47-55.1 Electric power steering

[TX3100Guy]

I'm considering adding power steering to my 1953 Chevy truck. I've previously installed a unit from EZ Power Steering in a 1969 Jaguar E-Type (XKE) and it transformed the driving of that car. I suspect that the steering box and steering setup on the truck could use some assistance too. Here is a photo of my steering box, shortened column, and double D connector between the box and the Ididit. My current setup is the stock steering box with a significantly shortened column segment out of the box to support a universal Ididit tilt steering column.



The unit I'm looking at is from a company called EPAS Performance
I have sent the company multiple questions about how the unit is attached, how much shorter the Ididit column needs to be to accommodate the power unit, etc. More to come.



Has any used this unit and or other electric power steering units. I have to go power steering because my 261 cu/in inline six engine is already driving a McCulloch supercharger, alternator and Vintage Air compressor, there is just no more room for a traditional power steering pump driven by a belt.

I know that Classic Performance Parts makes a new power steering box that bolts into the stock location, but it still needs a pump, unless there is a electric pump option that could fit in the truck, I don't think this unit would solve my problems.

[tigerhays]

i haveit in my 34 chevy and i love it easy install works great mine has a reostat where i can change the power to firm it up or down i think it is https://epowersteering.com/ the guy that owns the company answers the phone and is very helpful for any questions

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by tigerhays

i haveit in my 34 chevy and i love it easy install works great mine has a reostat where i can change the power to firm it up or down i think it is epower

Could I bother you for an under the dash and engine compartment photo?

Did you already have the Ididit column and shorten it yourself?

[tigerhays]

yes it came with the adapter and i welded it to the shaft to go to the motor

[tigerhays]

its all under the dash ive had a stroke and cant get to it to take a picture

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by tigerhays

its all under the dash ive had a stroke and cant get to it to take a picture

Very sorry to hear that, no problem at all. Take care.

[mr48chev]

It looks like for these trucks one would need the universal kit. https://epowersteering.com/purchase/...niversal-kit/#

It looks like he is using the Saturn View / Chevy Equinox box from the dimensions drawing that he showed. Those are known to be a bit twitchy in some setups unlike the Prius unit.

I bought the whole unit out of an Equinox off a guy including steering wheel a few years back and have it out in the shed. This kit would let me hook that unit up https://epowersteering.com/purchase/...equinox-units/

[mick53]

I haven't installed mine yet in my 53 but I put the same unit in a friends truck a few years back and it's really nice. I'm also installing a 1.5 steering quickiner. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=706336632868664

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by mick53

I haven't installed mine yet in my 53 but I put the same unit in a friends truck a few years back and it's really nice. I'm also installing a 1.5 steering quickiner. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=706336632868664

Excellent. My only issue is that I already have an Ididit tilt column and EPAS seems to sell the assembly already attached to an Ididit column. I'm a leary of taking on the task of disassemblng the Ididit column and chopping it up. I've sent a message to them asking about having them do that work. More to come...

Good luck on your install, I put an EZ Steering unit on a 1969 Jaguar and it transformed driving that car.

[chevyguyase]

I installed an EPAS from a 2005 Toyota Prius on my "54 3100. Works perfect. If you are interested in something like this search (Epas) and my user name. or I'll be glad to answer any questions.

[TX3100Guy]

I spoke with Geoff from EPAS today. I'm going to be sending them my Ididit column for them to shorten it and install the EPAS power steering unit. When I get it back I'll post a photo of it afterwards.

[Lost in the 60's]

Electric steering, to me, is just an accident waiting to happen. Maybe the Prius system has a fail safe built in for when it fails, but the GM units do not. After having 3 of them fail in mid 2,000's cars, I'll never buy another GM with their electric steering. When it fails, you need to be superman just to get it to a safe place to stop. Much harder to turn the wheel without it than loosing a belt or blowing a hose. Like many things, it's great when it works and damn scary and dangerous when it quits assisting in the middle of a turn, with NO warning.

[dsraven]

cool idea and I hope it works good for you with no bugs to work out. plug and play would be awesome. I suppose the steering gear would need to be "tight" as far as the amount of slop in the input shaft. otherwise the electric assist might lose it's mind.
I will stick with my belt and hose system for now. I have electric on my silverado, in the winter, at colder than -20C, it can be unpredictable for how much boost it delivers. GM says they "reflashed it" and it's supposed to be good. not the case when it is outside overnight.

[dsraven]

nice clean looking truck you have there.

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by dsraven

nice clean looking truck you have there.

Thanks. It is a totally rust free truck. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with the outside yet. The bed is all new metal from Mar-K (previous owners purchase) but is still in primer, I have an unfinished Mar-K roll pan, a cab that has 90% perfect paint (but a few scrapes and blemishes), black powder coated running boards, and four fenders that need either a serious buffing or re-painted.

I'm torn between painting the entire truck or going for more of a faux-patina look. A friend suggested I get it vinyl wrapped, but that isn't my style. More photos as work progresses.

[mick53]

Originally Posted by TX3100Guy

I spoke with Geoff from EPAS today. I'm going to be sending them my Ididit column for them to shorten it and install the EPAS power steering unit. When I get it back I'll post a photo of it afterwards.

Attachment 2272481

My experience with them has been outstanding. I have no experience with other systems but if the EPAS Performance goes out it just goes back to normal manual steering. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do.