Cars from the '50s and '60s are cool. Unfortunately, the same can't always be said about the components from which they're built. Granted, with independent front suspensions and overhead-valve V-8s, mid-century cruisers make their '30s and '40s brethren look positively primitive by comparison. There's still plenty of room for improvement, however.
Thankfully, innovative rodders and the street rod aftermarket have made it simple to upgrade a variety of '50s and '60s cars with parts like disc brakes, dropped spindles, and custom springs. Better steering, on the other hand, has remained an elusive goal for many of those outside the popular Chevy realm. That situation is slowly starting to change.
A perfect example is the power steering conversion kits available from Gearheads Cruiser Products for '49-64 fullsize Fords and Mercs and '55-64 T-birds. The Gearheads conversion utilizes the popular Saginaw 605 box, a fully integrated worm-and-sector-style power gearbox found in midsize GM vehicles from the '70s and '80s. The same box has been the basis for Tri-Five Chevy power steering conversions for decades.
All Gearheads boxes are completely rebuilt and modified for their intended application. This includes the addition of a flame-cut bracket that allows the box to bolt in the stock location on most applications ('49-51 Fords and Mercs need to have mounting holes drilled in the frame). The supplied Pitman arm lets you use your car's original manual-steering drag link assembly. In most instances you can even keep your stock column and shifter if you'd like.
Power steering isn't the only benefit, though. The conversion also provides a quicker turning ratio, cutting the lock-to-lock effort down from 5.5-turns to 3.5, without compromising the car's turning radius. The box also offers a little more exhaust manifold clearance, which can be a big plus for engine swaps, headers, and other considerations.
The Gearheads folks sent us a few photos that provide a rough idea of how everything works and fits. You'll also be happy to know that the company offers power steering pumps and brackets for most Ford engines. On top of that, Gearheads offers a variety of engine mounts, disc brake conversions, and other cool parts to make your fine '50s Ford a lot more fun to drive.