1963 GMC power steering conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MOJO1963GMC · 08-23-2009, 06:54 PM

Steer me in the right direction for a conversion. Want to get a IDIDIT column in chrome or polished alum..then top it off with a new steering wheel...I have a power steering box ,pump and brackets off of about a '78 Chevy 1/2 ton .

**Captainfab** · 08-24-2009, 12:07 AM

I have the steering box adapter plates (link in my sig). What engine is in your truck?

MOJO1963GMC · 08-24-2009, 09:22 AM

350 SBC...Guess I shoulda mentioned that right off the bat.

MOJO1963GMC · 09-17-2009, 07:11 PM

Can't decide whether I should order polished alum or chrome. Chrome is cheaper but would polished alum be better?

markeb01 · 09-17-2009, 07:38 PM

It's really a personal preference, and a lot depends on what type steering wheel you pick and what the other interior appointments are made of (knobs, handles, etc). To some it's very important they match. Chrome, aluminum and stainless steel are all different colors. Most people wouldn't notice the difference, but if it matters it's something to consider.

My first pick is stainless steel. It goes all the way through, so if you get a nick or scratch you can usually polish it out. 2nd choice would be chrome, since an occasional wax job will keep it looking like new, unless it gets scratched. With aluminum components, depending on how tight the aluminum material itself is, it may require occassional or constant polishing. Brushed aluminum offers it's own challenges to keep looking nice, but if that is the look you're after, it's worth the effort.

I happen to have a skin type that discolors aluminum easily so I avoid aluminum knobs as they turn dull and dark very quickly. My son has no such trouble. Just something to consider when you're figuring how much you enjoy polishing.

MOJO1963GMC · 02-04-2010, 02:24 PM

That box out of the '78 chevy p/u will work right?

62gmc910 · 02-04-2010, 02:36 PM

With 'fabs plate, try to match the power steering pump to box (metric or SAE)Sorry you mentioned that
I also think you need to use the '78 idler mount for correct spacing ??

**Captainfab** · 02-05-2010, 01:50 AM

Yes that box will work. All the truck based power steering boxes from '69-'87 are the same housing. The one difference to look out for is the different hose fitting type as mentioned by 62gmc910. The metric style hose fittings started in about 1981. This is true for the pumps as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOJO1963GMC

That box out of the '78 chevy p/u will work right?

08-23-2009, 06:54 PM	#1
MOJO1963GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 89	1963 GMC power steering conversion Steer me in the right direction for a conversion. Want to get a IDIDIT column in chrome or polished alum..then top it off with a new steering wheel...I have a power steering box ,pump and brackets off of about a '78 Chevy 1/2 ton .

08-24-2009, 12:07 AM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: 1963 GMC power steering conversion I have the steering box adapter plates (link in my sig). What engine is in your truck? __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

08-24-2009, 09:22 AM	#3
MOJO1963GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 89	Re: 1963 GMC power steering conversion 350 SBC...Guess I shoulda mentioned that right off the bat.

09-17-2009, 07:11 PM	#4
MOJO1963GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 89	Re: 1963 GMC power steering conversion Can't decide whether I should order polished alum or chrome. Chrome is cheaper but would polished alum be better?

09-17-2009, 07:38 PM	#5
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 1963 GMC power steering conversion It's really a personal preference, and a lot depends on what type steering wheel you pick and what the other interior appointments are made of (knobs, handles, etc). To some it's very important they match. Chrome, aluminum and stainless steel are all different colors. Most people wouldn't notice the difference, but if it matters it's something to consider. My first pick is stainless steel. It goes all the way through, so if you get a nick or scratch you can usually polish it out. 2nd choice would be chrome, since an occasional wax job will keep it looking like new, unless it gets scratched. With aluminum components, depending on how tight the aluminum material itself is, it may require occassional or constant polishing. Brushed aluminum offers it's own challenges to keep looking nice, but if that is the look you're after, it's worth the effort. I happen to have a skin type that discolors aluminum easily so I avoid aluminum knobs as they turn dull and dark very quickly. My son has no such trouble. Just something to consider when you're figuring how much you enjoy polishing.

02-04-2010, 02:24 PM	#6
MOJO1963GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 89	Re: 1963 GMC power steering conversion That box out of the '78 chevy p/u will work right?

02-04-2010, 02:36 PM	#7
62gmc910 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cremona AB Canada Posts: 370	Re: 1963 GMC power steering conversion With 'fabs plate, try to match the power steering pump to box (metric or SAE)Sorry you mentioned that I also think you need to use the '78 idler mount for correct spacing ?? __________________ 62 GMC 910 short fleetside 454 super t10 14 bolt w/gov lock 70s c20 front discs (built in the 80s) 65 GMC 930 dualwheel 292 4spd all origonal 39k mi(my sons truck) 63 GMC 950 camperized school bus, (Gus the bus) 350 4speed 2 speed rear 64 GMC 950 "spare" bus 283? 4speed detroit locker 53 GMC 1ton dual wheel bus 78 GMC c25 short course off road race truck(son's truck) 355 th400 14 bolt (www.wheel2wheel.ca) 88 Peterbilt 379 longhood (hauls race truck) Last edited by 62gmc910; 02-04-2010 at 02:37 PM.



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