[stevep]

A customer from CT just dropped off his 1957 GMC PU with a Pontiac V8 and a Hydramatic for me to rebuild the trans. It has been off the frame and is jammed, but not full painted yet. He would LOVE to find a Power Steering set up for-it.

[Bill Hanlon]

Is he looking for "stock" power steering? Those things are made from unobtainium, although most parts are interchangable between 1/2 to thru 1 ton models.

A knock off of the Chevy power steering is available at CPP here:
http://www.classicperform.com/power1.html

Other kit alternatives when staying with the I beam front axle include:

1. an 800 series 70's GM truck power steering box mounted on the outside of the frame forward of the front axle (I have this and don't like it - bump steer because of short drag link)

2. a Toyota 4x4 power steering box mounted where the original box was

3. a rack and pinion mounted to the back of the I beam

All three could use the original power steering pump available for the Pontiac V8. The mounting bracket for the pump is the same from 55-59 truck and 55-57 Pontiac car. 58 car bracket is somewhat different, although it still uses the same two holes on the top of the timing cover and would work OK in the truck. I got my pump and bracket from a '56 Pontiac. Found a rebuild kit (new seals and bearings - vanes not included, mine were OK) for the pump in New Jersey (the guy advertises in Hemmings) and rebuilt it myself.

[stevep]

Originally Posted by Bill Hanlon

Is he looking for "stock" power steering? Those things are made from unobtainium, although most parts are interchangable between 1/2 to thru 1 ton models.

A knock off of the Chevy power steering is available at CPP here:
http://www.classicperform.com/power1.html

Other kit alternatives when staying with the I beam front axle include:

1. an 800 series 70's GM truck power steering box mounted on the outside of the frame forward of the front axle (I have this and don't like it - bump steer because of short drag link)

2. a Toyota 4x4 power steering box mounted where the original box was

3. a rack and pinion mounted to the back of the I beam

All three could use the original power steering pump available for the Pontiac V8. The mounting bracket for the pump is the same from 55-59 truck and 55-57 Pontiac car. 58 car bracket is somewhat different, although it still uses the same two holes on the top of the timing cover and would work OK in the truck. I got my pump and bracket from a '56 Pontiac. Found a rebuild kit (new seals and bearings - vanes not included, mine were OK) for the pump in New Jersey (the guy advertises in Hemmings) and rebuilt it myself.

The guy found a truck with power steering and was going to buy it but he told a friend about it. Turns out that the friend wasn't really a friend as HE bought the truck and my customer was SOL.

[Bill Hanlon]

Over on the OldGMCTruck forum there has been talk in the last year of complete original working 55-59 GMC power steering systems going for $4K.

[Jack Gifford]

Originally Posted by Bill Hanlon

Over on the OldGMCTruck forum there has been talk in the last year of complete original working 55-59 GMC power steering systems going for $4K.

I guess it's just as well that I quit looking for one!