lets talk steering

[wes]

alright well, its about that time to figure out the steering on my car, i have a corvair box but i dont think i wanna use it, im thinkin i wanna do the cross steer with a vega box,, what about f-1? i havnt had any expirience with it but im interested in all options, even though about doing the out the cowl stuff, like i said, im leaning towards the vega box. whatta ya think?

[wes]

anyone? f-1 info? anything?

[Farmer]

if you wanna do cross steer, just get a good old 39-40 ford box and column. Thats what Detonator's using on his rpu and it's NICE. I'm gonna do the same.

[Farmer]

ask Detonator to post pics of his steering setup, it's a good example of how to do it right.

[tommy]

How important is it to YOU to be period correct? What's available to you? Is price a priority? Is this a long distance cruiser or a local cruise night warrior?

I've got 1 with a stock 32 box, 1 with an F100 and 1 with a Vega. The above questions helped me determine my choices.

[Paul]

evrything Tommy said,

and space too, what fits?

Paul

[Rand Man]

Tommy please expand on your comments. I'm staring another thread specific to my new project, but I think all makes and models could benifit from general discussion.

[wes]

to me function is really important, im gonna drive this thing and im gonna drive it hard, the "period" look of course is cool, but its real important to me that it works well..

[Rand Man]

I feel they same way Wes. If I end up with a high speed wobble or a dangerous bumpsteer condition, I will be pissed for wasting my time. Let's here from the side steering guys. How did your setup turn out?

[tommy]

[ QUOTE ]
Tommy please expand on your comments. I'm staring another thread specific to my new project, but I think all makes and models could benifit from general discussion.

[/ QUOTE ]

I built the sport coupe using the stock steering box with the headlight switch built in. I wanted it to be period correct. It was important to me. I still love it for what it is.

Some old hot rodder put a F-100 box in the roadster. It works really well. I wouldn't change it for the world.

I was building a P/U for long runs. I chose a Vega. I could have used an early Mustang. They work great too. I found a 50$ Vega box and the decision was made. Some would say a little too billet-ey but it fit my goals.

Guys modify late model steering boxes just to get that through the cowl look. That look is what's important to them. If I ever built a modified I probably would too.

Building a hot rod is a compromise. The builder has to determine what he HAS to have to satisfy himself. Your pocket book and intended use will narrow the field on most choices.

If this is your first hot rod, don't try to over engineer it. There is a reason that certain things become classics...they work. A Vega or Mustang box might get by with a simple cleaning. Early Ford boxes will probably need rebuilding. Not really a big deal but it's time and money that could be spent else where.

Give a lot of thought as to how it will be used. You won't find too many elder statesmen building chopped and channeled model A coupes to drive 4 hrs to get to a run.

[wes]

i looked at a car with the f-1 steering today, i like it allot, i think thats the way im gonna go, anyone need a corvair box??
wes

[redmeat]

<font color="red">What about late 60's mopar?....they look killer to boot!

R E D M E A T </font>

[Wolfman Nick]

How much for the corvair box. My kid brother is always looking for more.

Thanks

[Rocky]

Wes, I used a 39 ford cross-steer in my 33 ford pickup. No funny bump steer or wobbles, plus I benefitted from the locking column. The steering was quick, light and precise. I'd do it again.
BTW, I had an F-100 box too but it was about 1/2 again as big and intruded pretty far into the engine bay. As it was, I had to modify one header tube to clear the 39 gear box but I felt it was worth the effort.

[wes]

lets see some pics of all these steering setps you guys are talking about..

[k-member]

Wes, with that big block you probably want all the room you can get. You have rode in my coupe and you know I drive the hell out of it, so a Mustang box was my choice for reliabilaty and price. Your coupe is really comming along. You have a hard choice ahead of you. Good luck mang.

[burger]

Hey Rocky,

I'm thinking about using a cross steer box on my Chevy.. It just seems like it would work out a lot nicer. Do you have any pics of the '39 Ford box? Are there parts out there to rebuild/repair it?


Thanks,
Ed

[krooser]

The F-1's the way to go...the Corvair is OK for a T-bucket but too light for anything heavier...good infor on the box in Vern Tardel's A/V-8 book.

[ratster]

I used a 37 Studebaker. works great and their not to big. i wish i had a few more.

[willowbilly3]

I am using an econoline. I don't have it in yet I need to get the engine in the frame first to make sure I don't have clearance issues. I am using the box and front axle because they were free for the taking. I will have to rework the pitman arm to reposition it. Also hopefully I can utilize the column shift as I am running a 49 flatty with the column shift 3 speed.

[lilbill]

i've never run one but i've heard good things about vw bus steering boxes.