Facing the music - power steering

Uncle Skip · Post by **Uncle Skip** » May 8, 2007, 3:41 pm

Well guys, some days are diamonds and some days, well, some days just suck.
Today I lose. You know all those old platitudes:
The best laid plans of mice and morons.....
Some times you eat the bear and some time the bear eats you.....
Oh, I could go on.
Things started out o.k.
Today I went to the yard and bought the power steering unit I was telling you about.
Spent at least 2 hours cleaning it up so I could actually pick it up without a can of Go-Jo next to me and then another 1/2 hour measuring and drawing pictures. Man, I was ready to roll.
Then, everything headed downhill.... fast.
I snatched disaster from the jaws of victory as I actually got back under Nadine to do some measuring on where the box was going to go.
Arrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhh
It will not fit. There is no room.

Those big honking 427 exhaust headers leave me absolutely, positively NO ROOM.
The basic idea is sound and maybe it would work on a small block or 6, but it won't work for me.
I hate admitting defeat so its back to the yard, armed with some extra ideas and expensive recently aquired knowledge to look for a box that is small enough to fit the matchbook space I have to work with.
I guess the worst part of all this is that (for now) I have to admit defeat.
SUCKS BEING ME.
U@ss (in a really bad snit)

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » May 8, 2007, 4:24 pm

This bud's for you

mwilk1 · Post by **mwilk1** » May 8, 2007, 6:52 pm

Im sorry Skip but I had to just lmao. Dont take it personal. Mike

Truckrat · Post by **Truckrat** » May 8, 2007, 10:03 pm

Man,
I hate to see that happen. Big ol honkin engines need a lot o' room for those headers don't they. Hey Skip, any thoughts of the rack and pinion steering setup on Nadine? I think they use a T-bird R&P, which means power for you, just what ya need, eh! I know it is a bit on the pricey side, but on the other hand, doesn't take up hardly any space around those big tubes. I think that would be my choice. I know how crafty you are, so I know whatever you end up with will be cool.
TR

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » May 9, 2007, 11:32 am

Skip, I think I can get you out of this. I'll get you a new set of the flat truck manifolds and trade for those old oversize 427 manifolds. Seems the least I could do.

1944-1961 · Post by **1944-1961** » May 9, 2007, 12:34 pm

I had 255/60x15 tires on the front of my 65 with no power steering. It was a real bear to steer. I now have 215/70x15 on the front and kept the big tires on the back and it is very easy to steer. It still isnt power steering but its real nice. Also there is plenty room for headers. If you were trying to put older power steering setup on, there's no way it will fit with headers. The later Ford or Saginaw box will work with headers(usually) but there's a lot more to change out with this set up. Good luck

norville · Post by **norville** » May 9, 2007, 1:03 pm

my 65 has headers and a 390, do you have car headers? I think mine are headman. PSI did have to modify the DS engine mount. I know the PS trucks had a modded mount.

How about a bendix unit?

bob

blackagatha · Post by **blackagatha** » May 12, 2007, 3:18 am

I picked up a box from a '84 toyota pre runner about 6 months ago. It would have fit all lovely with the flat manifolds, but I put on the headers... It may still fit, but I may be in the same holey boat as Skip on this one. And I'm not even concerned about the tubes being in the way. Just looks like the tube into the rear cylinder looks kinda like it sticks out a little. By looking and mocking in imagination, it doesn't seem like it will fit. I hope it does though...

truckerdaddy66 · Post by **truckerdaddy66** » May 12, 2007, 8:02 am

Hey Skip, how much room do you need ?. Maybe tweeck them headers a tad.Just a thought.

Fred New Caney ,TX.