daddys_61 wrote:

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Has anyone had any experience with selecting and installing an aftermarket R&P system? I see FR has a kit, but its like $2100.00 bucks! ouch!

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         With all due respect   Why?       theres lots of aftermarket to improve the 1961 performance   why wreck the car ?   

A rack and pinon replacement on a contemporary car, like a Cadillac Deville for example, runs $1,500 easily so the price for a retro kit doesn't seem out of line.

I did say with all due respect      car must be a drag car or hot rod       I wish I had more money  

I Know a fellow out this way that converted his Chevy.II to R&P but it turned out to be a disasster, handled awfull, & wouldn't go down the road straight after many frt end aligments & trouble shooting!!! Think he ripped it all out, other than the tubular A-Arms & went stock with all strg. componants!!! Works "GOOD" now?????

We installed a c4 corvette front clip on our 61 pontiac race car.  The rack works great. I love the way it steers and handles.

-- Edited by jim_ss409 on Tuesday 28th of January 2014 03:29:09 PM

I think that anything that can be done to improve the handling, steering and braking in the X frame cars, and the 65-70 B Bodies is worthwhile. Of course, provided it doesn't actually make it worse.

It's exciting to finally see, companies are now actually producing the high quality handling components we can use. And for those who aren't interested in a points correct car, although pricey, it's certainly a safe and relatively easy way to bring the car in line with more modern standards.

But doing nothing, leaving it bone stock, while putting more power to it, is surely inviting trouble. Let's face it, in stock form, they pretty much handle like crap and can be a handful. I won't go as far as to say unsafe, but add some worn parts and you're getting close!

The more improvements we make, the more fun they are to drive, and if you ask me, the more likely they'll be seen on the road as well.

Does the Pontiac of 61 share the chassis with Chevrolet?

 

Rack and Pinion was put in modern cars because it was light and cheap, not necessarily better.
Now it can be better than what was there, careful attention has to be paid to where the tie rod ends are in relation to the lower control arm pivot points, other wise you are just creating bump steer, which is no fun at all. The picture Mark posted of the R&P conversion, doesn't quite look right, inner tie rods are too far in, could just be picture angle. A lot of these "hot rod" conversions are dreamed up by guys that really don't know what they are doing, it fits and sorta works, then gets sold to tons of guys that know even less.
The Corvette setup that Jim used is great as it uses the whole system as designed.
I've seen too many of theses "upgrades" that just don't work.
For an X frame car, new bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends and an integral power steering box conversion are the way to go.
Food for thought.
Just my opinion and observations, as you said, your car your money.

beaumontguru wrote:

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Right on Dano,  totally agree,  this sounds like a total disaster in the making.

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          don't think thats what Andy wanted to hear      

daddys_61   Newbie Status: Offline Posts: 2 Date: 2 days ago

Reply Quote    because its my money and my car anyone else?

cdnpont wrote:

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I think that anything that can be done to improve the handling, steering and braking in the X frame cars, and the 65-70 B Bodies is worthwhile. Of course, provided it doesn't actually make it worse.

It's exciting to finally see, companies are now actually producing the high quality handling components we can use. And for those who aren't interested in a points correct car, although pricey, it's certainly a safe and relatively easy way to bring the car in line with more modern standards.

But doing nothing, leaving it bone stock, while putting more power to it, is surely inviting trouble. Let's face it, in stock form, they pretty much handle like crap and can be a handful. I won't go as far as to say unsafe, but add some worn parts and you're getting close!

The more improvements we make, the more fun they are to drive, and if you ask me, the more likely they'll be seen on the road as well.

Does the Pontiac of 61 share the chassis with Chevrolet?

 

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 Hi Uber Guru

That looks like the kit I was considering, is that the FR or Unisteer kit?.. yes, my Pontiac uses the X-frame chassis...

I'm no expert but I agree with DANO65, the inner tie rod pivot points look to be too far in on that particular setup.

If the geometry is wrong you'll get bump steer and the car won't handle right at all. It will be fine on a straight flat road but it will dart to the left or the right when you hit a bad bump. 

Rack and pinion steering is great and I think it can be safely adapted to a 61 Pontiac without making major changes to the frame of the car,,, but the geometry has to be right.

I don't like the looks of that particular kit for more than one reason. If it was me, I'd do some research and try to come up with something better, or if not just go with an upgraded steering box.

I was going to try and explain the whole bump steer thing but I'm sure somebody must have good info posted about what to look for when converting to rack and pinion. It's not rocket science but you have to get an understanding of what causes bump steer.

Gregory wrote:

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I just finished installing a borgeson Delphi 600 box into my 61 ,bolts to stock location and uses stock manual pitman arm. It,s a newer GM box ,all you will need is a power steering pump. The box is 3 turns lock to lock ,will need to check alignment this spring . Cost me $484 from summit to my door This box comes on 2003-06 cadilac escalade 2 wheel drive, Gm price $650 could not find used one , this model has 1 1/8 inch pitman shaft.

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 Hey Greg.......can you send me a link to the exact box you got from Summit......looking

at doing the same to my 63 Belair

The power steering box from summit is #BRG-800106 for 58-64 chevy, the price was $388.55 last fall ,$484 with HST and delivery to my door. It could be more now with dollar difference. I don't know about any link. I just went on summit site. If you have manual steering it bolts right in . You will need borgeson joint and 16" round splined shaft to hook up to stock column, also a pump. If you have the original power steering you will have to change centre link to a manual link. Because I have a 348 engine I had to use a newer Type 2 GM pump with remote fill because less room . Any type 2 pump can be converted to remote fill. Recently I had to install a remote power steering cooler. The type 2 pumps have been used since the 80's, I got my pump from a full size buick and reservoir from a 90's chevy van. Summit sells everything but I bought borgeson joint and shaft from Hortons in Milton. If you have any more questions PM.