POWER STEERING ON A Tri-5 Chevy???

Something I've always wanted to do but keep putting off is adding power steering to my 1955 Chevy wagon. At one time the 605 box conversion was popular and probably all that was available. Now there are several companies making power steering almost a bolt on for these tri-5 Chevys and similar bodied cars.
The front suspension on mine is new including lowered springs. The steering column and signal unit are rebuilt. I want to keep my original steering wheel and column. I know this involves some sort of cutting and use of a rag-joint or U-joints.
It handles well for an old car yet with the too wide front tires is a problem turning at low speeds. It is embarrassing at car shows and cruise ins unless I can just pull in. Future plans are new narrower front tires anyway.

I changed plans from the 605 type conversion to maybe the newest rage, rack and pinion steering. Some say it was an easy swap. Some say there was too much flex and movement in the mounts on the unit they used.
What have you used to switch your 55-56-or 57 Chevy over to power steering and how do you like it?
A reasonable price and ease of mounting is important. It's my money, help me use it wisely!

 

I'm building a 56 210 2 door sedan. I've got the 605 box, and I put in an Ididit column. I've heard the same complaints about rack and pinion. Now, everybody says do the 500 box. I wonder what the latest rage will be by the time I'm ready to fire mine up and drive it?
Bill

 

Thanks Bill. I read about a newer box but haven't looked at my pile of new rod books for years. They just keep arriving and my wife keeps stacking them. I thought my subscriptions ran out years ago. But believe I've been in most systems so long they think I am part owner.
Maybe I should read up on them. I was convinced to get the rack and pinion but something about the mounts on some kits being too flimsy. To me the old 605 conversion seems good. Using the old column creates some extra work but I like old cars because they look old. The original steering column and wheel looks cool. Actually I have a 59 Impala wheel I've had so long I don't think I could turn the wheels with any other. The wagon has had everything from those small metal flaked wheels to wood rimmed small custom wheels. I need the larger one with the bigger tires.
Once I get backed out of the garage and pointed down the drive way it's usually okay. Been a long time since I've parallel parked.

 

I have the 605 conversion and it works OK. I have a ididit column in the '55 but I also did the 605 on a '57 and kept the original column. I had to cut and put the rag joint in it but both these were done over 12 years ago and that is what was available at the time. Now the box on the '57 was sloppy out the box so I returned it for another new one that was better but that is the biggest complaint I hear on them some of the 605 boxes are sloppy for some reason or another.

 

Thanks 1tire. I've never heard that. I usually just buy something and don't ask or shop around. But since so many of you have used different set ups I figured this is the place to check. Thanks.
For the Ultra Van RV's like I have several have gone Chevy late model truck rack and pinion and an electric power steering set up. I'd have to check to see what out of. Not cheap. Good thing about the electric is it does not work when not needed. like on the highway.
I want to keep mine simple. Can't believe I didn't change to power steering years ago. Guess I was tough back then!

 

Why is it called a Tri-5? There are only 2 fives in 1955.
Can't keep up with all this lingo.

 

Like 49-50-51 Fords are called Shoeboxes 1955,1956, and 1957 Chevys are called tri fives. Tri as in three! How far back in the woods do you live?

 

CAT, go to tri-five.com and you'll be able to get more steering info than you'll ever want.
Bill

 

About 10 miles, but my property used to be an old cotton patch.

I am guessing that all these names have come about because of TV car shows and the internet, because I never heard any of them before.

Rat Rod comes to mind. Meaning it's a POS that a guy can't afford to give a decent paint job to, so he Brillo Pads it and clears it. Donk seems to be another one. Barn Find, Survivor car, etc. all seem to be artificial names given to cars to artificially enhance their saleability.

 

what if you run fenderwell headers?

 

Thanks. I'll check it tomorrow.

 

I was just kidding you.
As for the SHOE BOX FORDS and the TRI FIVE CHEVYS they have been called that since back in the early hot rod magazine days. A lot of magazine writers used colorful terms, as did some kids at cruise ins.
I agree about many later names used to describe cars. I absolutely hate RAT RODS but everyone can chose whatever they want. Compared to a show car most of what I own is sort of ratty.
Just last week a friend's 27 year old son and wife were seriously injured when his 1936 Ford Ratrod veered left and hit some large trees in the medium close to home. Bad workmanship? Who knows.
I'll admit I've stared in aw at a lot of Ratrods and admired some of the cleaver things the owners have done. Still end up scratching body parts and walking off saying HUH ? or WTH ?

 

hey cat just swapped my 10 year old 605 box for a unisteer r & p don't know I wo ld do that again . I wo ld look at the 500 box

 

Thanks. I'll have to check into that 500 box thing. Whatever I get I want the complete kit so everything is compatible and I don't have to chase parts. I'm sure your wagon is heavier also.
Do you notice any play or slop in the rack mounts?
I really want to keep my steering column but with the floor shift now I could change.

 

Indeed, Sir. If I had driven something like that back in highschool, I would have attracted my fair share of snowballs (not to mention, iceballs manufactured from snowballs dipped in water and left to freeze overnight) for decorating my vehicle and hurled from my best peers.
It seems that from exactly the media you have just mentioned, we are living in an Emperor's New Clothes era: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wv-9ml62J...w/jakpbpx3XkM/s320/emperor-has-no-clothes.jpg