I'm wondering if you can use a vega steering box the same way as a reversed corvair for traditonal steering? Or do you just buy the Corvair? I'm working on a budget and the price difference is 175$. Any help on this subject would be nice. Thanks, Brandon
Their are other options. I still see old Ross steering boxes at swaps pretty often. I think Von Franko used a 60-70 aluminum mid size Mopar box.
No, a Vega box is for a "side-steer" draglink setup, and reversed corvair is used for traditional fore-aft draglink steering.
I know Vega is for cross-steer, but I didn't know if you could flip it on its side and use it like a corvair?
As out-of-place as it would look on an otherwise traditional hot rod, yeah, they can be mounted like that and even reversed the same way as the Corvair box. Honest question: Why are you limiting your choices to Corvair or Vega?
That's just what I've seen in the aftermarket parts. What are some other options that I could use that would safe and reliable? While not having to go junkyard scavaging.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=445054 came upon this in the classifides an hour after reading your thread
All bullshit aside, sure seems like a tough row to hoe if you're not willing to scavenge and looking to aftermarket as your first option. If you're truly on a budget I would suggest poking around here for a while and doing some research. F1 F100 Nearly any Ford 32-48 Early GM Hudson
Assuming "80" means 1980, seriously just stop shopping and start researching. If you're set on an F1/F100 box you should be looking for anything from 1948 to 1956.
I am researching Kevin Lee, your advice has opened my eyes to alot of ideas. Understand too, that I am not a seasoned hot rodder. I am learning as I go and any input is much appreciated. This will be my first hot rod build and I'm trying to learn from seasoned hot rodders such as yourself.
Old Mustang boxes were once a ubiquitous as the Vega, especially with a 4 bar. I know most don't consider the 4 Bar set up traditional, (I disagree) but that's an argument for a different day. I think it may even be the same box as the Maveric, the Mav. ones I've seen in the yards look just like the Mustang box I have. Kevin's right, get out there and scrounge around some. You don't know what you're missing.
At the risk of hi-jacking this thread, I have a reversed Corvair for traditional steering. Any opinions on whether to mount it inside the cowl or outside the firewall. I too, am learning as I go. I have a steel body with a custom frame, so either way, I'm making mounting plates/brackets.
diggin in the bone yards is a lot of fun ,and some times you come out with new ideas for your ride you had not intended or thought of yet.
When you say "early GM" what years/applications are you talking? The F1/F100 boxes are getting thin on the ground now.
kevin lee has mentioned some good boxes....46 chevy are good boxes ive used, easy to find boxes like 65 mustang boxes are good (running one on my roadster). ive never paid over 60 bucks for a used box here in NC. listen to these guys man....shop around and cool you wallet down.
first advice...TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!! SHOP AROUND. im almost done with my roadster and just over $2,500 into it....trade, swap meets.....im a craigslist monster...there are good deals out there just gotta look
Yup, I fully get it. Learning as you go... that is exactly how I did it. (and still do it, and will keep doing it) But understand that from here it looks like you're more willing to buy as you go. We're just trying to save you hassle.
I found this short article on the web that may help you figure out what kind of steering you want and some options: http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/techarticles/0803rc_steering_box_options/index.html You can, sometimes, go to a show or cruise night and strike up a conversation with some guy whose got a car like the one you have in your head and ask questions. Most times he'll be glad to answer.
How about sixties Ford Chevy and Dodge vans? Practically any Ross box from hundreds of applications throughout the fifties and sixties? Saw a thread the other day about Suzuki samurai, Haven't looked at that one myself, but will next time at a U-pull it yard. Sixties Chrysler small car stuff looks great and is relatively easy to do as cowl steering. Volvos up until '78 used a kinda cute aluminum box that the Europeans have used for years now. Ya just gotta get out and look!
Thanks guys, I will be taking my time and trying to slow down on the buying. I researched alot last night and found that 65, 66 and 67 mustang boxs are usable. I like the idea of cowl steering (thanks need louvers). I guess something else that I am curious about the the ratio of the steering box. Some are 19.9:1, 20:1, 16:1..... I would think that the ratio is pretty important, but does the ratio make that much difference between 19.9:1 and 16:1?
I took what, at the time, seemed to be the easy route on our roadster. Vega box with cross steer. Very happy with it. No bump steer and the stock ratio works well on this car.
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