[AZ64GP]

I'm not sure how tech savvy you are, as I'm still an amateur mechanic at best, but I would recommend just buying a replacement master cylinder that's rebuilt rather than try yourself to rebuild it. Just my two cents, but I would rather have the work done by a pro on something as important as a brake system part. Not worth getting in a wreck or worse to save $40 on a master cylinder.

[GruntedCatalina]

Originally Posted by AZ64GP

In my '64 Grand Prix, I used a stock steering box out of a '70 GTO/442/Chevelle/GS. I can't remember the ratio, but is a variable steering box and quite a bit faster than stock. It's also a few turns quicker too. I haven't driven my car yet so I can't say how well it works, but I believe it will make a big difference for not a lot of money. I have heard several people use later model GM boxes and also late model Jeep Grand Cherokee boxes work too. GM only made a few different steering boxes over the years, so almost any of them will work.

The things to watch out for are later in the 1970s they changed from standard to metric power steering line sizes. So something like the late model caprice box you mentioned will need either a kit converting the box to accept the standard hoses from your car or you will have to buy new hoses to fit the different fittings on the box. Also f-body cars (Camaro & Firebird) boxes are faster than your original box, but also have limits built into them to not allow the wheels to turn as tight. If you swap to a Camaro box without modifying the limits with the box, your car will have a much greater turning radius.

There are many articles (I think one of hot rod magazine people regularly quote) that talks all about the options of switching steering boxes in GM cars. I would recommend searching the internet as there's tons of articles on what your options are and the best way to do it.

And just like that


SAGINAW POWER STEERING BOXES
BODY STYLE YEAR CODE RATIO EFFORT T-BAR TOTAL TRAVEL
-Monte Carlo SS ’85 to ’88 YA 12.7:1 24-30 0.204 78 degrees 30 minutes
-Fullsize Chevy F-41 ’88 to ’90 WZ 12.7:1 20-26 0.195 87 degrees
-Fullsize Chevy F-41 ’91 to ’94 CP 12.7:1 17-22 0.185 87 degrees
-Fullsize Chevy F-41 ’95 CT 12.7:1 19-22 0.185 87 degrees
-Camaro/Firebird ’82 to ’93 WS 12.7:1 24-30 0.185 70 degrees
-Camaro with FE2 ’85 to ’93 XH 12.7:1 28-34 0.210 64 degrees
-Camaro ’67 — 17.5:1 15-21 0.175 87 degrees
-Camaro ’68 to ’81 — VR* 14-22 0.175 67 degrees
-Chevelle ’66 — 17.5:1 15-21 0.175 87 degrees

[GruntedCatalina]

this starter business is insane. So i had the starter rebuilt, brakes redone, Inspection on and im driving around. shut the car off. Starter just kept spinning even with the motor running. It shuts off after a few moments, i get it home; now the car wont start. I feel its the starter solenoid. does anyone have any input on this before i start changing stuff over?

[GruntedCatalina]

starter was good, looks like the fly wheel was going. is going now. lol. it looks like its missing a few teeth and now i need to get another flywheel soon. I was able to get it running and washed today

[GruntedCatalina]

So i got the starter and flexplate squared away. if anyone was wondering it was essentially the same flexplate they used for years. 166 teeth.

now looking at this job on the roof. hopefully this weekend will be nicer in which i can buff out all the excess paint and rust and seal it with some primer/ filler.

[Engine-Ear]

2dr Sean Cats look so TOUGH!

[GruntedCatalina]

They really do. Thank you for the Compliment man. I ended up picking up a few things for it and will work on it no matter what. im just unsure now that If I truly want the 455. this 389 with heads and a cam that it has is really nice. and i do enjoy the TH400 in it too. i guess time will tell.

so Memorial day weekend i cant wait to attack this roof. im gonna stop at my paint supply place today hopefully and ask if they can tint the primer blue. I also got radial buffer pads so after i finish sealing it, im gonna wash the rest of the car and attack the jams out of the paint with compounds and wax. Since repainting it isnt an option just yet.

