50 ford p/s conversions

2

27lizzie

Member
I would like to convert my 50 coupe to power steering system to make it more comfortable for the wife to drive. Has anyone installed the unisteer rack and pinion conversion kit. How well does this kit work or is there something better out there. opinions please Thanks Marlon
 
I have a Unisteer EPS unit in a 33 Imperial street rod. The rack and pinion steering is from Kugel Components. The combination is like driving a modern car. When I was looking for a rack and pinion setup to put under the Imperial there were quite a few negative reviews about the Unisteer rack and pinion and their support. This was five years ago so their product might better now. I would recommend doing a search on the HAMB for rack and pinions and even narrow it down to rack and pinions on a "shoebox FORD" While you're over there do a search for EPS units. There is a lot of info on that site that can help you get up on the learning curve.
 
I'm looking into doing the same thing to a 50 Ford but I don't want to change over to a rack and pinion steering. The major problem I see is that most all steering boxes have the pitman arm going forward so that makes adapting a better box easy compared to these shoebox Fords which have a pitman arm to the rear. The only brand that I understand that has a pitman arm to the rear is the Jeep but I haven't got to a junk yard to verify that. I hear that the electric assist works good but it is big on the column but I think it would be better than the Unisteer rack but that is my opinion. Maybe we will all figure this out.
 
You could use stuff of a later up to atleast mid 60' on mustangs I think, power assist setup. This has a seperate powered ram that pushes and pulls the pitman to idler arm. You keep your 'box and adapt the pitman arm to idler arm from the doner car as it has the Valve business on the end.
Would that work on a shoebox? I've not been under one so don't know. But I've seen it adapted to beam axle stuff and seen it fitted to a 57 Ford fairlaine, so might work.
Martin.
 
Tim Halter of the 49-53 Ford Merc Association installed one in his Shoebox and did not have fun doing it. Give him a call and he can enlighten you on the subject.
Tim's # 614-905-2151. Tell him Hi for me-
Toby
 
Here is a pic of a 73 comet power assist and cross link fitted to a50 frame and stock steering box. Looks a lot easier modifing the frame and column
 

Attachments

  • 40531.jpg
    40531.jpg
    26.9 KB · Views: 55
27lizzie said:
Here is a pic of a 73 comet power assist and cross link fitted to a50 frame and stock steering box. Looks a lot easier modifing the frame and column
Click to expand...

That's what I'm talking about, 73 Comet? Didn't know it was used that late. Did it stay much later? I'd like that setup on my truck, but they don't turn up much this side of the pond.
Thanks for pic.
Martin.
 
Doesn't really have to be FoMoCo the same system used on Corvette Stingrays I know
my buddies 81 Vett has it. Made by Bendix used on many makes. Probably the
simplest route to go. Cut & weld the drag link for the control valve Fab a mount for
the cylinder napa will make up the hoses, fab a pump mount, add an extra pulley
on the generator,napa has many double pulleys. and there ya go..They were also
used on 70's F250 4x4 s
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top