Steeroids Rack&Pinion Conversion Kit 1959

[John C.]

Has anyone installed this on their C1,it's new Ecklers Corvette now carries this cost about $2,000 is this the answer to the old steering problems with these cars?

[Loren S.]

Re: Steeroids Rack&Pinion Conversion Kit 1959

Has anyone installed this on their C1,it's new Ecklers Corvette now carries this cost about $2,000 is this the answer to the old steering problems with these cars?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-and-c2-corvettes/2634202-c1-steeroids-installation-with-many-photos.html

[John H.]

Re: Steeroids Rack&Pinion Conversion Kit 1959

Has anyone installed this on their C1,it's new Ecklers Corvette now carries this cost about $2,000 is this the answer to the old steering problems with these cars?

John -

It's been my experience that the answer to the "old steering problems" on C1's is to rebuild the steering gear, steering linkage, and front suspension, keep the 22 fittings greased, and enjoy driving them. If you want rack & pinion steering, buy a C4/5/6/7.

[Michael J.]

Re: Steeroids Rack&Pinion Conversion Kit 1959

I don't know about this kind of conversion for a C1, but over the last 10 years or so I have done two TPC power rack and pinion conversions on a '68 Shelby and a '64 1/2 Mustang and they drove like a dream and were like night and day difference from the sloppy, recirculating ball original setup. They were also direct, bolt-on conversions that fit like factory, no cutting, etc. But, it won't be like tight, new original, if that is what you want.

[Jim L.]

Re: Steeroids Rack&Pinion Conversion Kit 1959

Has anyone installed this on their C1,it's new Ecklers Corvette now carries this cost about $2,000 is this the answer to the old steering problems with these cars?

I've driven a C1 with a Steeroids conversion. At hiway speeds, the steering required constant attention to keep the car going straight. I didn't find it a pleasant experience. In stark contrast, my creaky old '54, which has stock steering (in good condition) is a joy at hiway speeds.

Jim

[Richard M.]

Re: Steeroids Rack&Pinion Conversion Kit 1959

I agree with John. Unless you're going to turn it into a modern powered LS engine based restomod, you'll be better off with a rebuilt steering box. Along with all other suspension and steering related items, if it's all in good condition the system works fine. Conversion is obviously an option too, but by the time you're done it will be extremely time consuming and costly.

I'm rebuilding a '61 box presently, using the new reproduction kit, and it's a big improvement over the old bearings and gears. The kit costs about $500 and it gets you a chance to clean up other things while you're at it. The old roller and worm had obvious wear and chips in them. This causes a sloppy steering system. New parts and proper lubrication is key. Most old boxes lost all of their lube through a worn pitman shaft seal, thus making things wear out.

Fellow member Tom Parsons wrote a great tutorial on the rebuild, along with a Restorer Article by Joe Calgano years ago(BTW supplied with the kits), and even the ST-12 Service Guide has good info too. You could pull the box in a relatively short time and rebuild it with new parts. You need a few pullers to get some of the pieces out, and a press for installing them. A local machine shop could help you with some of those tasks if you don't have the tools.

Here are a few pics of the one I'm presently doing.

Rich

P3150001.jpg P3220002.jpg P3220006.jpg P4080002.jpg

[John C.]

Re: Steeroids Rack&Pinion Conversion Kit 1959

You are correct thanks

[John C.]

Re: Steeroids Rack&Pinion Conversion Kit 1959

Yes as always John you are correct!!