Hi Bowties,
Sorry, no simple fix. I am adding PS to my '52 and have found 3 different ways to do it and still keep my original steering column, but whichever way you go, you still need to mount a power steering pump of some sort on the engine.
1. Add the type of power assist unit that sort of mounts a hydraulic cylinder between the steering rods and the frame to give the boost. (This is old and might not be avalible any more)
2. Add the 'new' rack and pinion system that attaches to the axle.
3. Change out the present steering box with a GM 605 or Toyota power steering box, use one of the 'kits' and Pittman Arm from Chevy Duty, Jim Carters, or etc to mount the box and connect it to your front end.
You don't have to do anything to the steering column with method #1.
For methods #2 and #3, you cut off the original steering column a couple of inches past the firewall, add a lower bearing for the steering shaft, throw in a couple of 'U' joints and you're good to go!
I think that methods #1 and #2 look sort of dorky so I'm going with #3.
The following link shows exactly what's involved with #3.
http://www.classictruckshop.com/t1.asp Good luck. Takes a little effort but its worth it. Happy motoring.
52Ted
