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Topic: Power Steering Conversion

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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Power Steering Conversion (1/17)
 4/6/09 12:27pm
DericsDad
Former Member

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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Convertible Small Block 3 Speed Manual.


Joined: 4/6/2009
Posts: 21

Hello All,

I just joined the site today because this past weekend after years of waiting purchased my 1969 Convertible! I couldn't be happier with the car but of course there are already a few things I would like to address.
 
One of the first is to convert the car over to power steering. I have seen a few kits out there on ebay and in some of the parts catalogs. I would like to know if anyone else has done this conversion and what kind of tips or help you could provide.
 
Thanks.
 
Eric
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Power Steering Conversion (2/17)
 4/6/09 12:32pm
VetteSpecialties
Former Member

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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031


There are several companies selling kits.  Most use the correct factory parts, and include everything you need except pulleys and belts.  We offer a kit, and are willing to give you a rebate for the relay rod and Pittman arm from your manual steering.

Larry
Power Steering Conversion (3/17)
 4/6/09 12:36pm
DericsDad
Former Member

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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Convertible Small Block 3 Speed Manual.


Joined: 4/6/2009
Posts: 21

Thanks Larry,
 
I'm not clear on which belt or pully(s) to get. I have a small block that originally had an AC but it was removed. I have plans to maybe put the AC system back in but not for a while.
 
Eric
Power Steering Conversion (4/17)
 4/6/09 12:45pm
rraider1
Former Member

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Woodland, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1165

Are you going to add the stock power steering? some of us including my self went to the Steeroids rack and pinion which I am very pleased with. I think Larry will have the info for that also
Power Steering Conversion (5/17)
 4/6/09 12:59pm
DericsDad
Former Member

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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Convertible Small Block 3 Speed Manual.


Joined: 4/6/2009
Posts: 21

Yes i am going to add it myself. Did you do your own Steeroids install? If so how was it and how long did it take?

Eric
Power Steering Conversion (6/17)
 4/6/09 2:36pm
rraider1
Former Member

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Woodland, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1165

I beileve it took about 8hrs overall, the instructions are pretty streight forward, search the threads you should find alot of comments on how it went for others. over the long run I think its better It replaces the steering box and power control valve and acuator. In the 10 hrs prior to putting the kit in I had replaced my steering control valve twice and I think it was going again.
Power Steering Conversion (7/17)
 4/6/09 8:44pm
DericsDad
Former Member

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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Convertible Small Block 3 Speed Manual.


Joined: 4/6/2009
Posts: 21

Most of the threads seem to be from people who already had power steering. My Vette does not. other than the power steering pump are there any other items such as brackets I need to get?
 
Eric
Power Steering Conversion (8/17)
 4/6/09 11:56pm
DericsDad
Former Member

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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Convertible Small Block 3 Speed Manual.


Joined: 4/6/2009
Posts: 21

Larry,
 
Do you sell the Steeroids R & P kit? If so do you know what else I need to get since my car  does not have power steering?
 
Eric
Power Steering Conversion (9/17)
 4/7/09 12:36am
rraider1
Former Member

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Woodland, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1165

 Here is the link to speed direct I would give their customer support a call I beleive you get everything But the pump
Power Steering Conversion (10/17)
 4/7/09 1:53am
crossfire1982
Former Member

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Cramerton, NC - USA

Vette(s):
black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094

I ran across THIS last week and thought it interesting.  I dont know anyone who has tried this setup but it looks clean and less in involved than the original configuration.  It may be an option for you.   Yep, Larry has the steeroids, that's where I bought mine...good folks to do business with.Crossfire19822009-04-07 04:19:47
Power Steering Conversion (11/17)
 4/7/09 10:48am
71Shark
Former Member

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Edmond, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Brands Hatch Green L48 Coupe Automatic Driver - restored 1995


Joined: 7/13/2006
Posts: 400

We did the install of the factory type power steering on mine and put it in Shark Bytes as a tech article.  I'm not sure what issue but you should be able to find it.  It is  a pretty straight-forward install.
Power Steering Conversion (12/17)
 4/7/09 11:22am
VetteSpecialties
Former Member

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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

Thanks for the plugs!  Yes, we do carry the Steeroids at a special members price of $1,150.00 plus shipping which is usually $50.00.  All you need to add to convert to power steering is the pump and it's brackets, along with pulleys and belts.  We would be glad to help you figure out which pulleys you currently have and what you need if you want to leave the capability to add air conditioning later.  And we still will give you a trade in on your manual relay rod and Pittman arm
Power Steering Conversion (13/17)
 4/7/09 11:57am
DericsDad
Former Member

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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Convertible Small Block 3 Speed Manual.


Joined: 4/6/2009
Posts: 21

Thanks Crossfire I actually saw this as well but am wondering if the benefits of R & P are over this system.
Power Steering Conversion (14/17)
 4/7/09 12:08pm
DericsDad
Former Member

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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Convertible Small Block 3 Speed Manual.


Joined: 4/6/2009
Posts: 21

Larry,
 
if I take a photo of the engine can you tell me which belts and pulleys i need?
 
Eric
Power Steering Conversion (15/17)
 4/7/09 6:52pm
crossfire1982
Former Member

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Cramerton, NC - USA

Vette(s):
black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094

Eric, I think you will find that  with the R&P there are fewer moving parts to wear, therefore cause slop in the steering.  My car is fairly high mileage so I needed to replace almost everything steering related to get that new car steering again. The cost of replacing all of the old steering components compared with the steeroids unit made it an attractive choice for me.  You will not realize the full benefit of the steeroids until you have a 4 wheel alignment  done.  Personally, I think the steeroid package is by far the best thing Ive done to my vette since Ive had it.
Power Steering Conversion (16/17)
 4/8/09 10:38am
VetteSpecialties
Former Member

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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

Eric;

Sure.  Send me a picture of the front of your engine, and please count the number of grooves on each pulley in case it is not clear in the picture.  It is probably easiest to email it to parts@corvettespecialties.com. 

Thanks
Larry
Power Steering Conversion (17/17)
 4/9/09 9:09am
lukesvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

You will not beleieve the difference between the conventional power steering anf the STeeroids R&P kit. Thumbs Up Even moreso if you are going from manual to a power rack!! Don't turn too fast!!!Big smile
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