1966 6yl Power Steering conversion help

[The1960APE]

Being that I am about as knowledgeable as a blue butt monkey on the 60-66 trucks (but I'm learning) I really lean on the help and advice of the group!
So with the above being said, I have a 66, 250 6 cyl truck, I am wanting to convert to power steering, so far I am planning of buying the following:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10002-153-19...CDoHDg&vxp=mtr
I was going to buy the frame bracket from captainfab, a new PS pump for a 6cyl Camaro.... From there I am not sure what else I need to get? Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks

[chevy_mike]

CaptainFab's bracket is great and the only one I use anymore. That pump bracket is about the only option out there as I was looking at one for my wagon. My guess is you can use '67-'72 hoses but that you might wait until you get the box and pump mounted and check how long you need.

You will need to modify your stock steering column or buy an aftermarket one. If you use the stock one, you'll need to cut the end shorter and either weld the end back on or use an adapter piece (I think CaptainFab has those) if you don't weld.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by The1960APE

Being that I am about as knowledgeable as a blue butt monkey on the 60-66 trucks (but I'm learning) I really lean on the help and advice of the group!
So with the above being said, I have a 66, 250 6 cyl truck, I am wanting to convert to power steering, so far I am planning of buying the following:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10002-153-19...CDoHDg&vxp=mtr
I was going to buy the frame bracket from captainfab, a new PS pump for a 6cyl Camaro.... From there I am not sure what else I need to get? Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks

The1960APE,
I am right in the middle of this. I was working out the PS hoses just today and have not solved it all yet.
I will post more info later tonight when I get on my home computer.
I have an original 6 cylinder PS Pump and bracket but the bracket you show will work too. There is a vendor who sells a reproduction of the original bracket if that interests you. I have the photos and contact info available.
You will need a double groove pulley for the water pump and harmonic balancer (crank pulley).
You will need a PS gear box from a C10 truck from 197? up through198?. CaptainFab has more details about that.
I used the CaptainFab bracket and it's a nice piece that makes the install of the Gear Box easy.
I recommend upgrading the steering shaft to a safer telescoping sleeve while you have things apart.
The back of your PS pump will have a fitting for the High Pressure hose. You will need to buy a hose to match that. The trouble I'm running into is that I can find hoses that fit the pump side but are the wrong fitting for the gear box. I'm still working it out and should have a solution before the week is done. I plan to post a full DIY on my BLOG and share the info here once I have all the info and pics completed. This is what I've done so far (shortening the steering column is totally optional of course) LINK HERE.

LINK HERE to see my BLOG - Go to the 12/3/2016 Main BLOG entry. I have a double groove alternator pulley but your setup might not need that.

[Lugnutz65]

If you wanted a PS pump bracket designed like the original ones, the photo below shows the item and contact info.
Anthony Smith 913-207-7789. I will say that Mr Smith (4-5-6 Chevy Trucks)has made many customers unhappy over the years, so keep that in mind.

I think the one you found on eBay mounts the PS pump in a more forward position which eliminates the need for a double groove alternator pulley. That seems good to me.

I just got back from NAPA. Crazy stuff happens, so here's the story.
I ordered the low pressure return line for my 1974 PS gear box (NAPA part NPS-71202). It's pretty universal so it should connect fine to my 1969 PS Pump.

What I actually got in the box was NAPA part NPS71143 which is actually a high pressure PS line. Well the metal tubing has the wrong bends but the fittings on both ends are correct. Imagine that!

So I will return this PS hose but keep it in mind because I might not be able to find anything better. The metal pipe portion coming down off the pump is very long and looks funny.

Tomorrow if time allows, I will visit a hydraulic hose shop. Over the phone the shop man described a reusable fitting that I might be able to use to combine the fitting from 2 different new hoses. We will see. Feel free to send me a PM. It has been much more difficult to find hoses than I would have imagined.

[mehoff400]

following... looking to do the same

do you also have to make sure the block is drilled and tapped for power steering pump?

[vince1]

Get the proper bracket if you can. The mounting holes should be there. The rear belt drives a single pulley alternator and the front belt drives a single pulley PS pump. I had a double groove crank pulley but needed to replace the single water pump pulley with a double.

