1949 Shoebox Ford Electric Power Steering Part 3

[@jackierabbit450]

I’m dying for you to finish this one! Get that steering installed in your shoebox so I can see what you’ve done and how it works! I’m about to pull the trigger on a $3000 1953 Power steering set up that’ll work with my flat head, I hate how all the aftermarket units need you to be running a Ford or Chevy small block instead of the Flatty! Although the one benefit that I can potentially see to running the system hydraulically would be the possible ability to add hydraulic power brakes, not sure if they make those for the shoebox but I’m curious, I put hydraulic power brakes in my 69 charger once a decade ago and it worked like a charm.

[@bluedog373]

Sorry to take so long to show the final results. I will need to take the shoebox out of service to get it done so it got pushed back a bit. The big challenge will be designing a mounting bracket under the dash to hold the unit. Having tested it on the bare chassis I am confident it will work. I am not a fan of hydraulic steering or brakes. Our shoebox has manual disc/drum and stops fine. Maybe my foot is heavier. Electric is the way to go. You could simply shorten the shoebox column, install a coupler and then a complete aftermarket column if money was no object.

[@jackierabbit450]

@@bluedog373 Well, I have the Ford-O slush Box in mine , So I need to maintain the column shifter, that’s the only bummer. I think I’m going to have to look very seriously at getting a 1953 Ford or mercury power steering set up and determine whether or not the drag link would have to be adjusted, I think it’s doable but I have to do more research before I lay down $3000 for all the parts, at least it’ll fit my flathead V-8 without lots of weirdness and be mostly stock. For the time being I just need to make sure that everything is well serviced, there’s definitely some play in the steering, quite noticeable on the freeway, maybe I’ll do a front end suspension and steering rebuild before I consider anything else..

[@bluedog373]

@@jackierabbit450 Unisteer makes a system, but not for auto column..any chance of a floor shifter ? A good rebuilt stock box is ok cept for parking. Easier if the car is moving a little when you turn the wheel. At speed you dont need power steering.

[@jackierabbit450]

@@bluedog373 I understand that at speed it’s not as difficult, however I really do need the power steering, I was in a motorcycle accident 20 years ago that left me with less than stellar strength in my arms, my right arm is pretty OK but the left elbow does not like constantly wrenching on the steering wheel, and I would be much more comfortable to just cruise around with power steering. My right leg is pretty much shot, mostly paralyzed so I drive with my left leg and left foot, this is why I also need an automatic transmission. Otherwise I would probably be driving a three speed column shifted shoebox. I also very much enjoy the bench seat, very comfortable and easy for me to rest my right leg and foot on the transmission hump, kind of like driving a couch down the road. I’m trying to figure out what I need to adjust to make the 1953 power steering work on a 51, maybe one of those situations where I just have to dive in to the whole project and figure it out as I go.

[@mlmaster529]

Not for the armature, someone needs to make a kit for installation.