Before
After
Every single component needed to convert
your classic over to power steering is available from Classic Performance
Products. Shown for this particular application is the 12.7:1 ratio power
steering box, pitman arm, mounting brackets, rag joint, intermediate shafts,
and coupler. The power steering pump kit comes with the pump and correct
brackets, as well as the hoses and correct pulleys needed for the job. |
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Project Old School: Luxury Box
Installing Power Steering From CPP and Topping it With an ididit Tilt Column
By Jeremy Cook
As I discussed last month, Project Old School has been
on the road for over a year now. And while it's been a blast to drive, long
cruises can start to seem like a chore when you're driving without power
steering. The truck wasn't all over the road or anything; I already replaced
the inner and outer tie rod ends when I rebuilt the frontend. But when I
had to make several three-point turns at last year's Cruisin' for a Cure,
I knew an eventual upgrade was in order.
Swapping out the stock manual steering boxes on '60-72
GM trucks for a power steering box found on '69-76 1/2-ton trucks is becoming
increasingly popular ('77-87 boxes will work, too, but they use metric fittings).
It's probably the single biggest difference you can make to your classic
truck where everyday driving is a concern. Classic Performance Products
is one of the largest suppliers of power steering conversions there is and
can supply every single component needed for the job. In addition to a rebuilt
box, which carries a 12.7:1 turning ratio instead of the stock 14:1 ratio
(as well as a lifetime warranty), CPP supplies the mounting brackets needed
for the job. This adds the much-needed strength to that area of the frame.
The power steering pump, mounting brackets, and a variety of pulley options
are also available to make the install go that much smoother.
I also decided it was time to start adding some shiny stuff
to Old School. Last month it was the Gennie Shifter. This month it is a
chrome tilt column from ididit, Inc. Part of their Retro-Fit Series, the
column is built to be a direct replacement for the stocker and is available
with or without a column shifter. The unit is available from CPP or ididit
in bare steel, chrome, or polished aluminum. These tilt steering columns
include all the levers and knobs and are completely wired for self-canceling
turn signals, a four-way flasher, and a horn. The neutral safety switch
is even included on the shift-column version. We topped our new column with
a brand-new chrome and leather steering wheel and adapter kit available
from CPP. The chrome makes upkeep a snap and is a nice alternative if you're
not trying to match your billet wheels. With the help of CPP's Alan, we
performed the entire install in less than a day, and I've been enjoying
the effortless steering ever since. For more information about CPP's entire
line of power steering conversion parts or the Retro-Fit series of columns
from ididit, give them a call or check out their Web site using the information
in the source box that follows.
This Retro-Fit Series column from ididit
is built specifically for the '60-66 GM trucks and comes ready to install.
We also ordered a set of ididit's new Deco Knobs for the hazard, tilt lever,
and turn signal. You can order these columns in chrome, polished aluminum,
or ready to paint to match your stock interior.
New from CPP are these leather-wrapped chrome
steering wheels. They are available in several styles, but the center one
pictured had the hot rod look I was looking for. The adapter kit comes in
chrome as well. |