Does anyone have experience converting a 51 Chevy Car to power steering while retaining the original steering box and front suspension? I have been told to use a control valve and power cyclinder off a 57 Chevy power steering setup. But how do I fabricate and mount brackets for them. I have a 350 engine in the car and can easily mount the ps pump once I have the valve and cylinder mounted.

I have heard that the 57 Chevy power steering will basically bolt into the 49 and up Chevys, but don't know this as a fact. I do know that 57 PS units are pricey because of the restoration crowd. You are going to have to pay big bucks for a complete unit, then more big bucks to have it rebuilt and it probably still is going to leak. My suggestion would to start looking for mid 60s Saginaw Power units and adapt to your frame. You need to carefully measure the tength of your box pitman arm and note any offset it may have and whether it is pointed forward or rearward. If you can't find and arm that matches your, and yours will not adapt to the Power units output shaft, then get a good machinist/welder to cut the two and refit to work.
Having said all this, I do have a "pricey" 57 unit that I'm taking to Charollette Motor Speedway this Spring. It will have a $450 price tag and I'm sure I won't bring it home!!

Trees

Thanks for your help. I already have a 57 PS control valve and a cylinder off a very low mileage car and they did not leak AND I GOT THEM FREE !!! from a friend who put a mustang II under his 57.

Does anyone know of any "bolt on" power steering setups from later fords/mercs/lincs that will bolt in to a 50 Linc/Merc?

[ April 03, 2003: Message edited by: senor_limpio ]</p>

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