articles on hot rod steering systems? I want to install a new system with Heim joints, etc. Thanks for any help. Chuck
back in the '90's I got in with a bad crowd and streetrodded out my 38 Chevy coupe. Put mustang II front end in it with 3 u-joints in the steering. Never liked it. Just finished putting a stock straight axle under it with a Saginaw box and cross steer. All problems solved. I know I didn't help much just voicing my opinion on mustang II.
i think pintos used that spiral flex shaft. borgeson universal here in ct will have everything you need to do it right. http://www.borgeson.com/
Thanks for the link and thanks for the input. I didn't know that Pintos used that spiral flex shaft. In looking for a new column, I'm unsure how the new aftermarket tilt columns are measured. I've been told 2-3 different ways. I see columns 30", 32", etc. etc. My most reliable source tells me that they are measured from the end of the steering shaft (in the engine compartment) to the edge of the hub (in the car). I've had dealers and aftermarket sellers tell me differently, however. I'm also unsure how to calculate the lengths/sizes of the different inter-connecting rods I'll need to fabricate a system. I've attached some pictures. I'll shoot some better ones to show what I'm dealing with.
Yeah,sounds like a Pinto flex shaft,gotta remember there was a time when hot rodders gleamed all there parts from junk yards and everything was not as close as a 1-800 number. They worked in a lot of tight situations before the aftermarket folks like Borgeson came along. I used one in a model A pick and it worked fine for years. HRP
Both Flaming River and Ididit will have everything you need and the tech people will tell you how. Visit their websites. If you need three u-joints then you will need a support bearing (Heim joint) to support the middle of the linkage.
I definitely need a center support bearing to keep the linkage away from the exhaust manifold. It actually hits and rides on it now. There is a groove about 1" long on the shaft where it's been rubbing, probably from the day it was installed. In looking at what I have, and comparing it to the picture that Hot Rod Primer posted, I'm CERTAIN that this is a Pinto set up. The rag joint in my set up is down by the rack, however. Thanks to all who have posted. I know a LOT more than I knew this morning. Keep those suggestions coming.
before ordering use 3/4 dowel to mock up the path. it is possible that a longer or shorter column might help to avoid using 3 joints. you might also find that moving the end of the column over, up or down may help also. you won't know till you mock it up. the dowel can also be used when you get the joints to make shafts to use as a template. better to screw up the cheap wood dowel than have to order more metal shaft.
Chuck check out this link. There is great input from Lobucrod with pics using a Saginaw box and cross steering. And I put in pics with a Vega box and cross steering. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/37-chevy-sedan-questions.958068/#post-10781641 I've owned my 38 Chevy coupe for 36 years and the best thing I did to was upgrading the steering.
Are there advantages/disadvantages in using 2 joints vs. 3 joints, vs. ???? The 3/4" dowel is an excellent idea.
My '37 Chevy has a Heidt's front end w/ Mustang II rack and pinion, 2 u-joints. I like my steering wheel closer to vertical than stock. I have been thinking about one of these: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Steer-Clear-Steering-Box-Drop-Brushed-Finish,6254.html BTW, I had one of those springy shafts on a drag race vette many years ago. Never a bit of trouble but it didn't rub on my headers either.
There are no advantages to using two or three. If you can get away with two that's great. But if you have to go around something like your exhaust, you may need three.(or more) If you use more then two then you need to use a shaft support(heim joint) Check out Borgensen website, they have lots of info.
Again, thanks to all. I started on the rear half of this car. There was previous accident damage and lots of rust in the trunk floor. I needed to replace the shocks and replace the axle seals. The rear half is pretty much done. I'm now moving on to "under the hood" issues. The steering linkage is close to the top of my agenda there. After that, it goes back to the paint shop for some exterior touch-ups, then after I install the new buckets, it's off for upholstery.
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