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In this Discussion
power steering for a 53 Hornet
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'54's had power steering available, and if you get all the parts, its a bolt-in swap for earlier stepdowns. A little pricey, and hard to find, though. One drawback is that the steering ratio is the same as the manual steering gear, so its easier to steer, but you're spinning that wheel a bunch.
I've heard that its fairly easy to adapt a Mustang II power rack and pinion (like many hotrods have), but I don't know the specifics. The old "linkage" type, with a hydraulic cylinder running crossways- '50's Fords had them- would be difficult, because of Hudson center-point steering. The other choice is the power assisted steering gear boxes, which seem like they could be adapted by a handy guy. -
There was a discussion back in May about making your own double pulley.
http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/comment/162298#Comment_162298 -
The double pulley isn't a big problem... I just found an aftermarket outer pulley, then machined a centering dowel, drilled and tapped holes in the original Hornet pulley.
For what it's worth, on my 1959 Jaguar with NO space for a second pulley groove, I'm driving water pump, alternator, power steering pump AND A/C compressor all on a single belt with two idler pulleys to keep good belt-to-pulley contact. Has worked wonderfully for the past 4 years.
I've often wondered if it wouldn't be fairly simple to adapt a 60's GM PS unit (such as the one I bought for my 65 Stingray).. it's basically a hydraulic ram that responds to input pressure to assist the steering rod. Haven't explored further, but it should work with some modifications to the mount, and pretty inexpensive system.
