The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk power steering for 59 apache with 235

any ideas? need all the help I can get. want to keep truck as original as possible, thanks

there was a power steering option available back then [RPO 350 in the assembly manual, called "hydraulic steering] - the pump was on the back of the generator, seen one or 2 on e-bay - the "power" was a piston on the drag link

other than that, you'd hafta do some fancy work to adapt a later steering box to the original column, but it wouldn't be anything like original down below

Bill

There are kits out there to adapt the steering gear from a 67 up. I know Classic parts has them & some other suppliers too. The brackets to put the pump on a 6 cyl. will probably have to be fabricated. I don,t think the pump behind the gen. will work on a six.

I'm not sure if they're still available, but you used to be able to get the original type power assist from Golden State and Brother's. I recall it was somewhat pricey ($700) the last time I checked. It also required that you adapt a later style pump and make your own hoses to hook up the pump.

The after market unit that Bill referred to is still around but they are expensive and not very good. They are fine for low speeds and parking lots but don't give you a good feel of the road in regular driving. Almost dangerous. I did everything possible to make the one I had perform right, reduced pump pressure, replacement tie rods, tire pressure, alignment, rebuilt the control valve, and others. I ended up replacing it with a Toyota PS box. It's not an easy conversion, but worth it. Fred

mjv, here is a picture of the factory parts that is required to put "hydrolic steering" on your truck.

[img]http://thumb3.webshots.net/t/53/553/1/29/70/2709129700099948103IBiRqr_th.jpg[/img]

hope this helps

Hobert

Apachetrucks, wow that looks impressive. Those parts all look new except the pulley and generator. Are they?

No new parts,just a lot of work restoring them.

I am working on the generator/pump now and will post the results in my webshots shoebox when I finish with it.

The key to getting the correct pump pressure is the harmonic balance wheel must be double groved so the pump has a separate belt.Got mine from a fellow Stovebolter.

I have this same set up on my 57 Belair (283 V8) and except for the occasional leak I have had zero problems.

Hobert

aPACHETRUCKS, do you happen to have another one of thise "kits", I assume everything bolts up, what modifications are needed? thanks
marlo

Hobert,
The parts in your picture look great but appear to be from a 60's truck. The task force trucks had the shaft & tube integral to the steering box. This system works great on cars & trucks with A-arm suspension but in my opinion not so good on straight axle trucks.
mjv,
One thing to remember is that any "power assist" like the one shown is dependent on a good steering box. Something to think about when working on 50 year old vehicles.
Fred

rfs56,
if so, would that power assist option that is offered from CPP a good one, its runs 900, plus I need a pump and a bracket, I dont know where else to go. Was wondering what was the best affordable option.

Marlo,
As I mentioned in my previous post, I had one, I purchased the complete unit at the swap meet for $100 and it was nearly new. I guess the previous owner got rid of it because he could not get it to work right. I was certainly not happy with it. There are not many options and still maintain everything stock. I just installed a rebuilt steering box in a 57 Cameo and it was a vast improvement. If you use the stock steering box and the skinny tires they steer relatively well but not as good as an upgraded power steering.
I have a stock looking truck but I upgraded to disc brakes and power steering for my safety and convenience. Most people that look at it don't know the difference anyway.
Fred

Check out CPP. I saw in a mag. that they now have a Toyota conversion kit. I did not see a picture of it on the web site, but they do list a Toyota box under Toyota power steering conversion kit.

Here is the link.

http://www.classicperform.com/4754chevtrk.html