[GruntedCatalina]

I trust everyone had a good Weekend. my family were all in one branch of the military or another or privately contracted after their tours. I am lucky enough to say they all came home. Im gracious for it. an old neighbor served and was in D day. He had passed years ago. in his 90s. I miss the guy. used to come to my dads pizza shop and talk about his D day experience and his whole life in **** Germany. A true soldier and a true man.

Well, I dealt with all this rain here in NY with just enough time to Sand the shiz out the roof to see that the surface rust was even underneath the paint. maybe the previous....."Arteest" felt it was an easy fix. I had enough time to prime as well. just in time for it to dry over night, then immediately down pour. I have a little bit of rust I need to cut out of the rear fender on the drivers side, a small line dent on one side that I want to get fixed up. Then probably gonna get the under carriage coated, then off to painting it to a Martian blue with my SST Cragars coated in bronze.

It will look semi modern in color scheme but I think itll be a definite update and upgrade.

[GruntedCatalina]

see attached for the color scheme. I think itll look pretty sharp

[GruntedCatalina]

So ive literally just been driving this thing around town. I adore the looks. now just waiting to get some other stuff done before i save up some extra cash for the brake update, looking at a manual transmission swap in the future too. especially if this 455 stays in my possession until the winter. if thats the case, hells breaking loose. lol

[GruntedCatalina]

so a friend of mine had this in garage for years. offered it to me. I know Nunzi is where to go Cam wise but, does anyone know or have had this in a 455?

[GruntedCatalina]

so a friend of mine is trying to convince me to get a Super T10 trans or a muncie 4 spd for my 455. and im really contemplating it. is there a new aged kit for my car or do i have to go parts searchin?

[GruntedCatalina]

annndd my good friend, offered a Hurst short throw super street shifter.

[tom s]

You need 63-64 stuff.Fabcraft has most of what you need.I have a new billet flywheel if you decide to go that way.There was a bellhousing on ebay last week.Will keep a eye out for you.Tom

[tom s]

When your shopping remember you HAVE to look for a 63-64 bigcar bell.In 1964 they made both and the GTO-Lemans wont work with you car.Tom

[GruntedCatalina]

Really? why wouldnt it work if i was putting it onto the 455 instead of my ol' 389?

[tom s]

OK,the later stuff will work but there will be a issue with the clutch linkage.Maybe someone on here has done the later stuff or Fabcraft might be able to help.The mount for the Z bar is not in the proper location for the 65 and later bell.The auto would be WAY more easy!Everything can be made to work,just numbers in a checkbook!You can use the 455 block with all the early stuff just have to use all matching stuff.Tom

[GruntedCatalina]

yeah im there with you. considering i have one already in there a TH400. lol.

so ive come to realize. this guy was a hack who had my car before me. this will take some time lol

Things Ive found so far

Engine mount bolts EVERYWHERE. in flexplate, transmission holder,
-Auto transmission shifter linkage that connects to the trans was screwed in to the trans for a mount using drywall screws
-brake lines were held into place with paper clips
-paper clips held the shift lines in place
-paper clips were used EVERYWHERE as well.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by GruntedCatalina

yeah im there with you. considering i have one already in there a TH400. lol.

so ive come to realize. this guy was a hack who had my car before me. this will take some time lol

Things Ive found so far

Engine mount bolts EVERYWHERE. in flexplate, transmission holder,
-Auto transmission shifter linkage that connects to the trans was screwed in to the trans for a mount using drywall screws
-brake lines were held into place with paper clips
-paper clips held the shift lines in place
-paper clips were used EVERYWHERE as well.

Sounds like a nightmare!

[GruntedCatalina]

it really is. I did drive it this way too. alot of the stuff you uncover as they break or getting to one thing or the other. the more and more this is happening. the more and more im dreaming about this 455 build thatll be happening this winter.