Convert Power Steering to Manual
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Convert Power Steering to Manual
Almost done with the engine work on my 73, but before I put it back together I want to remove the power steering. It’s worn out and needs to be replaced and I don’t like it. I was told that the following would be required to convert the car to manual steering:
Center link with relay rod
Steering dampener
Bracket (not sure which one)
Pittman arm
Anyone done this and have advice?
Center link with relay rod
Steering dampener
Bracket (not sure which one)
Pittman arm
Anyone done this and have advice?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by edheinrich
Almost done with the engine work on my 73, but before I put it back together I want to remove the power steering. It’s worn out and needs to be replaced and I don’t like it. I was told that the following would be required to convert the car to manual steering:
Center link with relay rod
Steering dampener
Bracket (not sure which one)
Pittman arm
Anyone done this and have advice?
Center link with relay rod
Steering dampener
Bracket (not sure which one)
Pittman arm
Anyone done this and have advice?
oh yeah and one more thing. bigger arms, I suggest push ups or pushing steel at the local gym
Tim
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,460
Likes: 463
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...you can using a power steering pitman arm going to manual, but not a manual pitman arm going to power steering. The power steering pitman arm has a bend or arch in it to alllow room for the steering power control valve/power cylinder.
...I found a manual relay rod set-up with tie rod ends at a Corvette swap meet for $50 a few years ago. Lot of them around as "most" people go from manual to power steering.
...the bracket bolts right to the frame for the manual steering damper. Should be still available from Corvette Parts places. You may want to run a wanted ad on C3 parts section for these parts. Probably find one very soon and relatively cheap!!!
...I found a manual relay rod set-up with tie rod ends at a Corvette swap meet for $50 a few years ago. Lot of them around as "most" people go from manual to power steering.
...the bracket bolts right to the frame for the manual steering damper. Should be still available from Corvette Parts places. You may want to run a wanted ad on C3 parts section for these parts. Probably find one very soon and relatively cheap!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Originally Posted by Paul Borowski
"most" people go from manual to power steering.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 963
Likes: 0
From: melbourne,Australia
Originally Posted by edheinrich
Anybody have a vet with manual steering, how hard is it to steer? I'm a pretty big guy, but I still want it to handle like a vet.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Why don't you do the jeep box retrofit? I wouldn't go back to manual.
http://www.corvettesteering.com/corvette%20parts.htm
http://www.corvettesteering.com/corvette%20parts.htm
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
Originally Posted by edheinrich
Anybody have a vet with manual steering, how hard is it to steer? I'm a pretty big guy, but I still want it to handle like a vet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
The box is the same for both manual and power. The steering ratio can be changed by switching the hole where the tie rod end attaches to the knuckle. I have a big block with manual steering and the fast steering ratio and I would not go back to power.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Originally Posted by sweethence
Dont forget the gearbox!! then manual steering box has different ratios,
You need a centerlink and a pittman arm, If anyone is interested I have a spare of each available e-mail direct!!
redvetracr@msn.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by redvetracr
The gear box is the same !!
You need a centerlink and a pittman arm, If anyone is interested I have a spare of each available e-mail direct!!
redvetracr@msn.com
You need a centerlink and a pittman arm, If anyone is interested I have a spare of each available e-mail direct!!
redvetracr@msn.com
Last edited by sweethence; Feb 10, 2006 at 10:13 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by 69ttop502
The box is the same for both manual and power. The steering ratio can be changed by switching the hole where the tie rod end attaches to the knuckle. I have a big block with manual steering and the fast steering ratio and I would not go back to power.
Hmm if this is true, which it hole lets you have the quicker ratio? I'm wondering how mine is set up (68 manual). If i can get the quicker ratio without swapping the box whoopeee!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
My 68 came with manual steering. There was one reason that caused me to convert to power steering.
The 68 steering wheel has thin metal spokes. With my fingers wrapped around the plastic steering wheel, I would occassionally hit a curb or parking barrier concrete strip with my wheels. This impact would cause the steering wheel to make a snap rotation and the metal steering wheel spokes would sharply hit my fingers. This was very painful. (*#@*!!!!) This was the real thing that caused me to switch to power steering.
Aside from the finger problem mentioned above, parking a manual steering C3 was a problem. It takes a lot of muscle power to turn the steering wheel to park a manual steering C3. This was with a small block. Wouldn't want to think about manual steering on a big block.
.........
Yes, the steering box is the same regardless as to whether you have a power steering car or a manual steering car.
The 68 steering wheel has thin metal spokes. With my fingers wrapped around the plastic steering wheel, I would occassionally hit a curb or parking barrier concrete strip with my wheels. This impact would cause the steering wheel to make a snap rotation and the metal steering wheel spokes would sharply hit my fingers. This was very painful. (*#@*!!!!) This was the real thing that caused me to switch to power steering.
Aside from the finger problem mentioned above, parking a manual steering C3 was a problem. It takes a lot of muscle power to turn the steering wheel to park a manual steering C3. This was with a small block. Wouldn't want to think about manual steering on a big block.
.........
Yes, the steering box is the same regardless as to whether you have a power steering car or a manual steering car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by rcread
My girlfriend drives our '71 with no trouble and she's certainly no body builder. It would make parallel parking difficult, but I wouldn't do that in my Corvette any way. Once you are moving down the road, you don't really notice it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
I have manual steering, and it is a bear to park and turn tight corners at slow speeds. At cruising speed it's awesome. Tracks nicely, good feel on the road. I actually was considering a move to power steering, but I think now if I do anything it will be rack conversion. The snap back can do damage to your hands...stay away from the curbs! 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 3,994
From: Connecticut, USA
I have manual on my 69, love it. Manual brakes too. With the old GR60x15's it was tight to park but once I swapped those out for 22570-15's it was night and day. I had collected parts to convert to PS years ago but never will now.
