Electric Power Assist Steering on my 67

[tarafied1]

So the 429 in the 67 is huge and takes up a lot of space. I eliminated the factory PS back in the 90's when I first put in a 460 and had crazy headers. The car used to be more strip than street. But now it's been tamed and it is a cruizer. But it is a PITA to park and even maneuver at slow speeds. I thought about the Borgeson integrated PS gearbox but still didn't really want to add a pump and hoses and stuff. No room under the hood. So I saw on the VMF people doing the Saturn Vue EPAS conversion. It inspired me to consider this conversion. However, I haven't really had time to chase down salvage yard parts so I bought the Auto Performance unit. I decided to replace my gearbox with a rebuilt unit also. My turn signal switch needed replaced too. I used a 68 column I had because it was easier to run the TS wires on the 68 than the 67. Here a few pics of the swap.

 

[tarafied1]

I stripped the paint off the old column, used etching primer and then painted it to match the original. Then I clear coated it. I had to remove the left header and cut the long shaft to get the old gearbox out. My gearbox was a long shaft so I ordered a early 67 replacement/rebuilt box. But my box had the 1 1/4" pitman arm and the new one had the 1" so I had to get a new pitman arm too

 

[tarafied1]

cutting and grinding is required to reuse the top part of the shaft and adapt the unit to the gearbox. The unit came with Borgeson u-joints and double D bar as well as a plate with a bearing to mount to the fire wall. It came with the computer/controller and a dial to adjust how much assist. I used a old seatbelt light bracket to mount the adjuster under the dash.

 

[tarafied1]

All tidy


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[Larry G]

Great job Craig. Enjoy


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[tarafied1]

Great job Craig. Enjoy


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thanks, It will make the Power Tour more fun! now to try Jerry's AC idea!

 

[Fst Blk]

Awesome work. So how does it steer now?

 

[tarafied1]

Awesome work. So how does it steer now?

MUCH better!!! I have only just finished it today but so far I love it. I have it turned down also. I can drive it like any other PS car. it's super quiet, you wouldn't even know it's there but I can turn the wheels with one finger sitting still if I turn it up all the way. And it works with the engine off!

 

[Fst Blk]

What did the swap cost?

 

[tarafied1]

I was hoping nobody would ask! lol
http://www.usautoperformance.com/epas/
I bought the unit from the above link. I got the basic kit. They sell optional stuff but I didn't go for all that. It was $1,350.00 and then the TS switch, paint, wire, etc. plus rebuilt gearbox... I have about $1,800 in it.

 

[kb3]

Very cool. I will need to study up on this for my 67. I see they make one for my Bronco too

 

[tarafied1]

they guy Geoff is pretty cool. I called first to discuss the product. He was very helpful

 

[tarafied1]

the engine compartment still looks like a non PS car

 

[B67FSTB]

Does the power steering decrease as car speed goes up ?
Or do you have the same amount of power steering at all speed.
Light steering at high speed can be dangerous.Thats why I can't/don't dare drive my stang at high speed.I feel unsecure.
An electric power steering setup is "in" nowedays and works less when the speed of the car goes up.
The need of an electronic speed sensor is required then.
Just some thoughts.

 

[tarafied1]

Brumo, the unit comes with a manual adjuster. I keep it turned down except to park or low speed maneuvering. I mounted the knob just under the ashtry for easy access. I can even turn it all the way off if desired. Then it acts just like before with no PS. The unit does not add any resistance when it is off.
There is a guy on the VMF working on a speed sensor but I guess insurance to protect him from law suites is too expensive, and preventing him from selling the technology. I suspect however, it will eventually become available. In the mean time I am okay with a manual control knob

 

[Horseplay]

So that's why you have been so quiet lately. Busy upgrading. Nice.

I thought about abandoning my Borgeson set-up before I even used it when all this electric stuff started popping up but decided to wait. Figure I will have something to compare once I start driving with the Borgeson box. I like the electric in my 2014. I keep it adjusted to lowest assist and have no complaints.

 

[B67FSTB]

So it is adjustable. Nice !!

 

[tarafied1]

yes, I like that I can adjust it but it would be fine if they had a speed sensor too. I have only had it finished since Saturday morning but I have been driving it a lot this weekend. Also letting others drive it too to get feedback. So far everyone says it makes the car much more pleasant to drive. I have to agree. 25 years with out PS and a heavy big block, it was getting old! Just pulling out of my garage was a pain because my wife parks her bus back there and I have a brick retaining wall on the other side. It was a chore, now its a breeze. I crank up the assist about halfway to back out then turn it down to lowest setting and drive with one hand, Before even turning slowly at an intersection required two hands. I am wanting to put a 5 speed in it and now I believe I will as before it would have been a real pain to drive and shift at the same time as a low speed turn.
Since I had no PS parts except the drag link, the cost is comparable to adding an after market or factory stuff. I think it was well worth it.

 

[janschutz]

I like that, I have a cut down tilt column that would be great for that setup. Humm...

 

[tarafied1]

I like that, I have a cut down tilt column that would be great for that setup. Humm...

it would be a perfect mod for your 68. Its almost undetectable unless you look under the dash.


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