[dan schatz]

I have a 1955 chevy, My steering sector is leaking and needs to be adjusted.My question is do I buy a rebuilt unit or is it worth the extra money to switch over to power steering? I only drive it about 1000 miles a year and I have the big steering wheel on it. Any help would be great. Thanks Dan

[boothboy]

Dan I guess that would depend on how old you are and how straight the roads you drive on are.

[dan schatz]

I'm 57 but don't have trouble parking at a show. I live in MN. so about ready to put it away for the season. I just don't know if it's worth changing the column and Alt. bracket and stuff just for parking.or if the power would help going down the road. Thanks for your response. Dan

[RWENUTS]

If you're using a stock width tire on the front then leave it stock. Fix the seal and drive the wheels off it.
Is your 55 stock or hotrodded a bit?

[dan schatz]

It's a 383 4 speed I have radial t/a's on it but it does drive good down the road with manual steering. Don' know if it's worth $1000 to convert to power. Thanks for your thoughts.

[RWENUTS]

I had a 56 like yours. Ran 225 70 15 on the front with the stock steering gear and a smaller steering wheel.
Drove a 56 Nomad with same tires and power steering. It was to light of a feel. Hard to get used to.
Keep your stock steering gear. You should be able to find a rebuilt one. Lots of the older ones had worn out sectors anyway so new is better.

[dan schatz]

Thanks for your help. I've never drove one with power so didn't know if I would like it. It was great that you've drove both. Thanks again Dan

[tony@roadstershop]

To upgrade to power steering and actually get the most out of what it "should" be, you should plan on changing the control arms as well to increase the castor. I wouldnt do it unless you planned on going all the way with it to do it right.

[dan schatz]

I thought that also I've read about caster and power steering. It steers good going down the road. Thanks for your input. Dan