Power Steering Conversion for 60-62-answers

[Pritchard1970]

Wow,I just went through the process of installing the bracket in my 62 truck for the power steering conversion...I learned alot from it, such as in 1963 the frames changed and the kit was ultimately decided for 63-66. I knew I needed to use it so the process began...the pics describe it better than I can but if anybody has any questions on how I did it please do not hesitate to ask questions....I redrilled the top hole on the bracket and steering box and ultimately I will grind it off for a clean factory look...I used spacers to give the bracket strength because about a quarter of it just hung in open air....I also used a key hole saw to drill out the section of frame where it meets the inner and outer members, I also used another spacer(not seen in the pic)for even more support...I was on the phone with REZ and GMC Paul's who helped me confirm I had a problem and I am glad I was able to fix it....Just a FYI the bolts contained in the 60-66 kit are too short for a the 60-66 truck unless you order directly from REZ, you will require much longer bolts due to the boxed frame...good luck and contact me with any questions...

[Demmit_Hemmit's 65]

Pritchard 1970....................VERY NICE INSTALL..............I HAVE A 62 BURB AND WANT TO DO THE SAME THING TO.............................GREAT PICTURES......................THAT'S WHY I LIKE THIS SITE...............WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY AND WE ALWAYS SHARE INFO WITH OUR FELLOW TRUCK NUTS..............AGAIN GREAT LOOKING INSTALL..........HEMMIT

[slepysal]

I am waiting to do my 60. I orderd the kit from CCP, the y make a kit for 60-62 and one for 63-66. I have to commend your motivation, I would have been so ticked off !!! Nice pics, so was it worth it ?

[62scraper]

Originally Posted by slepysal

I am waiting to do my 60. I orderd the kit from CCP, the y make a kit for 60-62 and one for 63-66. I have to commend your motivation, I would have been so ticked off !!! Nice pics, so was it worth it ?

What company is CCP?

[Pritchard1970]

I hope it will be worth it...I will probably have the truck moving under it's own power by the middle of Feb. so to truly answer your question I will have to wait till then...it was a challenge though but when I finish the project it will feel pretty good considering all the mods that I have had (well, wanted) to do....

[zenish]

its well worth it.i did my 64 and i can literaly steer it with one finger.

[1966gmc]

Pardon my ignorance but what does this bracket really do? Maybe a before and after pic will help me realize what it actually does? Does the steering shaft have to be cut or do you leave it alone? Sorry but im trying to learn about this conversion. Thanks guys

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by 1966gmc

Pardon my ignorance but what does this bracket really do? Maybe a before and after pic will help me realize what it actually does? Does the steering shaft have to be cut or do you leave it alone? Sorry but im trying to learn about this conversion. Thanks guys

In his third pic you'll see it best. The later model PS boxes have a large "dimple" and the later model trucks had a design where the frame was made to accomidate that bulge. On our trucks, you have to basically mount the box away from the frame. Probably doesn't make much sense, huh? Maybe Pritchard1970 can explain better.

[fuelpump]

I'm putting power streering and an Ididit tilt column in my 60 right now. Bought the mounting kit, streering box and pump from Rez


and had Ididit build a tilt column that put the wheel close to the dash for more belly room.


I'm gonna go to frame mount (side) motor mounts so I can mount the power streering pump with the regular brackets.

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

In his third pic you'll see it best. The later model PS boxes have a large "dimple" and the later model trucks had a design where the frame was made to accomidate that bulge. On our trucks, you have to basically mount the box away from the frame. Probably doesn't make much sense, huh? Maybe Pritchard1970 can explain better.

So the only problem is the dimple ?? Whey not just notch the frame, fill in the notch with steel and bolt it flat ??

[LostMy65]

Anymore solutions and ideas for power-steering on the 60-62 trucks?

[LostMy65]

Or...
Has anyone adapted Captains plate to work for the 60-62's ?

[markeb01]

I installed power steering in mine 20 years ago using the REZ kit because it was the only one on the market at that time. There was no mention that it didn’t fit the 60-62 frame, so I did mine as shown in the first post on this thread using spacers. It’s been in place ever since and works fine, but if I were doing a new install I’d want to look into one of the kits designed specifically for a 60-62. It might make the job a lot easier.

[LostMy65]

It'll probably be a winter project along with converting to discs,
but I'm really thinking I'd like to try making it work with Captains adapter plate.
Obviously, If & when I do, I'll take lots of pics.

[Captainfab]

If you're planning on this being a winter project, I just might get to developing one for the 60-62's by then

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

If you're planning on this being a winter project, I just might get to developing one for the 60-62's by then

I just might wait for you.

[nbrfd007]

Captain Fab,
I will waiting also.
Tim

[doobiebro]

Wow not knowing about this post which was started back when?? I actually installed the p/s gearbox adapter plate (over a month ago) I bought on Ebay 2 years ago from CPP. It did not even come with the mounting bolts for the gearbox... I with no good direction from CPP I ended up cutting out the section where the frame meets as shown on the pics from Pritchard1970 and used the 2 long bushins facing the front to the radiator. I finished the fab and mounted the gearbox. Was not sure if it was done correctly but I know it was gonna work.. I PM SlepySal for some help with some pics and he gladlly send them to me with pretty much the same idea and fab work... Thats why this forum rocks cause everybody helps each other out! Thanks again Slepysal... Will need to post pics later...

[slepysal]

outstanding!!! nice job

[mikesC10]

This is a great thread for the 60-62 crowd! Thanks to all for the pictures, can't ever have enough pictures. I have a bagged early 80's front suspension I rebuilt with dropped spindles ready to swap in my '62. Subcribed. Anybody rolling 18" wheels with pictures?

[robber grin]

Originally Posted by Pritchard1970

Wow,I just went through the process of installing the bracket in my 62 truck for the power steering conversion...I learned alot from it... ...good luck and contact me with any questions...

I am just about ready to do this conversion using the REZ Kit and the last time I did it I notched the frame for the bolt you moved... where it just missed the frame and I never had a problem other than it was ugly.

I was thinking of sleeving that position this time and welding the sleeve on either side where it meets the frame.

But I also like your approach and don't see a problem with the re-drill.

Have you had any issues and how would you proceed if you were to do it again?

Thanks
rg

[LostMy65]

I don't see why Captain's 63-66 kit wouldn't work with longer bolts and another plate for inside the frame.

[Saave1960]

I have my 1983 c-10 pump mocked up in my 1960 but in order to get the stock 83 pitman lined up the gear box goes so far back that it hits the front left cab mount...is an aftermarket shorter pitman required to make this work?

[Captainfab]

I don't quite understand how the pitman arm is causing a problem with the power steering pump. The pitman arm should be connected to the steering box and that should be positioned the opposite direction from the front cab mount. What steering box adapter plate are you using? The power steering conversion should work with a factory or original style replacement steering box and pitman arm.

Originally Posted by Saave1960

I have my 1983 c-10 pump mocked up in my 1960 but in order to get the stock 83 pitman lined up the gear box goes so far back that it hits the front left cab mount...is an aftermarket shorter pitman required to make this work?

[DakotaKid]

For you guys that did this conversion, How close does your Centerlink get to the Crossmember? Mine gets really close. like within probably 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch.