Ha Ha, No dumb questions,  only dumb answers. There are sponsors for our site. One is "Baers Corvette". They handle many good quality parts. Or there are catalog vendors we can deal with. Top Flight, Mid America, Corvette Central, to name a few. They can be found on line. Your choice. 

His name is Gary Ramadi or GTR1999  on Corvette Forum.  He blueprints your steering box and it is better than brand new.

He is in Connecticut. 

What is the quality of the new unit steering boxes that are available? I am not looking to stay original or OEM so is there an advantage to rebuilding the original box as opposed to buying a new box?

As I said, he blueprints the steering boxes to tighter tolerances than a new assembly line box. 

To me, a better way to go is to convert to the Borgeson box.  12:1 ratio vs 16:1 stock and you get rid of all that hydraulic stuff under the car.

The only pause I have about that is the need to "shorten" the column a few inches? I have not been able to determine if that is a matter of just tapping the steering column in towards the steering wheel or if there is more to it? If the Borgeson kit is a direct install then I think I would go that route, I have seen some post that refer to moving brake lines?

This may be my dumb questions again? As I understand it that system consist of the following components:

Starting at the end of the steering column: Pump is new on this car so not looking to replace

Rag Joint - Steering Gear Box - Steering control Valve - Steering Slave Cylinder - Tie rods?

The Borgeson kit replaces:

Rag Joint - Steering Gear Box - Steering control valve

Would still need steering slave cylinder and new hoses? 

I am also planning to replace tie rods, bushings, ball joints, etc. with a front suspension rebuild kit while I have it on the rack.

Also the steering cylinder. The hoses go from the pump to the steering box and back to the pump. 

This guy did it to his 74:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/4171768-borgeson-steering-install-on-my-74-a.html

Looks like the complete kits are $712.

After a lengthy conversation with Gary R. I have decided that I am going to have the original steering box rebuilt and replace the control valve, slave cylinder, rag joint, and hoses as well as new ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings. Should be a good time had by all..lol. Luckily, I am blessed enough to have a lift and a large shop to work in. More projects to come for this car in the future.

Good plan. 

FWIW, the OEM steering box is adjustable for wear. The Factory Service Manual has the details.