50 power steering and factory column

[Lo1dakota]

I am going to be installing a CPP ps coversion soon and was looking at their tech on using the factory column and it seems fairly complicated since I don't have access to a lathe. So is there better to accomplish retaining the factory column? Since I'm trying to do this as easy and inexpensive as possible. Thanks for the help.

[OrrieG]

Google "column saver" and a number of sites will show up. It is basically a bearing that has an OD that matches the ID of the column tube and shaft. You cut loose the box trim the shaft to length, the column tube a little shorter and install the bearing. Borgsen, etc. have adapters that fit the round column to most standard steering fittings, or I have seen where guys used a die grinder to make a DD connection. You could do it with a hack saw and file, sawzall or cutoff grinder will make it go faster. When I did my steering mod I pinned all the pieces with recessed set screws and a spot weld. When it comes to steering I am a belt AND suspenders guy...

[Warrens69GMC]

On the 1950, check to make sure that you don't have the brass bushing (like the cars do) instead of a bearing. If you do have the brass bushing, the better option is to get a 1953-1954 column with bearings and factory turn signals.

[Lo1dakota]

Thanks for the info. I have most normal tools including a band saw.

[Lo1dakota]

Are you guys that did this using a lower column mount? We finally got around to doing this and I'm concerned that the upper column mount won't be enough.

[mr48chev]

I'd believe that you would want to add a lower column mount of some sort.

I went and read the instruction sheet for the swap and no wonder people are always confused on this swap. They assume that the person doing the swap has quite a bit of experience and is well able to visualize what they need to do.

They do give a part number for their column saver bushing/bearing. That would save a lot of time looking for the right bearng/bushing and making things fit.

I would use a lower column mount at the firewall and it can be made at home or most of the hot rod parts purveyors have them for sale. Basically a bracket to bolt to the firewall and a clamp to go around the column.

Most guys on here can make something like this at home with scrap from the metal bin and a stainless clamp from the irrigation supply store. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Ididit...ount,7721.html Or one of those clamps that go around the post on a chainlink fence might look a bit more automotive with some chassis black paint on it.

[Lo1dakota]

Great ideas! Thanks much!!

[thebebop]

Just finished my conversion up today using the CPP 400 box and kit. It was really pretty easy from start to finish. I didn't know about the CPP column saver so purchased a 3/4 X 1 5/8 bearing at Ace Hardware. They also had them on Amazon for $10 with shipping. I was concerned with no lower column support but once the bearing was in the bottom of the column there was little to no movement and on the road none that can be detected.

The instructions could be a bit more helpful but it's really not that complicated.

[Lo1dakota]

Thanks for the info.

[55dude]

Originally Posted by thebebop

Just finished my conversion up today using the CPP 400 box and kit. It was really pretty easy from start to finish. I didn't know about the CPP column saver so purchased a 3/4 X 1 5/8 bearing at Ace Hardware. They also had them on Amazon for $10 with shipping. I was concerned with no lower column support but once the bearing was in the bottom of the column there was little to no movement and on the road none that can be detected.

The instructions could be a bit more helpful but it's really not that complicated.

that 400 box looks like the toyota power box!

[pvienneau]

Thanks