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M*A*E*
05-31-2007, 04:09 PM
Hi, I'm wanting to buy a 55 chevy to drop in a BBC but I have a few questions on steering. Since I am on a tight budget I will be looking for a project. Rust, no drivetrain, etc. Is it worth it to look for a car that already has power steering or can I convert a car with manual steering to power.
If I have to convert do they make kits for this? Can I just put in a power steering box and thats it?
Thanks,Mike
Shua57
05-31-2007, 04:23 PM
They make several kits to change from manual to power. Usually in the $300 to $400 range. They have bolt on or weld on brackets. Requires modifying you column shaft or purchasing a custom column.
Toms57chevy
05-31-2007, 07:30 PM
MAE I put in a power rack&pinion on my 57 and it made a big difference. Also you could put in a 605 steering box. Which ever way you go it will be better than the stock setup.
Tom:D
M*A*E*
05-31-2007, 08:49 PM
Hi Tom, i was looking at the Rack and pinion kits and they seem a little too pricy for me. I found a kit like the 605 you mentioned and I think I will probably go with that http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/55-56-57-CHEVY-GM-605-COMPLETE-POWER-STEERING-MEGAKIT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33589QQihZ005QQ itemZ150127978849QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Rick_L
05-31-2007, 09:29 PM
Go with a CPP500 box. Same installation as a 605, much better feel, and it's new, so no wear.

Same driving feel as a rack too, but way less complication to install.
M*A*E*
05-31-2007, 09:52 PM
Go with a CPP500 box. Same installation as a 605, much better feel, and it's new, so no wear.

Same driving feel as a rack too, but way less complication to install.

If I did get that kind of box would I need anything else like the pitman arm or steering column shaft or will the originals do?
Rick_L
05-31-2007, 10:29 PM
The CPP500 box bolts to the frame same as the original. It uses the stock manual steering pitman arm.

Like a 605 box, actually exactly like it, the end of the box is closer to the firewall than the stock box. And on the stock box, the shaft went all the way to the steering wheel. So you will need a modified stock steering column or an aftermarket column. CPP and others sell a modified column. Or you can buy an aftermarkeet tilt column that will (almost) bolt in from Ididit, Flaming River, or others. You will also need a "rag joint" (elastic coupler) to join the box to the column, whether it's modified stock or aftermarket.
M*A*E*
05-31-2007, 10:41 PM
The CPP500 box bolts to the frame same as the original. It uses the stock manual steering pitman arm.

Like a 605 box, actually exactly like it, the end of the box is closer to the firewall than the stock box. And on the stock box, the shaft went all the way to the steering wheel. So you will need a modified stock steering column or an aftermarket column. CPP and others sell a modified column. Or you can buy an aftermarkeet tilt column that will (almost) bolt in from Ididit, Flaming River, or others. You will also need a "rag joint" (elastic coupler) to join the box to the column, whether it's modified stock or aftermarket.

Thanks for the info Rick, That sounds like a nice setup. I may end up going with that
Mike