FLYNAVY30

Im getting ready to pull my steering box this weekend to ship it off for rebuild at Van Steel. I just wanted to poll the audience and see if anyone has any tips for a hassle free removal and eventual replacement.

Thanks!

Frankie the Fink

Its pretty straight forward. Unlike the C1s, these cars have a rag joint so its not that much of a wrestling match.. That said, its a good time to closely inspect the rag joint.

Van Steel did my '63 box last fall to NCRS standards...they even had to pick through their 'boneyard' for some year-specific, good, used, items to finish it off. Looks and works beautifully.

FLYNAVY30

Thanks, I appreciate the info....it looks pretty straight forward, but as I've learned, things that are fairly simple on every other mid-60's Chevy platform can amount to Rocket Surgery on a Corvette.

DansYellow66

Get a good puller (buy or borrow from auto parts store) to remove the pitman arm from the shaft. Otherwise you will need a bigger shipping box and most rebuilders aren't too happy about having to remove it for you.

Jackfit

Another tip, make sure your wheels are straight before you take things apart! It will make it easier to set up later.

FLYNAVY30

I've got a puller that I bought when I rebuilt the suspension on my C20.

Any specific tips on centering the box once I get it back? In the past, I've just loosely attached the pitman arm with the box out of the car, counted turns lock to lock by moving the pitman arm, and then getting it as close to center as I can and mark it with a paint pen prior to reinstalling.

Frankie the Fink

IIRC Van Steel returns the box centered (and filled with fluid BTW) so that should help...
You could pop off your steering wheel hub and there should be an index mark on the steering column that points to the 12:00 position when the steering is centered. Just get that right before removing the box and don't mess with or roll the car until re-installation and you should be fine...

FLYNAVY30

perfect...thanks!

pop23235

Just finished my 64, so this is fresh. The pitman arm is marked with a short straight stamp for alignment. The pitman arm only fits up certain ways, maybe only one, as the splines are not uniform. Hard to go wrong. The input shaft of the steering box is also marked on center with a straight stamped mark. You will see this when you remove the rag joint. That should cover you since you aren't getting inside.

FLYNAVY30

much appreciated