How can I tell if Power Steering was factory original?

[Jack H.]

Re: How can I tell if Power Steering was factory original?

Had a judging dilemma once... During the chassis portion of judging on the car, I noticed it was NOT PS equipped BUT both steering arms HAD the aluminum rivets installed and the tie rods were assembled in the forward 'quick steering' positions.

Now, make the judgement call... Do we have a case here of owner inspired option deletion or simply 'extra parts' and an originality Installation deviation?

My judging partner and I made the call in the owner's favor (extra parts + Installation deviation). The owner didn't really understand what the controversy was about, but went off to research. He found the car had been in a front end collision and the prior owner had effected repair by 'borrowing' used parts from a donor car that HAD been PS equipped...

[John H.]

Re: How can I tell if Power Steering was factory original?

However, the 63/4 JG identifies the non P/S idler arm as just having the 3779185 forging number.

Tracy -

That's yet another error in the 5th Edition. Whoever wrote that section apparently doesn't understand how GM identified forgings with forging die identifiers (like pattern numbers for castings) for traceability.

There was only ONE idler arm - the same one was used for both manual and power steering linkages (unlike the pitman arms, which were different).

[Tracy C.]

Re: How can I tell if Power Steering was factory original?

John,

Ain't that a kick.....

I noticed the new 66 JG didn't have a similar statement. If fact, I don't think they even address the forging number. I appreciate your input and will pass this info on to the guy from Augusta Georgia who wears the tan shorts ...

tc