Steering box rebuild
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 433
Likes: 14
From: GA
Steering box rebuild
I know a lot of you had Gary rebuild your steering box. Shipping costs being what they are it is much cheaper for me to send it to Vansteel.
You guys that had Vansteel rebuild your steering box, any issues?
You guys that had Vansteel rebuild your steering box, any issues?
Drifting
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 405
From: Brampton, Ontario Canada
If shipping is going to make or break you, then maybe you should order a kit and try to rebuild it yourself. It's just a suggestion. Good luck with whichever path you choose. I'm sure the people here can guide you in the rebuild process.
Best of Luck!
Best of Luck!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
I can say this.... that the level of attention to detail that Gary provides in the items he rebuilds...I would put up against any other place that claims to rebuild the same thing.
If shipping costs are that much of concern...you are working on the wrong make of car. Getting the CORRECT PARTS and services will cost you dearly when working on these cars...and KNOWING where to buy the correct stuff and getting things correctly rebuilt is WHERE many people fail when they only look at the price.
I repair these Corvettes for a living and I know where to buy some specific parts I need and where to stay away from....regardless of the price.....because NOT all parts are the same.....and this also includes rebuilding services.
Hopefully you make a decision that you are happy with.
DUB
If shipping costs are that much of concern...you are working on the wrong make of car. Getting the CORRECT PARTS and services will cost you dearly when working on these cars...and KNOWING where to buy the correct stuff and getting things correctly rebuilt is WHERE many people fail when they only look at the price.
I repair these Corvettes for a living and I know where to buy some specific parts I need and where to stay away from....regardless of the price.....because NOT all parts are the same.....and this also includes rebuilding services.
Hopefully you make a decision that you are happy with.
DUB
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 979
Likes: 258
From: Maryland
I repair these Corvettes for a living and I know where to buy some specific parts I need and where to stay away from....regardless of the price.....because NOT all parts are the same.....and this also includes rebuilding services.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 268
From: southern tip of lake michigan Indiana
Finalist 2022 C1 of the Year - Modified
I can say this.... that the level of attention to detail that Gary provides in the items he rebuilds...I would put up against any other place that claims to rebuild the same thing.
If shipping costs are that much of concern...you are working on the wrong make of car. Getting the CORRECT PARTS and services will cost you dearly when working on these cars...and KNOWING where to buy the correct stuff and getting things correctly rebuilt is WHERE many people fail when they only look at the price.
I repair these Corvettes for a living and I know where to buy some specific parts I need and where to stay away from....regardless of the price.....because NOT all parts are the same.....and this also includes rebuilding services.
Hopefully you make a decision that you are happy with.
DUB
If shipping costs are that much of concern...you are working on the wrong make of car. Getting the CORRECT PARTS and services will cost you dearly when working on these cars...and KNOWING where to buy the correct stuff and getting things correctly rebuilt is WHERE many people fail when they only look at the price.
I repair these Corvettes for a living and I know where to buy some specific parts I need and where to stay away from....regardless of the price.....because NOT all parts are the same.....and this also includes rebuilding services.
Hopefully you make a decision that you are happy with.
DUB
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 15
From: Belgium /
I shipped my box from Belgium to Gary, and worth every penny. He is just amazing on how he informs you via mail with photo's and explanation. And he is always there if you have questions.
The car steers like a new car when it left the factory, unbelievable.
The car steers like a new car when it left the factory, unbelievable.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 875
Likes: 289
From: LaFayette Georgia
C3 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '19
Getting the CORRECT PARTS and services will cost you dearly when working on these cars...and KNOWING where to buy the correct stuff and getting things correctly rebuilt is WHERE many people fail when they only look at the price.
regardless of the price.....because NOT all parts are the same.....and this also includes rebuilding services.
Hopefully you make a decision that you are happy with.
DUB
regardless of the price.....because NOT all parts are the same.....and this also includes rebuilding services.
Hopefully you make a decision that you are happy with.
DUB
Eddy
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
DUB, just starting out in C3's after rebuilding several Mustangs many years ago (before the pack of children happened). Now that they are married and moving out (hopefully) I've got some time to pursue a hobby and since I've always loved the Corvette, I thought I'd try to restore a 1969 L46 Convertible. So I would be grateful if you let me know what you think are good part sources and good sources for rebuilding.
As for services...hands down I would send a steering gear box to Gary IF the customer wanted that done instead of buying a rebuilt one for faster turn around. It is kind of like alternators. I can buy alternators with a lifetime warranty from auto parts stores and when they crap out.....it still costs the money to have it installed due to choosing to buy that type of part with a lifetime warranty....instead of me taking it to a guy who rebuilds my starters and alternators where I know they will not fail as quickly.
DUB
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
When you google “fantastic customer service”, his name should be the first hit. He rebuilt the steering box for my 73 a year ago and it came out great. Sent me pics and a detailed write up concerning the rebuild. Do not base your choice on shipping costs; base it on reputation, reviews, and results.
Fran
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
Gary is GTR1999 on this forum. He rebuilt my 1980 box for my manual steeing conversion. It was a great experience, and my car should be on her wheels with the box installed by the end of the month.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 433
Likes: 14
From: GA
It wasn't really shipping cost alone but also that Vansteel did great work when they rebuilt my diff and trailing arms. I wanted to find out if anyone had Vansteel rebuild their steering box and if they were happy with the box. Since no one responed, I got my answer. I will be contacting Gary.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
You gotta get under the car and start looking. Could be pitman arm, tie rod ends, or a rag joint. A worn rag joint is the most common source of major slop but all the above might be a some type of disrepair. Obviously it could be the box too but it all needs to be looked at. This is a 40ish year old car and therefore it’s gonna have 40ish year old car problems.
Last edited by kossuth; Mar 7, 2019 at 02:37 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 25
From: Killearn Scotland
Hi there,
I too have used Gary, and can vouch for his engineering skills and knowledge.
Living in Scotland, shipping was too much for my tight wallet
.
So I contacted Gary and he sent everything I needed to change my diff to a 3.73, tune the posi and rebuild my steering box.
Everything arrived and worked like charm.
Now, compared to the diff, the steering box is piece of cake. So why not contact Gary, get him to send you the materials and try it yourself.
It's part of the fun of old car ownership, and as I say, the steering box isn't tricky, and you will even save on the Van Steel costs
If Gary's write-up's on how to complete the job aren't available through a search, then I'm sure he'll send you them with the parts.
He's a great guy, contact him and ask. Nothing to lose, and knowledge and tight steering to be gained.
Douglas
I too have used Gary, and can vouch for his engineering skills and knowledge.
Living in Scotland, shipping was too much for my tight wallet
.So I contacted Gary and he sent everything I needed to change my diff to a 3.73, tune the posi and rebuild my steering box.
Everything arrived and worked like charm.
Now, compared to the diff, the steering box is piece of cake. So why not contact Gary, get him to send you the materials and try it yourself.
It's part of the fun of old car ownership, and as I say, the steering box isn't tricky, and you will even save on the Van Steel costs
If Gary's write-up's on how to complete the job aren't available through a search, then I'm sure he'll send you them with the parts.
He's a great guy, contact him and ask. Nothing to lose, and knowledge and tight steering to be gained.
Douglas
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 46,602
Likes: 109
From: Down in Bulldog country
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23
It wasn't really shipping cost alone but also that Vansteel did great work when they rebuilt my diff and trailing arms. I wanted to find out if anyone had Vansteel rebuild their steering box and if they were happy with the box. Since no one responed, I got my answer. I will be contacting Gary.