55-57 Chevy Powersteering Questions

Once the alternator belt snaps, that's when the fun starts, Sir. Especially, if the battery is weak.
Why not just get a new skeleton which is already set up for what you plan?

http://www.metalworksclassics.com/56-chevy-bel-air.php



Speaking of 9" Ford rear ends, one's handling this powerplant:

 

My 56 came with the 605 set-up already installed. I've switched over to an Ididit column. I hear the 500 set-up is better. We'll see. It gets cold in Arizona in wintertime, too, but doesn't stop us from working on and test driving our projects, LOL! Hope to get my 56 driveable over the winter, we'll see.

 

Good luck Buster on your Chevy. As for you Hanswurstliverwurst that car is no longer a 1956 Chevy and I don't like it. Yes it's beautiful and I'd love to own it but it, like many, is not the reason I own and drive older cars.

 

You know, I had R & P in that 56 Studebaker wagon I had years ago. We ( a talented friend while I watched) welded in a Mustang II crossmember (before there were kits) and I had a Chevy 350 engine with standard GM accessories. I had trouble with the steering until I bought a kit to reduce the pressure from the GM pump to the Ford R & P. Once I cured that problem, the car steered beautifully.

 

The things you propose to do on your ride don't necessarily make it older either, Sir. In fact, the original '56 Chevy steering was geared down plenty, so that, really Sir, only noodle-armed housewives needed power steering at all. My dad had one of those brody knobs of which he mounted on his steering wheel, to make turning it faster. When he was parking it into one of those curb side spaces, it looked like one of those sailors in that "Das Boot" movie spinning one of those submarine valve wheels to get the sub to quickly sink out of the way of those depth charges.
You're however right about that example using a modern frame. I guess, the vehicle lost much of its original charachter. But, there are still enough of them around for a few to handle like state-of-the-art modern cars. To go one better, he even could have chopped the body enough to fit an average driver without a one of those hats they wore back then

 

If he bought that frame and tried to install it on his car, the cost would be more than the car is now worth. That's kinda tough for an old geezer living on a fixed retirement income. Everyone isn't a millionaire these days, but they are the ones who have driven the cost of acquiring a decent car beyond the means of most middle income people.

Never heard em called that. We have a different name for them but I can't say it here. I've got one on my John Deere but don't really need it cause it has power steering.

 

Gee, let me guess. Is it something you could whisper in someone's ear, Sir?

 

You'll just have to guess. It is now verboten to repeat it.

As a bit of trivia, it is illegal in many states to have two of them on your steering wheel. Same with spotlights, you can have two but only one of them can be operable. I had a nice pair of dual spots on my 57 Victoria.

It was a 422. Four barrel carb, dual exhaust, and dual spots. Later I converted it to a 4 spd, which made it a 4422, but it didn't have one of those crappy Olds engines in it.

 

Sorry had company so had to cut my post short.
I've heard those steering wheel assist knobs being called Brody knobs. Also Knecker knobs, referring to being able to ride with arm around your girlfriend. Seems like there were other names, some of which are a bit adult.
But they were discontinued because they were known to break thumbs and fingers, get caught in long sleaves, and other dangerous things happening. I remember having one that could be folded up when not used.

OldFox is right in the cost of many of these frame kits being way too high for the average car builder or one used as a family driver. I don't plan on entering the GNRS or any other big car events.

Also there are several companys who sell simple washer and valve kits for powersteering pumps to cut down the line pressure. Had to do that on our 1941 Ford with Camero subframe and power steering.
Thanks everyone for the ideas.

 

Probably, in Neveda where they only have one armed bandits or in states where only 2-armed people live?

 

Back when I worked for a living the fork lifts and other equipment had those Brody knobs on the steering wheels. I'm not sure if they eventually became illegal in the midwest on cars and trucks.
I also remember only one spot light could be hooked up. Not sure if there was a rule saying which could be working. I had them on a few old cars. The yellow 1941 Ford has what are known as dummy spots. No socket or wiring.

 

So, you're the one who's inspiring Old Fox's questionable wood-carving techniques

 

Here are my questionable woodcarving techniques. This is the first gun I ever carved and engraved over 20 years ago. I assure you that I have improved considerably since then.

 

I'd better be nice, for a change

I'll bet you're hiding the words, "Hanswurst von Plumpskloh" which you carved on the opposite side, away from view?

 

Still very nice work OldFox.