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.
One look at John Robinson's...
One look at John Robinson's '57 wagon should serve as proof of how good '50s Fords can look with a little effort.
Setting up such a cruiser...
Setting up such a cruiser with reliable power steering, however, has traditionally been more of a challenge. It's much easier now thanks to conversion kits available from Gearheads Cruiser Products.
A side-by-side comparison...
A side-by-side comparison of the original "armstrong" steering box (left) and the Gearheads 605 power box shows similar size and configuration. The Gearheads box is not just an off-the-shelf Saginaw 605, though. It's got a longer Pitman shaft, the lower portion of the housing (including the mounting bracket) is new, and the entire gearbox is completely rebuilt using better-than-original seals, bearings, and bushings.
The messy part comes first--removing...
The messy part comes first--removing the crusty, greasy old stuff. You'll want to break the Pitman arm free from the drag link before removing the three bolts holding the steering box to the frame.
The steering wheel will also...
The steering wheel will also need to be pulled. The steering shaft and box are one unit on '60-and-earlier cars, so they'll have to come out together. It's usually easiest to pull everything out through the access panels in the floor.
Believe it or not, the easiest...
Believe it or not, the easiest part of the install is bolting up the new steering box. It mounts in the stock location on most applications--on '49-51 models a template shows you where to drill new holes in the frame.
The supplied Pitman arm is...
The supplied Pitman arm is designed to attach to a stock manual steering drag link (again, '49-51 Fords are the exception, requiring a new drag link assembly from Gearheads).
The fit of the new box is...
The fit of the new box is similar to the original. It's shown here with a big-block in a '59 Ford, and as you can see, there's ample clearance.
If you're retaining the stock...
If you're retaining the stock column, you'll need to cut the steering shaft free from the original box (the kit instructions indicate the proper length), or you can get a new shaft from Gearheads if you'd rather not hack your original. You'll also need to grind or machine the shaft to a Double-D shape to accept the rag joint coupler. Pre-'58 Fords have hollow shafts which should be replaced with new solid ones.
The column mast, or tube,...
The column mast, or tube, also needs to be trimmed slightly, and four relief cuts need to be made so it will accept the new end bearing that comes with the kit. Aftermarket tilt columns from companies like ididit and Flaming River can also be used with the kit.
The column and shaft are reassembled...
The column and shaft are reassembled like so. The automatic shift lever at the bottom of the column will need to be stepped for proper clearance.
Reinstalling the column is...
Reinstalling the column is pretty self-explanatory. The rag joint coupler attaches to the steering box, and the column is bolted to the dash using original hardware.
Chances are good that the...
Chances are good that the original rubber seal underneath the access plates has deteriorated. It's pretty simple to make a replacement using sheet rubber or an old inner tube.
This lower column bracket...
This lower column bracket is also available from Gearheads, or they'll give you instructions on how to make your own. The access plate screws can be used to anchor it to the floor.
After installing the steering...
After installing the steering wheel and buttoning up the column, the only remaining chore is to install a power steering pump and route the lines to the new box. Once again, Gearheads offers pumps and brackets for most Ford engines, as well as high-pressure hoses with reuseable ends.