I am restoring a 1961. I plan to drive it alot. Should I consider installing a fast steering adapter? I had saw one advertised in the drive line, but it needed to be bent to fit. I had asked the question on the tech board of bending it. I was told to get the proper fit, I need to compare it to an original to get the proper bend on it. I called Corvette Central and there adapter does not need any modifications to fit. Thanks, Joe DeLuca #37862
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Re: FAST STEERING ADAPTER?
I have only driven one C1 with a fast steering adapter and it was a total PIG. Very, very heavy steering effort. In defense of the adapters, this car has a front end that is not in the greatest shape and some fairly wide tires. If you plan to drive the car a lot around town, vs on the hwy, you may want to reconsider using an adapter. On the other hand, you may want to try one. They only cost about $60. and I can't imagine they require more than 30 minuets labor to R&I. -
Re: FAST STEERING ADAPTER?
Ed : i believe your on to something with the worn out suspension and Large tires of the c-1 mishandling with a fast steering adaptor. My 61 with big brakes and 6.70 x 15 tires handles nearly identical the other c-1 we own. can't really tell much difference but none steer like a pig or pregnant elephant on ice skates.Comment
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Re: FAST STEERING ADAPTER?
Jim Frakes says he has had one on his 56 forever and he likes it. Like you say, the key is probably the skinny tires.Comment
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Re: FAST STEERING ADAPTER?
I may have to try one on my car. I have advised my neighbor to either remove his or loose the fat tires and rebuild the front end. Maybe he'll take it off and let me "borrow" it.Comment
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Once off the car and in your hands...
you'll see there's no 'rocket science' in this part! SB a piece of cake to either fab one yourself or have a machine shop knock one out for your with a simple tracing of the part if this isn't a factory concours application....Comment
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Re: Once off the car and in your hands...
You could probably make one from some 4" half inch flatbar with some strategicly drilled holes and a U clamp. I would hope the original is either forged or made from some hardened material.........Comment
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Re: Once off the car and in your hands...
My .02 worth. Unless you have quite a shop, you're not going to build one of these things with some scrap iron and JB weld. The tapered holes for the tie rod ends will probably slow down most DIY fans to begin with. When installed, the toe-in will need attention, but that's no big deal. In my humble opinion, if you have a H/D Brake/Steer car, you need to live with one. If not, I'd avoid the temptation. With radial tires, you'll need Arnold's arms to parallel park.
A 671 GMC air compressor through the hood may get you some attention, that fast steering adaptor = 0... Best, DennisComment
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Re: Once off the car and in your hands...
A DIY'er could probably make something suitable for trying out the system. It would be folly to attempt to make a permanent piece out of mild steel.Comment
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Re: Once off the car and in your hands...
If someone feels the need to "try one out", send me an email. For postage, I'll send you a sample to try in the privacy of your garage... Best, DennisComment
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