I got the PS box and collapsible shaft from a 67. That worked out well because the 66 shaft had been ruined by failure of the lower bearing.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by mehoff400

following... looking to do the same

do you also have to make sure the block is drilled and tapped for power steering pump?

mehoff400,
The bracket sold on eBay (link in post #1) uses 3 threaded holes in the head of the 230ci and 250ci. Maybe a 292ci too, IDK. See pics. My original bracket doesn't use the bolts for the water outlet like the one on eBay.
I think the one on eBay is an improved design over the original factory style.

[The1960APE]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

The1960APE,
I am right in the middle of this. I was working out the PS hoses just today and have not solved it all yet.
I will post more info later tonight when I get on my home computer.
I have an original 6 cylinder PS Pump and bracket but the bracket you show will work too. There is a vendor who sells a reproduction of the original bracket if that interests you. I have the photos and contact info available.
You will need a double groove pulley for the water pump and harmonic balancer (crank pulley).
You will need a PS gear box from a C10 truck from 197? up through198?. CaptainFab has more details about that.
I used the CaptainFab bracket and it's a nice piece that makes the install of the Gear Box easy.
I recommend upgrading the steering shaft to a safer telescoping sleeve while you have things apart.
The back of your PS pump will have a fitting for the High Pressure hose. You will need to buy a hose to match that. The trouble I'm running into is that I can find hoses that fit the pump side but are the wrong fitting for the gear box. I'm still working it out and should have a solution before the week is done. I plan to post a full DIY on my BLOG and share the info here once I have all the info and pics completed. This is what I've done so far (shortening the steering column is totally optional of course) LINK HERE.

LINK HERE to see my BLOG - Go to the 12/3/2016 Main BLOG entry. I have a double groove alternator pulley but your setup might not need that.

This is a TON of help, thanks so much!

[Lugnutz65]

Just today, I was able to put together the PS hoses that SHOULD work. I have not tested things yet for leaks.

So here goes . . . .
I'll list the part numbers I used at the very end of this post.
My research tells me the PS gear box was SAE thread up through 1979 and then changed to Metric - so keep that in mind.

I have dumb luck. Really I do.
The problem I was running in to was this. I could order a new HIGH PRESSURE hose to fit either the PS PUMP or the GEAR BOX, but the other end would always have the wrong fitting. What to do . . . what to do . . . . .????

As I stated before, I ordered the correct LOW PRESSURE hose to match my 1974 PS gear box. It should fit no problem since the PS pump end just uses a hose clamp. Guy at the counter shows me the part in the OPEN box . . but it's not a low pressure hose. It's a HIGH PRESSURE hose.
However, it has fittings that look correct for both the PUMP and the GEAR BOX. That's the DUMB LUCK part. So their mistake actually helped me find the RIGHT PART that I was unable to find on my own.

I take this mystery part home and the it actually DOES FIT both the PUMP and GEAR BOX, but the metal tubing bends are not right.

I took the parts I have to a Hydraulic Hose specialty shop and their solution was complicated and expensive. They suggested I just bend the metal tubing on the HIGH PRESSURE hose and make it work. SO I DID.

It may not be factory correct but I didn't need to fabricate a thing. I just used my trusty tubing bender and made two 90 degree bends and I was DONE.

The HIGH PRESSURE hose has the correct double flare on BOTH ends. The PS PUMP END has the correct FEMALE nut and the GEAR BOX end has the correct MALE FITTING. I made a 90 degree bend to turn the longer piece of tubing towards the frame. The GEAR BOX end tubing needed a 90 degree bend too. I did a little more than 90 degrees.

The LOW PRESSURE hose stays just like it came out of the box.
Both hoses sneak between the upper frame rail and the inner fender but there is some contact. I will probably bend the lower lip of the inner fender just a bit to create some more room. I'll also put a sleeve around any area where it might rub. I don't want any holes created from friction and vibration.

Keep in mind that your PS PUMP and GEAR BOX may be different than mine and therefore these part numbers might not be correct for your parts.
I have a 1969 250ci Inline six PS PUMP and brackets matched to a 1974 GMC 2WD TRUCK GEAR BOX.

