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Well, this is an interesting thread. But, having read what’s required I'm happy to admit that the fitting of a Borgeson system is not a job I’m up to!
So, way back near the beginning of the thread someone mentioned sticking with a rebuilt PSCV from “Gary R”. So, who is Gary R, please?
The hardest part will be shortening the column. I soaked mine for a few days and used the " freeze off" penetrating oil. It then moved fairly easily.
I just helped a friend do his and we did the same, soaked the column for a week. The install was pretty easy, even with the motor in the car. We did it in one day, and he loves the change.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Ok, a bit of a confession! I came to this thread via one on the P/S Control Valve and I was still in “PSCV Mode” when I saw the note about “Gary R”. I have no intention of removing the steering box, but I was considering rebuilding the PSCV. Maybe it’s an “English thing”, but I have to say I think knocking seven bells out of the column to get the Borgeson unit to fit is real “bubba stuff”!
Ok, a bit of a confession! I came to this thread via one on the P/S Control Valve and I was still in “PSCV Mode” when I saw the note about “Gary R”. I have no intention of removing the steering box, but I was considering rebuilding the PSCV. Maybe it’s an “English thing”, but I have to say I think knocking seven bells out of the column to get the Borgeson unit to fit is real “bubba stuff”!
You are mistaken. The end of the column slides up inside a larger column as it is designed to do. You can slide it up or slide it down to the length you need. If you think adding power steering by changing out the steering box for one with only one pressure hose and only 12.7 turns lock to lock to a car is bubba, you must hate performance mods entirely. If you had a Borgeson, you wouldn't have to do anything under the car to try to fix your power steering or plug your leaks. Maybe it's an "English thing" to call anything they don't have or want "bubba stuff"?
You are mistaken. The end of the column slides up inside a larger column as it is designed to do. You can slide it up or slide it down to the length you need. If you think adding power steering by changing out the steering box for one with only one pressure hose and only 12.7 turns lock to lock to a car is bubba, you must hate performance mods entirely. If you had a Borgeson, you wouldn't have to do anything under the car to try to fix your power steering or plug your leaks. Maybe it's an "English thing" to call anything they don't have or want "bubba stuff"?
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Well, if the column slides, I am indeed mistaken. But reading through all the posts here it seemed to me that everyone had had to work hard to collapse the column, using hammers etc to do so.
But, it's all accademic really, as my car doesn't have leaks and never has. The little "dampness" I see on the PSCV once in a blue moon doesn't really count!
Well, if the column slides, I am indeed mistaken. But reading through all the posts here it seemed to me that everyone had had to work hard to collapse the column, using hammers etc to do so.
But, it's all accademic really, as my car doesn't have leaks and never has. The little "dampness" I see on the PSCV once in a blue moon doesn't really count!
The same kit for a 65-66 requires cutting the end off the column, but the 67 up collapses. Sometimes you may have to break it loose if it's been sitting a long time, but mine slid easily, no hammer required. It's a pleasure to drive now after having the hardest manual steering car I've ever owned.
The same kit for a 65-66 requires cutting the end off the column, but the 67 up collapses. Sometimes you may have to break it loose if it's been sitting a long time, but mine slid easily, no hammer required. It's a pleasure to drive now after having the hardest manual steering car I've ever owned.
I agree it's the hardest manual steering car, but that is due to our "new" tires. The original tires were F70-15 which would be a 205 or 215/70-15. Most cars today have a 235 / 70-15 or 245/60-15 which is a lot more rubber on the ground especially with manual steering.
The tires today are also gripper and thus do not slide like the old tires.. thankfully..
Like I said previously .. JUST BE SURE TO SOAK THE COLUMN (IF NOT REMOVING IT) AND WIRE WHEEL THE SPLINES.. and the install will be easy. (C3)
Now the wife / sig-other can move the car or help driving back from a car meet - if needed.
The cost is less than installing the "stock setup" to convert to power steering. The response and feel is also better.
Last edited by BLUE1972; Mar 23, 2015 at 09:57 AM.
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
I just removed all the stock steering parts yesterday on my 74 big block. I can only hope the install goes as good. My column moves in and out easily so that's a good sign. I'm hoping the Borgesen fits with that 454! I'm looking forward to staying in my own lane finally!
Originally Posted by Frankenvette
Great Job. One thought... I noticed in the pic below that one of the hoses is resting on top of the borg box. I ended up with something similar, so I went to local auto parts store and picked up some radiator hose that is large enough in diameter to wrap around the hose that is touching the box. Don't want a hose failure due to rubbing. Just a thought.
I just removed all the stock steering parts yesterday on my 74 big block. I can only hope the install goes as good. My column moves in and out easily so that's a good sign. I'm hoping the Borgesen fits with that 454! I'm looking forward to staying in my own lane finally!
Try and post some pics. I'm getting ready to do this with a 454 myself.
After having mine for the second season there a few comment I'm going to make .
Maybe I have a bad directional switch, but with the quicker turning ratio it seems that I don't turn the wheel far enough to activate the cancelling when I make a turn.
Also cannot have the ignition shielding on at the drivers front. If shielding is in place you'll need to jack up the engine to remove shielding to access the spark plug. T
After having mine for the second season there a few comment I'm going to make .
Maybe I have a bad directional switch, but with the quicker turning ratio it seems that I don't turn the wheel far enough to activate the cancelling when I make a turn.
Also cannot have the ignition shielding on at the drivers front. If shielding is in place you'll need to jack up the engine to remove shielding to access the spark plug. T
Don't have either of those problems with my 72 350.
Today I noticed that the mounting bosses on the block appear to be further out on the 71 than my 72,
I put a stud in the holes and used an end mill with a center hole to cut back the bosses .125 total. the pulleys line up much better now, It would have probably been ok as stock , but with the car apart it's easier now.
I do agree that the return tube on the pump should be turned around to look better, but it works fine as is .