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#26 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 33
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Re: Power or no power steering
Hello all, I have had my 1972 c30 for just a bit over a year now and I cannot wait to change over to power steering. 8 live in Southern California and the parking lots kill me. The truck has a 292 in it so I have found out that there are some very rare parts on this engine. At least not easily or cheaply sourced. Does anyone know if the 1972 frames were all dimpled?? I am hoping I can make a change this spring.
Cesar Last edited by chc1955; 12-29-2019 at 08:01 PM. Reason: Forgot sentence. |
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#27 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Orrtanna PA
Posts: 28
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Re: Power or no power steering
I have a 51, a 66 and a 68, all half ton trucks. They all had manual steering, last year I converted the 66 to power steering since this truck I gave to my wife. It is a 3 on the tree truck and she had a hard time with the manual steering and the 3 on the tree. This is the only column shift truck we have so I didn't want to loose that so decided to convert to power steering. We enjoyed this set up last summer, so I just converted the 68 about two weeks ago, sure is nice when you get in close quarters or parking lots.
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#28 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Thumb, Michigan
Posts: 32
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Re: Power or no power steering
The poor man's power steering "kit" is called a suicide knob, lol. Like said, just keep it rocking or moving a little, and stay outa the cities.
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#29 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Old Bridge, New Jersey
Posts: 78
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Re: Power or no power steering
I definitely know what a suicide knob is.
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#30 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Hanover NJ
Posts: 4,160
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Re: Power or no power steering
67chevypickupman where are you located in Jersey?
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Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557 |
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#31 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 1,437
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Re: Power or no power steering
>>The secret to non power steering driving is to get the truck moving before you turn the wheel. Even a 1/2 mph makes it 200% easier to steer.<<
Ya, it's doable, but parallel parking a long bed, 3/4 with descent tires will cause you to loose a pint of sweat on a warm day and you'll look like you're wrestling a bear inside the cab. Screw originality, these trucks should be fun to drive. The truck shouldn't dictate where you can or can't drive. I've done a number of changes to my bare bones 3spd truck, but three things I did made it pleasurable to drive anywhere, any time. The PS as mentioned, even allowed the use of a smaller steering wheel for extra cab room. Switching the 4.56 gears for 3.54/ posi took me from 60 mph in the slow lane to 75 in the high speed lane. Then I was able to get somewhere. The AC allowed me to go anywhere on a hot summer afternoon without reeking of sweat. Interestingly enough, if my 2018 Ram 3500 didn't have F/R ParkSense, I'd probably drive the GMC when going someplace with parking issues. The GMC is fun to drive and the Ram is quieter and more weather tight. Besides, how many Ram trucks fit on one street or one parking lot. The GMC is old, beat-up and ugly, but people still ask about it. I like to think that has nothing to do with enjoying driving it. |
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#32 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Old Bridge, New Jersey
Posts: 78
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Re: Power or no power steering
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#33 | ||
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Podunk, Texas
Posts: 748
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Re: Power or no power steering
Quote:
Quote:
These! ![]()
__________________
"It is hard to search for a black cat in a dark room, particularly if it is not there. Especially if this cat is smart, brave, and polite." Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defense |
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#34 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,628
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Re: Power or no power steering
A guy I once worked with bought a new El Camino in 1969. SS396, 375HP, a real runner back in the day. No power steering. Tire selections back then were nothing like they are now. He bought some very wide low profile "Indy tires" for it, with appropriately wide wheels. It was all but impossible for him to park that thing.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#35 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
Posts: 737
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Re: Power or no power steering
As a young man I started to remove my power steering from my '71 Z/28 thinking it was robbing power.
My Dad pointed out that since I drove the car daily, if I happened to run off the road, with manual steering I wouldn't be able to keep control as the wheel would jerk out of my hands and the car would go wherever it wanted, whereas, with power steering I would have a much better chance of recovering from the incident and keep control, possibly avoiding a rollover or other serious consequence. Sounds melodramatic but made sense to me then and still does today. Not to mention the ease and comfort of daily driving. I wouldn't even begin to want to go off-road without power steering whether voluntarily or by accident.