Part numbers
HIGH pressure hose - NAPA NPS71143
LOW pressure return hose - Edelmann Power Steering Return Hose 70551
or NAPA part# 71202

[Lugnutz65]

These are turned properly.

[mehoff400]

great stuff!!!! now to start looking for parts

[oldusafmsgt]

More 6 cylinders with power steering were produced than you might think. Full size cars, Chevelle's, Nova's, Camaro's, etc. The brackets from any of them will work, they don't have to come from a truck.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by oldusafmsgt

More 6 cylinders with power steering were produced than you might think. Full size cars, Chevelle's, Nova's, Camaro's, etc. The brackets from any of them will work, they don't have to come from a truck.

Very true! My inline 6 PS pump brackets came from a 1969 Buick Skylark with a 250ci.

[Captainfab]

Keep in mind that in about 1974 GM went to the integrated head on the 250's and 292's. Those accessory brackets are not interchangeable with the earlier I6 engines.

[Cris]

I am also going to make this mod. A couple of questions that have not been asked:

1) Do you have to use double groove pulleys? Ordinarily not a big deal, but the integral harmonic balancer pulley will be a PITA to install. I do not have a threaded crank snout (stock crank) and would not look forward to heating it and banging it on. Maybe a double groove on the water pump, second groove used for PS pump?

2) Is the e-bay power steering pump bracket made by Captain Fab?

[andyh1956]

Some MORE info to digest. I have an early '70s 250. I put the power steering from an integral head engine on it, along with the HEI. On that particular engine it had double pulleys. also note that the pulley flange on the water pump was in a different place, so I had to use the water pump, crank damper / pulley, power steering pulley, water pump pulley & p/s pump. The brackets as already noted did not fit but that's what they make metal working tools for. Fits fine now!

[Lugnutz65]

I just got my PS hooked up and the hoses I listed earlier work fine. No leaks .
SHORT VIDEO

Jay

[mehoff400]

hey, saw that video on 1960-1966 chevy group! i need to get off my butt and check out junk yards for a set up

[Lugnutz65]

VIDEO after I added a few shims to line up the belts. Not bad at all!

[pimpston65]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

VIDEO after I added a few shims to line up the belts. Not bad at all!

very nice

[slepysal]

nice video ! Where did you have to shim?

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by slepysal

nice video ! Where did you have to shim?

I used 2 thin washers to move the alternator double pulley about 1/8" closer to the front. I also moved the PS pulley forward with a washer.

Overall, it looks pretty straight now. Can't wait to see how it drives.

[Lugnutz65]

UPDATE

Just to be clear, the PS high pressure hose I used has SAE fittings on both ends. If you have a PS gear box with metric fittings, then maybe an adapter fitting can help you convert the PS box end. I don't know.

Apparently the high pressure PS hose I listed in post #9 above is very hard to find through NAPA.
The good news is that I'm able to find that hose from other vendors like Rock Auto. Gotta LOVE Rock Auto!!!!

Autozone has the high pressure hose - part 71307 (also comes up if you search 71143)
OReillys has it as part 71307.

I'm sure others have it if you check the part numbers I've listed here.

Here is a cross reference with other Chevy vehicles - see below.

Rock Auto lists the same hose I bought from NAPA.
Rock Auto lists alternate part numbers 36213, 71143, 762, and 821.
Rock Auto also lists that hose for the following vehicles.
CHEVROLET BEL AIR 1965
CHEVROLET BISCAYNE 1965
CHEVROLET CHEVELLE 1966
CHEVROLET IMPALA 1965
CHEVROLET MALIBU 1966
GMC C7000 1980

[retrax]

Hey guys, my 66 250 has the double groove water pump pulley but only has one groove on the crank pulley. Does anyone make a pulley that mounts on front of the crank balancer that adds a second groove or do I need to look into pulling the single groove balancer that is on it and replacing it with a double groove balancer?

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by retrax

Hey guys, my 66 250 has the double groove water pump pulley but only has one groove on the crank pulley. Does anyone make a pulley that mounts on front of the crank balancer that adds a second groove or do I need to look into pulling the single groove balancer that is on it and replacing it with a double groove balancer?

It would be easier to swap out for a double groove pulley. I have both kind. I prefer the double groove that’s all in one.