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This is an extremely long post with many pictures.
A couple of years ago I purchased a new Borgeson steering box, a new Tuff Stuff power steering pump and a Billet Specialties remote reservoir for my 1973 Corvette big block coupe in order to modify the power steering system from the original.
In August of this year I made the decision to swap from a power steering system to an oem manual steering system to open up the engine compartment, eliminate the possibility of any fluid leaks, pump failures or replacing belts in the future.
I sold the Borgeson box, new pump and bracket and removed the steering box on my ‘73.
I contacted Gary Ramadei (GTR1999) and asked him to rebuild my steering box.
Gary agreed and asked me to send him photos of the box that I removed so he could identify the manufacture year and verify it was a GM box.
When I sent the photos, Gary immediately informed me that the box was not the original to my car and was manufactured on the 89th day of 1980 however it was a GM steering box.
Gary identified that the box had a power steering pitman arm installed and told me the pitman arm would need to be replaced with a manual steering pitman arm.
Gary said I would also need to replace the power steering “drag link” with a manual steering drag link.
I first found that a “drag link” may also be called a “center link”, a “center section” or a “relay rod”.
Next, I discovered that most people selling them, even Corvette vendors, don’t know the difference between a power steering and a manual steering drag link.
I had to learn the differences trial and error.
Then there is the difference between the ‘63-‘68’s and the ‘69-‘82’s.
I was told the early year links would work, but are smaller in diameter and cast with one additional hole for a steering stabilizer.
I purchased two from vendors that had to be returned because they were the earlier versions.
Finding a manual steering pitman arm was another challenge, but luckily Gary found one in his old stock that he included to the cause.
Once Gary received my box he began the process of insuring the case was usable, he disassembled the box and identified the original versus the cheap replacement parts used during a prior rebuild.
Throughout the process Gary kept me up to date with photos and emails explaining his findings and recommendations for rebuilding a better than new steering box.
In the end I received full documentation of every step in Gary’s process, photographs showing the quality and details of his work, parts installed, and instructions for installing, centering and any adjustments.
I could not be happier with the steering box I received and would recommend Gary to anyone needing to replace or rebuild their steering box.
Attached are some of the photos and notes I received from Gary throughout the process.
Please refer all technical or process questions too Gary GTR1999.
This thread is to illustrate the work and time Gary puts into his products.
The quality of parts and workmanship makes anything Gary produces world class.
What Gary received, power steering pitman arm part number, identifying case casting differences, manufacturer date code
I went with option #2. Higher cost but better box
I want to thank you for looking at this very long thread.
I hope it will help anyone trying to decide on whether or not to purchase a Gary Ramadei built steering box.
Gary has done my steering box, trailing arm bearings as well as my rear center section over the years. ALWAYS top notch work, ALWAYS great to deal with and NEVER a concern that it was not worth the price.
I don't need any steering box work, but this thread was mesmerizing. Really, really impressed with Gary's expertise and attention to detail. All too rare these days.
Such a pleasure to see a true expert/craftsman doing their thing. The peace of mind you get from having this quality of work applied to your project is absolutely priceless. Thanks for posting!
Gary is working on my box now, and I agree he is 100% a pure expert/craftsman. No doubt he rebuilds the best steering boxes money can buy. His attention to detail is second to none.
I got a chance to drive down to his shop last week. Gary took the time to disassemble the box with me and review all possible issues. I also got the opportunity to watch him disassemble a differential, getting schooled along the way. I learned a lot!
I have been to Gary's place twice now......and my 69 now has the differential, steering box....and trailing arms all bolted up....all Gary's work. It makes the car better. And the pictures posted above are not special just for the OP....he provides those to everyone. Craftsman like Gary are a thing of the past....we are lucky we have him.
I have been to Gary's place twice now......and my 69 now has the differential, steering box....and trailing arms all bolted up....all Gary's work. It makes the car better. And the pictures posted above are not special just for the OP....he provides those to everyone. Craftsman like Gary are a thing of the past....we are lucky we have him.
All true.
Gary supplies pictures of every step and even some videos where he thinks you need them.
He also supplies detailed notes he makes throughout the process.
Gray built my rear differential and trailing arm assemblies.
All are works of art and there he supplied a ton of pictures and pages of type written documentation.
12-06-2022, 08:49 PM
Gary Ramadei (GTR1999) Steering Box Rebuild.
