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Anybody use the power to manual steering conversion doohickey?

M

Mustang Mike

Member
Until I can find manual steering parts and gear box for my 68 I was thinking of just buying one of those $107 dollar perts from Laurel Mtn. My power is too hairy with the ruts in the roads. Anybody use one or know of anybody that has?
 
Just a thought...

When I removed and sold the p/s from my 66, I made WAY more money than it cost to go buy the correct parts to convert it to manual... I didn't need to spend any money on a doohickey.
 
I have the doohickey on my 67. When I put in the big block years ago, the headers wouldn't allow room for the cylinder so I bought the doohickey. I have had it for close to 20 years with no issues.
 
I should add though that a manual steering gearbox has a slower ratio. My PS gearbox combined with a BBF and no power assist make this thing a mother to parallel park!
 
When I was 18 I removed the pump off my 67 and drove it like that for several years before trading it for a 65 fastback. I even had the little grant steering wheel. It did keep my arms in shape.
 
I bet! My wife doesn't like to drive mine because of the steering. I still have an original steering wheel too. (and no power brakes) It's fine at anything over about 20 -25 mph but slow, you better have both hands on the wheel, no cruising around with your arm out the window!
 
My wife doesn't like to drive mine because of the steering.

This is sounding better and better. I hate when she thinks she can drive my car. This will cure her. THANKS CRAIG!!!! :craz
 
"Shaun" said:
Just a thought...

When I removed and sold the p/s from my 66, I made WAY more money than it cost to go buy the correct parts to convert it to manual... I didn't need to spend any money on a doohickey.
Click to expand...

Hmmm...

Sounding good. My first two were manual cars, and I had no issues. Of course, I had the skinny a$$ stock tires, too.

Are you running larger tires? If so, how is the steering effort?
 
"apollard" said:
Hmmm...

Sounding good. My first two were manual cars, and I had no issues. Of course, I had the skinny a$$ stock tires, too.

Are you running larger tires? If so, how is the steering effort?
Click to expand...

235's with 4 degrees of caster. Drives like a charm and I've got skinny arms!
 
"Shaun" said:
235's with 4 degrees of caster. Drives like a charm and I've got skinny arms!
Click to expand...
but which gear box ratio? My 67 with a 16:1 PS gearbox with power assist removed is a PIA. My dad's 66 with a factory 19:1 manual is quite easy by comparison.
 
"tarafied1" said:
but which gear box ratio? My 67 with a 16:1 PS gearbox with power assist removed is a PIA. My dad's 66 with a factory 19:1 manual is quite easy by comparison.
Click to expand...

16:1. You need to eat more cereal! I don't find it difficult at all as long as its rolling.
 
"Shaun" said:
16:1. You need to eat more cereal! I don't find it difficult at all as long as its rolling.
Click to expand...
it's not just me, several people have driven my car and say it's much harder to steer than a manual steering gearbox car. I'm sure the all iron 429 and heavy C6, as well as wide tires doesn't help much but it's not a matter of being weak, it's just hard to turn. and yes rolling helps a lot but it's nothing close to my dad's 66 with the 19:1 and a 289.
 
yes. I have had this setup for about 20 years and when I didn't drive the car as much I didn't think it was a big deal. now I drive the car almost every day. In fact the only two cars I have are my Mustang and my F150 (which is my wife's DD). While it's not impossible to steer it is a PIA, especially in tight parking situations where your hardly moving. I bought a 68 parts car a year or two ago that was a manual steering car and I intended to swap the spear-o-matic out for the manual rag joint collapsible set-up in the 68. Before I could take it all apart, I got an offer on the car I couldn't refuse so I sold it. I did collect all the parts to go back to PS now that I have "shorty" headers and it will fit but the "no road feel" issue may out way the PIA parking deal. If I had all the required goodies for a manual (gear box and idler?) I think I would try it but I'm also leery of being able to remove and install a spear-o-matic without pulling the headers. Just hasn't been a priority I guess.
 
yeah, the 429 is like 700 lbs vs a SBF which is something like 400 lbs. I think. And the C6 is something like 50 lbs more than a C4, IIRC. Regardless it's a lot more weight on the nose than most of you guys have. I don't think Wheaties are gonna fix that. :rp
That flow valve sounds like a cool idea, thanks.
 
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