VW bus steering box in a hot rod??

I thought that's what those dirt track cars did anyway?! hahaha

 

Can both pre and post '68 be used?

 

They used to be really popular over here, as they were relatively easy to find in scrap yards 20-30 years ago, and as has been said were easy to mount. They are now pretty expensive, to the point where if you have a good one it is probably worth selling to the Camper boys and buying a good Ford or GM one with the cash. I'm sure the pitman arm points up when using a RHD box in RHD setup, or LHD box in a LHD setup, so they are usually mounted below the frame (like a Mustang on a Model A frame). I always thought the aluminium sidecover was prone to corroding - especially if the Bus was up to its axle in mud like in most yards.

 

Didn't I sell you a new one, Andy?

 

I used a VW van box from the 70's. There are a couple of U joints under the dash to connect over to the steering wheel.

 

That's what I'll be doing with the Mopar box....double U-jointed from wheel to box. I can't understand why most guys won't consider that as opposed to converting a box to center steering.

 

I'm wondering if it is possible to reverse the rotation of a VW bus steering box (I need my pitman arm pointing down), it looks like you have done so. Please explain!!

 

I have installed around 20 or so, 67 and older bus boxes over the years, I came upon one that turned the opposite way. It was in good shape so I used it building this roadster for a friend. Don't have a clue what it came out of.

 

I had the part number off of mine, but I don't remember what year it is from. I'll have to look it up again, but I want to say it's 1968 up. I know they aren't cheap to buy them new. As far as reversing the rotation, I don't think you can.

 

According to this the early boxes are 55/67 and the late are 68/72. http://www.bus-boys.com/bb41556.htm
That may be due to the change to a collapsible column in 68 though.
I had an early box in my T bucket with the box mounted to the bottom side of the frame. Pitman arm ran up. The box was several inches behind the firewall with the drag link running though a hole in the cowl. Not sure I'd ever run another one though.

 

I have no first hand experience with this, but I'd explore right hand drive parts. You might be able to get a worm gear that's wound the opposite way or something like that??? That was my plan with an F1 box I was going to mount under the frame, until I figured out it wouldn't fit. Can't remember why now...

 

Here's the number on mine, 211 415 049F, which makes it a VW Bay Window Bus box from 1968-1972.
http://www.jbugs.com/product/211415...vbcV3prfWyXa-yskmwSus6BvH9MrbZBRoCcFoQAvD_BwE

 

Anyone know where to get parts for the early bus boxes? The one in my coupe(avatar) is getting sloppy...needs sector shaft bushings and worm shaft bearings.
Have done some online searches, but not much luck so far.

 

Hi... They were popular here in Australia 30-40 years used them in T buckets

 

did it in 1970

 

I was big into VWs for years and it's funny then it was hard to find a good used steering box for a split bus for reasonable money. I've found a million good f1 boxes reasonably priced. Splitty bus boxes are good steering boxes. The ones I saw wrecked were always from people adjusting them way too tight and wiping them out.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but what is an F1 box, and is it for left or right hand drive ?
Thanks

 

An F1 is a Ford 1/2 ton truck, 1948-1952.
Both.

 

I used a pre 68 here in Oz on my bucket,easy to mount,the steering box angle could be adjusted inside the mounting bracket. Mine is mounted on the bottom inside of the chassis and the pitman arm comes outside the chassis. The pitman arm faces down and to
align it to the steering arm I couldn't change the length of any arms. Hence the steering is slow and the steering lock not the best. The steering column is nearly straight up and down but luckily the steering wheel is round so no worries turning the wheel. It steers straight but contrary to what some else said you can't find a good one anymore that doesn't require some repair. Would I use another one,not today but 40 yrs ago it was ok.

 

I'm late to the party on this but there are companies that deal strictly with early VW bus parts and that would be the go to source. I didn't check to see if these guys sell the parts but they do rebuild them https://www.jbugs.com/product/211415049C.html
A bit of searching didn't bring up individual parts outside of seals and the top bearing for the column.

 

I,ve got one of those in great shape with the pitman arm, didn't know what is was??
Sell it for $150. How do I place it in For Sale ??