Convert to power steering?

[Muncy45]

Folks, I'm getting the itch to start my '63 SWB step-side project and I'm mulling engine options. I'd really like to go with a 283 or a 327 out of an early to mid-60's Chevy car. I'm wondering how many of you have successfully added power steering to your rides and how you accomplished it. I'm not mechanically inclined and the people to whom I've spoken have said it's a difficult conversion to make. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

[vince1]

I don't know about the swb but the longer ones really like power steering.

It is quite easy. I found that with adapter plates and a hole or two to drill the PS box just bolts on to the frame in place of the manual box. The Pitman arm that was on the 67 junkyard box I used fit into the steering linkage OK.

I can't remember if the steering shaft length has to change, like if the box input shaft lengths are different between manual and PS. I used the 67 shaft also and put it into the 66 column, with the added benefit that it has a collapsible double D section.

If you get the pump brackets with the engine you are using then shouldn't be a problem mounting the pump. Newer pumps (mid 80's) (and maybe boxes) changed over to metric fittings. I found that fittings from the pump can be swapped to the other type.

Keep reading, there are lots of posts here on the subject.

[Muncy45]

Thanks, Vince1 - sounds encouraging.

[spacedebris]

There is a bunch of great PS threads in the FAQ

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646002

Post #4

they should just about cover everything you'll need

[Muncy45]

Thanks, spacedebris.

[earl84]

Welcome to the boards. I grew up in Casselton, just 20 miles west of Fargo. I don't really know about the '63, but I swapped the entire front crossmember from a '79 into my 66 C20 and gained power steering and power brakes. SOOOO nice. Only really been on the road about a month, and I'm working out the kinks, but power steering and brakes rule!!

[earl84]

Oh, and just dive in to the work, dude. I have learned a lot doing my truck and you'll find that a lot of things aren't difficult, they just take some work and time. Then you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself, really get to know your truck, and get bragging rights.

[Muncy45]

Thanks, Earl84! I know Casselton well. How long has it been since you've been back?

[earl84]

was up there this last July and again in October. Still have lots of family there.

[Mjminino]

Once you find your power steering box, you'll need to get a hold of Captianfab HERE for adapter plates.

[Ronw435]

If your motor has the grooves for the belt it really is very easy. Buy the adapter plate from Captianfab, weld to frame and drill new holes for the ps box. Mine was out of a 71 Chevy truck and the mount for the power steering pump bolted right up to my 283. Easy, breezy. Mine is a 65 Step side with the short water pump. POC! Try and get the rag joint from your donor and reuse it with Captains rag joint adapter too. That is if its good...

[Muncy45]

I really appreciate all of the help, folks. I'm as dumb as a sack of hair when it comes to this stuff but a) I love these old things, b) I have motivation, c) I'm not afraid to screw up so I figure I'll get something done.

I have a line on a 327 out of a '66 Impala with power steering - it sounds like if I could acquire that with all the necessary components/goodies I'd be able to track down adaptors and collapsable shafts to make it work?

[SS317]

From what I've learned the steering box out of the impala won't work, it needs to be from a GM truck. I'm getting ready to add power steering as well. Send Captainfab a PM about the adapter plate and flange to check his pricing. He seems very reasonable and everyone that has installed his plate seems to like it. I'm heading to the junkyard today to find the rest of the parts for my install.

[Muncy45]

Good to know, SS317! Thanks!

[earl84]

I will second the recommendation on Captainfab's adapter. I used this, the spring perches, and a hydro boost adapter plate from him. It was all quality stuff, fit properly, and in general made life much easier. Plus, he is a great contributor to this forum, and deserves our support.

[NEWFISHER]

I bolted the pump to the engine and got my pully's aligned and drove it with the hose routed and installed ( no belt-don't want the pump turning) while I waited for the Capt Fab mount and his cut-fit rag joint adapter. I grabbed a used 72 2x power box and in half a day, remember I already had the pump mounted, had it all together. Pull the manual box, use the supplied template to drill holes. Mount the adapter plate and box, measure the shaft, cut and weld in the slip adapter for rag joint, hook up the pressure line and return, fill with fluid, turn wheel 1,000 times back and forth to bleed air. Start engine and enjoy 1 finger steering into parking lot spaces.