[JohnHouston]

I am in the process of adding original style power steering (albeit with a newer style pump) to my '57. The car appears to be aligned well. I figured I would measure tie rod to tie rod to try to keep existing toe in, but was a little confused at setting up the steering wheel/control valve setting . . . That is to say, how do I determine how far to screw the control valve on the center link? It appears that this would determine (among other things) where the wheel is positioned while driving . ..

Also, stupid question, but are the short lines crossed from cylinder to control valve?

Many thanks to all!

John Dillman

 

[rockytopper]

I am in the process of adding original style power steering (albeit with a newer style pump) to my '57. The car appears to be aligned well. I figured I would measure tie rod to tie rod to try to keep existing toe in, but was a little confused at setting up the steering wheel/control valve setting . . . That is to say, how do I determine how far to screw the control valve on the center link? It appears that this would determine (among other things) where the wheel is positioned while driving . ..

Also, stupid question, but are the short lines crossed from cylinder to control valve?

Many thanks to all!

John Dillman

John, I could tell you but I would have to charge extra for that info LOL. Just kidding, If I still had my 4dr I could measure it for you. Let me know how it works out. Hopefully someone here can answer your questions. This link has some of the info you are looking for. It refers to pages 4 & 5 in the manual for more detail info. http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51793
Thanks again
Rocky

 

[acardon]

I am in the process of adding original style power steering (albeit with a newer style pump) to my '57. The car appears to be aligned well. I figured I would measure tie rod to tie rod to try to keep existing toe in, but was a little confused at setting up the steering wheel/control valve setting . . . That is to say, how do I determine how far to screw the control valve on the center link? It appears that this would determine (among other things) where the wheel is positioned while driving . ..

Also, stupid question, but are the short lines crossed from cylinder to control valve?

Many thanks to all!

John Dillman

See #1 under installation. ....http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1955/55csm0926.html The hoses aren't crossed. http://www.trifive.com/garage/57 Chevy Assembly Manual/324-5.gif I think I would take an accurate measurement from the edge of one tire to the opposite and adjust to get the same toe in. A small error on center link length will make a bigger difference at the tire. See view A for steering wheel position. That centers the box if it isn't centered now. Then the wheel can be center with the splines. http://www.trifive.com/garage/57 Chevy Assembly Manual/9-2.gif

 

[gbullman]

Add on Original Power Steering

I added original power steering to my 55 and preserved my alignment as you have suggested in your post. Take good measurements before taking the existing steering apart and then adjust back to those with the new linkage in. Would expect center of pitman arm stud to each tie rod end is what you want.

At least on the kit I used the hoses were crossed as you suggested.

If I remember correctly I used the left side tie rod end to pitman arm stud to set up the control valve on the center link.

My car was surprisingly close on alignment after this change.

Good Luck,
Gary

 

[gbullman]

Add on Original Power Steering

Just remembered that my control valve with my kit is a modified 62 control valve (vette control valve is I remember correctly from Jalapeño). That might be why the hoses are crossed.

 

[JohnHouston]

Thanks to all for your thoughts! And the links are helpful, too. And Rockytopper's parts shall live again. I hope! I think the poster may be right about the type valve, as I think my 65 Vette has them crossed. That may be the difference. Need to figure out what I have.

John