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Hi, Finally got to drive our 61 for a little spin the other night. No rain or oppressive heat. The steering box need attention. Is there a kit to rebuild them? Or does anybody rebuild them. Is it possible to pull the column intact with clearance to spare. Have about 2 inches of play and have snugged adjustment to where I believe no longer viable. Thanks.
Sounds like it's in need of a full rebuild. I'm guessing you 'snugged' down the lash screw? That's what most folks do in an attempt to take up the play in those old steering boxes and most times, it makes things worse.
When I bought my 61 back in '08, I wound up driving it across Houston to my friends garage and on that trip noticed the seriously 'notchy' feel in the steering.
Once I got it home to Northern California and pulled the column out, I found the sector roller was badly galled and the reason for the 'notchiness', most likely due to someone 'snugging' up the lash screw beyond where it needed to be.
The columns on those old Vettes is a one piece affair, not a column separate from the steering box like in later models. The whole thing needs to be pulled out to do the rebuild.
It's a very simple arrangement and it'll be much better once it's rebuilt. Pic attached is of the galled sector roller from my 61.
By the way, how's the rest of the front suspension and steering? Might want to double check it all while you're in there.
Good luck.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
Hate to break it to you but the 49 Chevy steering box sucks on its best day. I had mine rebuilt twice. This is why So many of us have changed to R&P or power R&P. Or EPAS.
Finding good gears is the hardest challenge today. The last that had them was Corvette Central but with them selling out and the owner passed away who knows
I don’t know if Joe C is still working on them or if he’s retired but he would be the guy I would call for gears and if he doesn’t have a answer good luck
O.K. Thanks. Mine is not notch y just free play. But will see who has parts. Assume I can pull complete column with a few issues. Assume steering wheel removed and dash cluster needs to be loosened up.Thanks.
Finding good gears is the hardest challenge today. The last that had them was Corvette Central but with them selling out and the owner passed away who knows
I don’t know if Joe C is still working on them or if he’s retired but he would be the guy I would call for gears and if he doesn’t have a answer good luck
Joe has retired.
One of the smartest, sharpest, most creative individuals I've ever known, his retirement is a loss for the hobby, in my opinion.
One of the smartest, sharpest, most creative individuals I've ever known, his retirement is a loss for the hobby, in my opinion.
That's kinda what I was thinking, sorry to hear it. I met Joe at Carlisle about 15 years ago, very nice man. We were comparing notes between his C1 boxes and my C2-3 boxes.
Did he sell off all his parts?
It appears Joe’s website is still active. “rarecorvettes” he posted a wealth oh information on the early cars ther. Great point of reference. Several videos explain the steering box and rebuild. Thank you Joe!
Drive em safe
Leo
Last edited by Leo Guggenbiller; Aug 30, 2024 at 06:29 AM.
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C2 of Year Finalist
I just watched the whole series of rebuilding the steering box. Even though I no longer own a C1, that is the best hands-on video I have ever seen on this subject! Administrator, please make this a "Sticky" if it is not one already.
Last edited by Redbird; Aug 30, 2024 at 10:31 AM.
Reason: Add a sentence
I've watched a bunch of them too. It could be a good winter project because I can't see disabling my "65 while there is still some good days to use it.
I've watched a bunch of them too. It could be a good winter project because I can't see disabling my "65 while there is still some good days to use it.
Hi, Finally got to drive our 61 for a little spin the other night. No rain or oppressive heat. The steering box need attention. Is there a kit to rebuild them? Or does anybody rebuild them. Is it possible to pull the column intact with clearance to spare. Have about 2 inches of play and have snugged adjustment to where I believe no longer viable. Thanks.
C1's and C2's themselves are a world apart. 1963 ushered in a much more modern Corvette.
No question about it. I am just confused since this is about C1 boxes and you are speaking about your 65?
Joe has the best video online on C1 boxes, hands down he knows them inside out. I have referred people to him for years. However, and I thinking you know this, but those who don't, the 63-82 boxes were completely different. The videos I have seen online on them were bad. I thought about making a series like Joe did for the 63-82 boxes, diff's and TA but don't have the time.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
Steering box
