Projects 1949 Ford Shoebox Power Steering

Hey I’m new to the forum. I just bought a 1949 Ford Two door sedan. This is my first experience with these cars. Previous owner had converted manual steering to power steering. Unfortunately he passed and had no paperwork on the car. Power steering box is leaking really bad. So here is the question, does anyone know what power steering box will work on a 1949 Ford Shoebox with a flathead V8? Thanks!

 

I'm watching.

 

They were using the volvo box, can you post a few pictures of the box, top ,side, bottom , that would help us identify the box for you, also was the ford sub framed ?

 

To many options there. You need to post up some photos like mentioned above. Mine has Power also and even with the Hood open guys that should know generally are wrong.
The Wizzard

 

Original front end as far as I can tell. No sure about the exhaust headers. Previous owner had the car for 20 years or so. Looks like he did all the work himself.

 

I think it's safe to say it's not Volvo. I don't know for sure what it is but it looks like the box from 60's Chrysler product from the top and the way the hoses connect. Now that comment is from going way back in my memory and I can say it's not as good as it used to be.
The Wizzard

 

What's cot coupler to the steering shaft look like?

 

That's a standard after market U-Joint. don't help me much, sorry. The press in cup and snap ring over the sector gear is a good give away but it escapes me just what it is plus being reverse steer.
Good luck

 

Aren't Isuzu boxes reverse steering and compatible? I thought I remember seeing that somewhere

 

Thanks guys for all the comments! Hopefully myself or someone can figure it out.

 

The previous owner who passed, does he live close by you ? if so ask his friends , surely one of them might help you, ask around who knew him.

 

Looks like a Mopar box to me

 

Unfortunately he lived in PA and I live in FL. I did ask his son who asked his Mom, but no luck.

 

Its an early 80's 605 GM box

 

OK, got the steering box off today. took some photos to see if anyone can help me to identify exactly what it is.

 

It sure appears to be a 605

 

It looks to me like a modified GM 605 box similar to what they use in the 55-57
chevy upgrade.

 

Looking at your photos it brings back memories of around 20 years ago and a company named Gearhead Cruzer parts. I had a customer buy a power conversion box from them for his 49 Merc. It had a plate welded to it just like yours. The box was a Junk Yard used unit that once installed was worse that the stock one we removed. After being blown off by the supplier we finally I.D. it as a 65 F-100 unit. I sent it out and had it rebuilt and it actually worked pretty good.
The Wizzard

 

Ok, so it looks like the power steering box I have is a no go. Apparently it is a custom made piece of junk, that is not able to be rebuilt. At this point I am looking to go back to manual steering. Shoebox Central sells a rebuilt steering box, but it sells for over $600.00. Does anyone know of any other options for a manual steering setup?

 

For that kind of money check out Borgeson. They have a power box that looks quite similar to yours made to fit your car.https://www.borgeson.com/xcart/product.php?productid=1778&cat=152&page=1

 

Unfortunately it does not work with Flathead V8, I have spoken with Borgeson a couple times about this issue.

 

How about these folks. Heard good things about them.
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...=2ahUKEwiEjanSlOHdAhWhna0KHccUA3MQ0Qx6BAgLEAE

 

DIYGUY, thanks! Looks like the guys at RedHead Steering Gears might be able to rebuild the power steering box I have. I just waiting for a conformation from them that they can.

 

So glad to hear that. One of our members of the 52-59 Ford Group had his stock gear rebuilt by them and he loves it. Sure hated to see you abandon your power steering. Hard to come by on early Fords.

 

I just put a 99 Jeep Cherokee box on my 51 mercury. It’s almost a bolt in. You can use your stock pitman arm. You need to clock it 180*. And it’s got more header room. I got it off eBay $60.


Barons hotrods and kustoms fb
Baronmetal ig

 

I can’t help with the box, but every time I drive the 12 miles to go see Mom I drive right by the Redhead Auburn, WA store. They are very well thought of up here.

 

I want to thank everyone for their comments. What an awesome site......
Turns out the power steering box was a one of a kind fabricated by unknown, so I couldn’t find another one like it. Good news is Redhead Steering Gear in Auburn WA was able to rebuild it. Completely rebuilt with a new valve installed in 2 days and cost was under $500 including shipping from SW Florida. Great company and I would highly recommend! Took her out yesterday for the time, still smiling!