Hello has anyone out there attempted or installed one of the "new " P.S. conversions from Classic or anyone else using the new 500 series bolt in boxes. is it "that " easy, no machining, cutting or ugly brackets.I have a standard box that is way beyond fun anymore.
My 63 had a 605 conversion on it when I got it, it was way too twitchy, especially on turns, even at say 50KPH. I went back to a complete stock system from Steve at Authentic Automotive. So far I haven't hooked the PS up, but the car steers way better with the stock setup, I'll post when I've used it. Corvettes had this setup until 1982, I had a 63 and my 59 El Camino had the stock setup. It can be a bit light compared to a modern car PS system, but other that that, you can take your hands off the wheel going down the road and it stays straight. The 605 would jump straight at the ditch.
There are other issues with the non stock installs like the 500. Just google 605 install problems or 500 install problems or do a search on ChevyTalk. Sometimes the radiator needs mods, bracket issues, system install tweaking is very common.
If you do buy a stock system, just look for the 62 or 63 Chevy stuff. The geometry of the stock components is what the engineers designed and you can also keep your existing steering box.
Don
__________________
63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
I used the conversion kit from summit for 58-64 chev ,fits Canadian Pontiac. It's been in 3 years now and I like it. If I remember it's a Delphi 600. The box was used in 2003 -2006 cadilac escalade base model. Bolts up to stock location, comes with adapter plate, pitman shaft should fit your pitman arm. All you need is a length of splined shaft and a borgensen knuckle. Never had to move steering column. Then install power steering pump and hoses. Lengthen tie rods on one side and shorten on opposite side ,then have it aligned.
HI , I'm back. Appreciate the in put you guys. I still have the original standard box and it just takes too much nursing to enjoy the drive. I plan on a cross country jaunt, hopefully next summer, if not the next. So. I have been looking at the Summit package, and it is virtually the same as Classic Industries, using Borgeson components. The big faint right now is the state of the Canadian dollar. I'll let you know how I make out.
Thanks, Dale
Hey Dale, I realize this is a super old post but I am wondering if you ever did the steering upgrade? I picked up the 500 series box from CPP for my '62 wagon and love it. Easy install and makes a world of difference. If you were to run any rad other than stock you would likely need one of the ones available with the cutout due to the larger box. Have seen your car a couple of times now in person...Very nice.
__________________
1962 Parisienne 2drht, 350/350. Ridetech full air ride
1962 Laurentian Safari, 261 Cadillac Stroker/700R4. Accuair full air ride
1963 Parisienne 2drht, 383 Stroker/700R4. Factory lightweight drag car project
Dale, I have a complete stock power steering setup from a 63.
Don
__________________
63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
