VintAGE-Vans

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BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER.... A's, G's & E's


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BvrWally
Vantasia
Digz
Joe Van
chiliVANilli
9 posters

    Power steerin?

    chiliVANilli
    chiliVANilli


    Number of posts : 30
    Location : Eagle,co
    Registration date : 2014-10-21

    Power steerin? Empty Power steerin?

    Post by chiliVANilli Mon Jan 12, 2015 5:29 pm

    Hi all! I am reconverting my 68 Sportsvan 108 to 4x4 using the engine/ drivetrain from an 89 3/4 ton suburban. Of the many challenges of this is the steering, as I would like to use the burb's column, unfortunately. The original is awesome, but I am using all the wiring from burb and that includes the column right now. Anyway, is there a power steering box that works on these vans?I don't mind if it is not a direct bolt in. Any help or ideas is appreciated. Right now it is the original box.
    Joe Van
    Joe Van
    Moderator 1st Class
    Moderator 1st Class


    Number of posts : 4619
    Location : Ocala fl
    Registration date : 2012-10-11

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by Joe Van Tue Jan 13, 2015 3:50 am

    "Good Luck" on your project should look good when you are done..!!!...I myselph have never seen a fool proof way to put power steering in one of theses earlys without "Major Modifications" A lot in the works but nothing set in stone...... It's like the last 6 hot Rod's/Muscle cars I have owned with No power steering as long as the tires are rolling you can turn the wheels...The 4x4 truck/blazer/suburban/boxes are similar but you will have to do some fabricating.!!!...If you "MUST" have it I would go with a "Power Assist" like the early 60's Chevy Impalas/Bel airs......Keep Us Posted..... Smile .


    _________________
    1966 GMC Handivan  "Panel"....1975 Chevy Van G10 "Panel"....1991 Chevy Van G20 "Conversion"
    Digz
    Digz


    Number of posts : 3794
    Location : United States Six Lakes MI
    Registration date : 2008-05-17

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by Digz Tue Jan 13, 2015 4:36 am

    There is a vanner who put a PS unit in the same location as the original, sorry I cannot recall the name for a search. Perhaps one of the guys can come up with a link. It involved some modification to the frame to pull it off but looked like a clean install after that.
    Joe Van
    Joe Van
    Moderator 1st Class
    Moderator 1st Class


    Number of posts : 4619
    Location : Ocala fl
    Registration date : 2012-10-11

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by Joe Van Tue Jan 13, 2015 5:19 am

    Minus the center link and the pitman arm I always thought I could make this set up work mount a plate/bracket to hold the assist valve and ram on our existing center link the steering box is the same on this setup power steering or not on my 62 Bel-Air (no lines running to the box)..!!!.. scratch http://www.ebay.com/itm/Complete-Power-Assist-Steering-for-1960-1964-Chevy-/141533023504?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20f4068d10&vxp=mtr#ht_94wt_907


    _________________
    1966 GMC Handivan  "Panel"....1975 Chevy Van G10 "Panel"....1991 Chevy Van G20 "Conversion"
    Vantasia
    Vantasia


    Number of posts : 1412
    Location : New Jersey
    Age : 69
    Registration date : 2013-08-18

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by Vantasia Tue Jan 13, 2015 6:03 am

    On a similar idea like Joe's power assist, there are power rack and pinion set ups that might be adaptable, maybe that kind of set up would work? Google/Youtube for it, there must be some info on doing this....
    BvrWally
    BvrWally


    Number of posts : 946
    Location : Earlyville,Ohio
    Registration date : 2008-05-19

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by BvrWally Tue Jan 13, 2015 6:23 am

    Sparky in Canada used a PS box from a 78 GMC Van and notched the frame where the originl one is and placed it in. He then went on to use the PS pump from the same Van. I got to drive the Van, whilst on a trip up North to attend VanFest a couple of years back. Drove and steered just fine! Sorry I didn't get any photos of it? Sparky is on VCVC.org as well.
    Twinpilot001
    Twinpilot001


    Number of posts : 6186
    Location : spokane ,Wa.
    Registration date : 2009-09-28

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by Twinpilot001 Tue Jan 13, 2015 7:31 am

    When converting our early vans to power steering?? Most do not realize that the newer electric steering boxes are easiest to install & adapt. we all must cut the steering column shaft or =replace it -with electric - we don't have to replace the steering box!! just cut the saft &  adapt the small electric steering unit  to under the dash area.  then run a dd coupler & square/round shaft = from the  shaft to the old  boxes shaft! Less work too. The electric boxes are in the salvage yards & cheap too! There is an electronic adapter on ebay that allows you to set the steering box's  "Feel"  that has a dash mounted knob-simple - want the feel of the old box =without ps? turn it off- want  steering like a quick sports car with little effort -adjust as u wish!!--  whole conversion can be done in much less time  than replacing new box, pump, column , ect. and  id estimate @ a total costs for us do it ourselves @ less than $200.00 bux!! cheers There are some utube  vids on this & i have posted that here before.
    samsvan
    samsvan


