[trident]

I admit I don't know much about anything, but here goes-
I'm building a not stock 54 belair (my 53 turned into a parts car). I would like to keep the origional front chasis because 1) no money for a Mustang II and 2) no money. I thought by doing that I could spend what money I do have in other areas and someday could go back with a Mustang II when the dollars are there. The goal here is to get the car on the road before I die. LOL.
However, what I got to have is power steering. My car doesn't have it now and the used origional power steering parts are also expensive to add if someday I'll be pulling it all out for the front end upgrade. ok, thats the background- now heres what I'm getting at. I saw an ad in a mag for an electronic power steering set up sold by Flaming River. I thought- wow!- I can use that with either front end plus save some space as a bonus. I called FR and ask about it. They sent me a catalog. The electronic power steering sells for$3,590.00 to $3990.00 !!!! Did I miss something here? Can someone tell me why this thing cost so much? I think it's a great idea and all, but really? Anyone bought one of these and why?

[willowbilly3]

I just read an article in this months Street Rodder about electric steering.

[trident]

ya that's where I saw it. I think it's a great idea, but not worth the price. I was thinking when I called Flaming River that it would be around 600 to 800 dollars. Was I surprised whe I got their catalog. Look's like Chip and Boyd can sell them to their customers. I read an old post by Michael Bryan where he used a '85 Asto van steering box in his '52 Chevy. Michael - can you post more info/pictures?

[Kruzin Karl]

You gotta be kidding!!
I was drooling over that in Street Rodder, thinking that it would really clean up the front of my engine removing all the power steering assembly. I was thinking like maybe $750 - $1,000., but I guess I was dreaming.

[Triaged]

If you really want to talk about expensive the new Malibu's and some other vehicles out there have an electric-assist rack & pinion. My mom has one. You can palm the wheel in a parking lot, and not have it feel over boosted on the hwy. I really like it.

You might also look into the Subaru XT6 of the 80's (space ship looking car) and some years of Toy MR2's for electric pumps. After you find the exact years find one from www.car-part.com

[powerrodsmike]

Some of those steering systems were developed in the mid 90's by TRW for the hybrid cars. There are a few types. Here is a link to the pdf about some of them. http://www.trw.com/images/cha_steeri...on_english.pdf
A friend of mine wanted to adapt them to hot rod use a few years ago but didn't persue it because of the price of the system and the reluctance of folks to deviate from the tried and true stuff already out there, plus the systems looked strange.
Later,
Mikey