installation of steering box and column on 59
I am doing a frame off on a 59 and when taking off the body I removed the steering column with the body. Now the body is going back on and what is the procedure to install the column and box? Thanks Patrick McPherson 55168
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Re: installation of steering box and column on 59
Patrick,
ST-12 section 9-4.has the procedure for removing and reinstalling does not look to complicated.
Phil -
Re: installation of steering box and column on 59
Patrick,
If the engine is still out it's pretty easy. I just installed a steering box in a '60 recently. Engine was out. I leave the pitman arm off and install later as it's easier to torque the nut after the box is installed. Just use a wood block against the arm and arm stop so you don't damage the bearings. If the engine is in, remove the pitman arm as it may hang up on the exhaust manifold.
Wrap the column tube with plastic or paper so it won't get scratched.
Install the rectangular metal plate first, then it's seal, then the thick foam seal onto the column, all just loosely down by the box. Note the ST12 assumes these are on the column before you install it. Don't forget they go on before the column goes in.
With column in hand slowly insert it into the firewall opening(this is where the paper wil protect the paint) and insert at least one bolt through the pitman arm stop, through the frame then through the spacer plate and the flange of the box. Install the lock washer and nut finger tight. This will hold the box onto the frame so you can rest. Then install the other 2 bolts and nuts finger tight.
Go inside and install the oval rubber seal over the column and push it down to the firewall, then loosely attach the column brackets to the column under the dash. Remember that the pedal brace mounts to the left side of the under dash bracket also. You can always install that later if that works better. just have to loosen the bracket bolta again.
Once your comfortable with the orientation, you can tighten everything. You may need to add shims at the box or at the column brackets to relieve any forces in those areas. The AIM shows where.
Then push the thick outer seal up into the firewall opening and against the firewall insulation. That seal fills the gap the insulation makes inside. Then move the plate and gasket into position and install the screws into the firewall to hold it in place. You may want to check the plate screw holes before the column goes in, as if they're enlarged you may need to repair the holes first. In the past I've made sheet metal plates and glued them into the inside of the firewall and drilled new holes for the screws. Must be done before insulation though.
Then install the 2 1/4"x20 oval head screws from inside to outside through the plate to hold the oval rubber seal. Washers, locks, and nuts in the engine bay.
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Re: installation of steering box and column on 59
Hi Richard, Thanks for all your help. I removed the body with the steering box and column in the body. I have built up the rolling chassis and the body is ready to go back on so your information is a big help. Thanks again. Pat McPherson 55168Comment
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Re: installation of steering box and column on 59
I just did this a month ago so it was somewhat fresh in my mind. Glad it helped........RichComment
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