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| | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2009 Posts: 8 | I would like to hear thoughts on a power steering upgrade for my 60 Apache. It is a NAPCO, and it uses the OE steering box but different front end. The draglink looks like it is from a heavier truck, 4500 possibly? I would like to keep it as close to correct as I can. The most important thing to me would be not to alter the frame, or other parts of the truck. I am wondering if there is a power steering box from a car of similiar vintage that would bolt right on? I have several steering columns and plenty of other steering parts that I would not be too shy about chopping and welding something to make it fit, look, and work right.
Thank you
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 788 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 788 | what makes you think that it is a napco setup
ron | | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2009 Posts: 8 | My uncle bought this truck new and I have all the original paper work, build sheet,invoice... Also I subscribe to the NAPCO owners group, and have been chasing NAPCO parts for three years. I know GM went to corp. parts in 1960 and when I talk to parts people they scratch thier head and give me a blank stare. So I understand your doubt. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 788 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 788 | 1960 production was GM. It is possible that someone converted it to napco and the frames are different. Remember that you are talking to parts people that were not around 50 years ago and don't know [censored] unless the computer gives them an answer; re; your blank stares.
why don't you make it possible for us to see your orig. paper work.
there seems to be one a week coming on here with a 60 or 61 claiming that they have a napco when it isn't. that is where the doubt comes from
ron
mind us you didn't give us the series designation of your truck. 10 and 20 series were production from GM. 30 series or 1t were napco conversions and perhaps this is what you have. what is the w/b, 115", 127" or 133"???
Last edited by padresag; 07/11/2011 7:23 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,552 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,552 | Is NAPCO cast into the front axle in any place? If not, you don't have a NAPCO. The car power steering gear boxes are made to mount on the inside of the frame rail, whereas the truck gear boxes are made to mount on the outside of the frame rail. If you care to discuss the conversion process on a '60-'66 Chevy/GMC 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton 4x4 truck, we have done several and able to provide some technical support. | | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2009 Posts: 8 | Still diggin for the docs I thought I had,probably not what I thought. Closed knucle front end , sm420, tm 221. Hope this winter when things slow down I can get serious about this project and make it happen.
Bogibuddy | | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 800 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 800 | You might consider utilizing a power assist setup instead of a power steering box. That is where the tie rod is assisted in it's side to side travel. CPP has a setup that might be adated to your truck. There is just going to be too much hacking going on to put a proper power steering box in. CPP power assist kit | | |
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