    Number of posts : 672
    Location : Sarasota, Fl.
    Age : 61
    Registration date : 2014-09-04

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    Post by samsvan Tue Jan 13, 2015 2:51 pm

    I just ordered the electric adapter off e-bay. It ships from Portugal and was about $75 total. I wimped out and bought the column too instead of pulling one myself. It was $105. We'll see how it goes...
    chiliVANilli
    chiliVANilli


    Number of posts : 30
    Location : Eagle,co
    Registration date : 2014-10-21

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by chiliVANilli Tue Jan 13, 2015 7:33 pm

    I am also looking into the VUE electric assist. Seems like the best option for the $$$. Only problem I see is where the motor will end up. I am running 33.5 x11.5 Dynapro mt's, and definitely don't want to fight those, so if I have to look a motor, oh well. Is the stock box strong enough to go with the power assist?
    chiliVANilli
    chiliVANilli


    Number of posts : 30
    Location : Eagle,co
    Registration date : 2014-10-21

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by chiliVANilli Wed Jan 14, 2015 5:00 am

    Power steerin? 20141210
    pan58head
    pan58head


    Number of posts : 512
    Location : new hampshire
    Registration date : 2010-03-15

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by pan58head Wed Jan 14, 2015 5:26 pm

    I have done this electric conversion go over to vcvc.org and search electric power steering the vue unit fits behind the dash somewhat you will lose about 2" of leg room my van has 235 60 15 on 8" rims and I can turn the wheels locl to lock with one finger
    chiliVANilli
    chiliVANilli


    Number of posts : 30
    Location : Eagle,co
    Registration date : 2014-10-21

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by chiliVANilli Wed Jan 14, 2015 8:21 pm

    Guess I can't post a pic. Yeah, I am pretty sure I will go electric for now. Seems like a good option for the $$$. If it doesnt work, time to get to fabricating.
    Joe Van
    Joe Van
    Moderator 1st Class
    Moderator 1st Class


    Number of posts : 4619
    Location : Ocala fl
    Registration date : 2012-10-11

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by Joe Van Thu Jan 15, 2015 4:54 am

    pan58head wrote:I have done this electric conversion go over to vcvc.org and search electric power steering the vue unit fits behind the dash somewhat you will lose about 2" of leg room my van has 235 60 15  on 8" rims and I can turn the wheels locl to lock with one finger
    Could we get a picture of yours Here under the dash..???,, Smile


    Last edited by Joe Van on Fri Jan 16, 2015 5:07 am; edited 1 time in total


    _________________
    1966 GMC Handivan  "Panel"....1975 Chevy Van G10 "Panel"....1991 Chevy Van G20 "Conversion"
    chiliVANilli
    chiliVANilli


    Number of posts : 30
    Location : Eagle,co
    Registration date : 2014-10-21

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by chiliVANilli Thu Jan 15, 2015 7:09 pm

    x2 bounce
    pan58head
    pan58head


    Number of posts : 512
    Location : new hampshire
    Registration date : 2010-03-15

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by pan58head Sun Jan 18, 2015 6:08 pm

    Joe/chilen if you go to vcvc there is pictures of the unit under my dash, the covers I made, column, couplers I'm not much of a picture guy these pictures are a year old
    chiliVANilli
    chiliVANilli


    Number of posts : 30
    Location : Eagle,co
    Registration date : 2014-10-21

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by chiliVANilli Fri Jan 23, 2015 3:45 pm

    That is awesome! Very Clean. Is the stock steering box strong enough with the bigger tires and assist? That's my only concern now.
    Twinpilot001
    Twinpilot001


    Number of posts : 6186
    Location : spokane ,Wa.
    Registration date : 2009-09-28

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by Twinpilot001 Fri Jan 23, 2015 3:56 pm

    should be all =OK as it's lasted 4
    50 years already!! we all want safety-yet seems like if we are worried about safety -we should just buy a Volvo -instead of a 50 year old van????????? affraid
    Bear
    Bear


    Number of posts : 849
    Location : dearborn hts michigan
    Registration date : 2010-11-23

    Power steerin? Empty Re: Power steerin?

    Post by Bear Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:05 am

    Power steerin? Mvc-0110 this is panheads brain storm and it,s a winner i,m doing it on both my 1966 no-door and my 1970 4x4 buld


    Last edited by Bear on Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:08 am; edited 1 time in total
    Bear
    Bear


    Number of posts : 849
    Location : dearborn hts michigan
    Registration date : 2010-11-23

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    Post by Bear Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:07 am

    Power steerin? Mvc-0210

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