63 Steering question
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,749
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From: Dadeville AL
63 Steering question
I need advice regarding a steering damper. Here's the setup.... I've owned my 63 Coupe since 1978 and I've driven it many thousands of miles. I started a frame-off rebuild about two years ago mainly to make sure it is safe to drive. The car was far from original when I bought it and I'm not into restoration, so I've upgraded a number of components. For example, I have large radial tires and Vette Brakes high performance suspension components. It has manual steering.
Here's the question. I just discovered that this car was originally equipped with a steering damper. It's never had one in all the time I've owned it so I wonder if its worth the effort to install one. Given that I'm not concerned about originality but I am interested in performance, should I install a damper?
Tom
Here's the question. I just discovered that this car was originally equipped with a steering damper. It's never had one in all the time I've owned it so I wonder if its worth the effort to install one. Given that I'm not concerned about originality but I am interested in performance, should I install a damper?
Tom
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Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: 63 Steering question (kellsdad)
I have no first hand knowledge, but I can tell you that in 1963, hydraulic lifter cars with the 5 quart oil pans used the damper while solid lifter cars with the 6 quart pan did not. The damper would not fit under the 6 quart pan, so they didn't use it. So....couldn't be that important in my opinion. My 63 is a 360HP car...no damper...steering seems fine to me. Others may differ. Chuck
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Re: 63 Steering question (Chuck Gongloff)
Agree with Chuck. A clue to the original engine is the tach. If it has a 6500 redline, it was originally a SHP or FI engine with the large oil pan and it would not have originally had the steering damper. The original FI radiator support also had the hole on the LH side for the combustion air inlet, but GMPD service replacements have this feature,too. An original FI would also have holes in the LH inner fender panel to mount the air cleaner.
Being as how SHP and FI did not have steering dampers, the lack of one on your car is not a big issue.
Duke
Being as how SHP and FI did not have steering dampers, the lack of one on your car is not a big issue.
Duke
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Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Re: 63 Steering question (kellsdad)
I installed one on mine (had to buy the brackets) but about a year later the dampener sprung a leak at the seal. I took it off and really did not notice the difference with or without. I believe they only come into play if you hit a chuck-hole or fallen tree branch or such. In these cases the dampener would slow down the suspensions "shock" to the steering wheel and allow you to keep better control. So, install one or leave it off, really doesn't matter for normal everyday driving. :chevy