__________________
1967 K30 461/TH400/Np205/D60/14FF/BDS MTZ 375/75/16 on 16x10 Pro Comps |
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#36 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Old Bridge, New Jersey
Posts: 78
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Re: Power or no power steering
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#37 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 3,090
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Going slow downhill over terrain can and will cause the wheel to spin violently and with lots of torque. It will break your thumb or maybe even your arm if the circumstances aligned right. Gotta be aware of what is happening! -klb Posted via Mobile Device |
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#38 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: St Peters, MO
Posts: 439
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Re: Power or no power steering
I just got back from a local parts run in my '67 - I was just telling my wife how much fun it is driving the ol' truck. Power steering is the way to go. A couple of well-placed hits with a 20-lb sledge on the frame rail let the steering gearbox fit nicely along the frame without spacers. I also added a newer 3-1/4 turn steering box used on '73(?) and later trucks and a tilt column from Les (70shortfleet). With the original large steering wheel it steers like a Cadillac.
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1967 C20, 350 SBC w/Comp roller cam, 700R4 w/3.42 posi, PS, 4-wheel PDB, Old Air AC & GM Tilt column. |
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#39 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Millbrook, New York
Posts: 88
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Re: Power or no power steering
Quote:
Good to know! I think I’m gonna keep it as is for now though. I live in the country and it’s kind of fun and keeps in character with the old truck.. I used to have a 69 Corvette without power steering so it’s pretty much a piece a cake compared to that. 😆 Happy New Year!
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1967 GMC 3/4 ton custom. 283 4 speed unrestored |
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#40 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Orland Park Il
Posts: 2,041
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Re: Power or no power steering
Quote:
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68 GMC C3500 Longhorn DRW 67 Chevy C10 LWB 90 Mustang Gt 90 Mustang Notchback |
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#41 | |
Who Changed This?
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,396
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Re: Power or no power steering
Quote:
All my vehicles these days have power assist, at the least. One thing I want to point out is that if the engine quits, the power steering is worse, since you actually have to exert more effort to turn the vehicle. I consider my wife fortunate that she was going down an off ramp and was pretty much stopped when the van we had quit running (fuel pump died) and she managed to steer it to a stop without the power steering and hydraboost braking working.
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~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
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#42 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Hanover NJ
Posts: 4,160
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Re: Power or no power steering
__________________
Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557 |
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#43 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Old Bridge, New Jersey
Posts: 78
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Re: Power or no power steering
Got your PM
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#44 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,263
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Re: Power or no power steering
Is it possible to upgrade to power steering and get a closer ratio? I have a 63 with a 292; sure would be nice to make it easier to maneuver.
In all cases, do you need to shorten the steer column? Does this move the steering wheel further away from the driver? This would be nice too, now that I think about it. Posted via Mobile Device |
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#45 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Hanover NJ
Posts: 4,160
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Re: Power or no power steering
yes you can do both......
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Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557 |
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#46 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Here
Posts: 5,484
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Re: Power or no power steering
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#47 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,263
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Re: Power or no power steering
So, I should be should be able to find some builds like that here?
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1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed |
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#48 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Hanover NJ
Posts: 4,160
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Re: Power or no power steering
try 60-66 forum on here and type in ps conversion in the search or put up a post asking for anyone who has converted..... if you don't find it in your search ......good luck let us know how u make out
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Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557 |
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#49 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Hanover NJ
Posts: 4,160
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Re: Power or no power steering
Quote:
try this http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=726541
__________________
Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557 |
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#50 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Tahuya WA
Posts: 569
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Re: Power or no power steering
Spent 8 years in the AF as a Construction Equipment Operator and I love manual steering on my truck!
I've had both. Love to crank the wheel on a hard turn and then release it and let it spin...weeee! ![]() Of course I live in the sticks and never try to parallel park the dang thing. ![]() |
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