Power Steering Conversion Kit
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: VA
Power Steering Conversion Kit
Hello all. I have a 1969 Convertible (350) with manual everything. I’ve gotten used to the non-power brakes, but not having power steering is getting old, especially in parking lots. Was wondering if anyone has had a power steering conversion kit installed and how it’s working out (or not). Also, if anyone knows a place in Northern VA or DC area that can install one, appreciate any recommendations you might have. Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
I put one in my 68 ages ago (1991). It has been great. HOWEVER, if I was going to do it today, then I would convert to a Borgeson box instead. You can search for those installations on this forum also.
Hello all. I have a 1969 Convertible (350) with manual everything. I’ve gotten used to the non-power brakes, but not having power steering is getting old, especially in parking lots. Was wondering if anyone has had a power steering conversion kit installed and how it’s working out (or not). Also, if anyone knows a place in Northern VA or DC area that can install one, appreciate any recommendations you might have. Thanks!
Last edited by carriljc; Feb 14, 2018 at 09:29 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Borgeson is the 'common' conversion. Although I've wondered why folks don't convert to the S10 pickup power steering box. Seems like it ought to work and do the same job as the Borgeson. (don't know the steering ratio, though)
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
The answer to your questions are yes, yes, and definitely yes. You can convert your 69 to power steering and use the original style if you wish. Borgeson will cost you more, so will the after market setups. PS pump, PS brackets, PS linkage, all available here on the CF and from eBay, and other sites. The same is true with the power brakes, if you want them as well.
Think of it as installing all new components on a bare frame and you can come up with a cheat sheet listing of the parts you will need to do the conversion. Then search the alternatives if you want to see cost comparisons. However you do it, you will love having power steering.
Good luck with your decision and let us know if we can help.
Best regards,
David Howard
AllVettes4Me
Think of it as installing all new components on a bare frame and you can come up with a cheat sheet listing of the parts you will need to do the conversion. Then search the alternatives if you want to see cost comparisons. However you do it, you will love having power steering.
Good luck with your decision and let us know if we can help.
Best regards,
David Howard
AllVettes4Me
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 10
Hello all. I have a 1969 Convertible (350) with manual everything. I’ve gotten used to the non-power brakes, but not having power steering is getting old, especially in parking lots. Was wondering if anyone has had a power steering conversion kit installed and how it’s working out (or not). Also, if anyone knows a place in Northern VA or DC area that can install one, appreciate any recommendations you might have. Thanks!
https://www.coopercorvettes.com/home
Richard.
Last edited by Scrrem; Feb 15, 2018 at 07:50 AM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: VA
Good info everyone, thanks! Not familiar with Borgeson but I’ll check it out.
BTW Richard, I’ve used Cooper’s before, I was carpooling the other day with someone who said they had gone out of business, I’ll have the verify.
BTW Richard, I’ve used Cooper’s before, I was carpooling the other day with someone who said they had gone out of business, I’ll have the verify.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 615
Likes: 187
From: Orlando, Dundee, Val-des-Monts PQ
The above poster AllVettes4Me has a almost complete, rebuilt, factory original set up that may work for you. He is a very honest and appears to be humble ( didn't try to sell you his) member. It is in parts for sale. It was for a 77 that he was, then wasn't building. Mark
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
but not having power steering is getting old, especially in parking lots
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 10
Rich
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
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From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
I replaced my rack and pinion with a borgenson box and love it. I wish I had done that in the first place since I like it better and it's much cheaper. I find I have to watch my speed on the highway now since the car is so much more stable at high speed it feels like I am not going as fast and it is easy to look down and see I am way over the speed limit.
There is a brace from RideTech that can be added to stiffen up the box to the frame. I am going to add that this summer.
There is a brace from RideTech that can be added to stiffen up the box to the frame. I am going to add that this summer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...rcement-562207
R
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Feb 17, 2018 at 09:33 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
I would probably try to fabricate that myself. Looks simple enough if you have scrap metal, torch, drill, and a vise. Just for fun instead of paying 80 bucks.
"Cracked" is probably the better word and its a handful of cars when using big tires. There is an aftermarket brace to remedy if concerned.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...rcement-562207
R
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...rcement-562207
R
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 26
From: Bonita Springs FL
Another vote for Borgensen
Like Brent319, I replaced my Steeroids r&p setup with a new Borgeson kit I bought through Summit. I was replacing my entire VB&P suspension with Ridetech and since that r&p system never felt good, I decided to swap it out at the same time. The difference, both in steering and suspension, is incredible. Expensive? Yes. But my 63 SWC is so much more fun to drive now and I couldn't be happier.