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By Florida_Phil - 4 Years Ago
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I know this isn't a TBird forum, but I'm hoping someone may be able to help. My 1955 Tbird has stock manual steering. A friend has two complete power steering setups from a 1957 and 1959 Ford Y Block passenger car. Will the passenger car parts bolt on my TBird? Will I need to change the pitman arm? My car steers fine at speed. I am looking to reduce the steering effort required when parking or turning slowly. I want to use stock parts. Thanks!
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By 55blacktie - 4 Years Ago
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RockAuto uses the same part number for the PS control valve and cylinder (ram). The PS pump numbers are different. At least some of the parts are interchangeable.
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By MoonShadow - 4 Years Ago
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I don't think the pump part number would make a difference they bolt up to the same Y-Block. I would think that the steering arm and drag link may be shorter but I'm not sure.
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By paul2748 - 4 Years Ago
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The brackets may be different because of the spacer that the Tbirds use at the waterpump, but it looks like they are available looking at CASCO's catalog
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By Genuinerod - 4 Years Ago
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The steering components are the same on all passenger cars from 1954 through 1956 including 55 through 57 T-Birds. In 1957 and later passenger cars, that all changed. There are parts that are Thunderbird only. Pumps may be the same but the pump tops are lower as well as the mounting brackets to allow for lower mounting. Hoses, idler arm mounting, and some other small parts are T-Bird only. Pitman arms (power and non-power) and drag links (power steering) are the same for T-birds and 54-56 passenger cars. For me I would get one of the power steering kits in the catalogs for the 55-57 T-Birds. They are pricey ($3000.00) but everything you need is there and parts are either refurbished or new. I did this several years ago (10 - 15) and it made a big difference in driving the car. At the time, it was $1800 from Concours Parts. As with all old car parts, sticker shock is the norm. Good Luck.
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By 55blacktie - 4 Years Ago
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I suggested that you drive a 1955-57 Tbird/w original power steering before you spend $3000. There are more-affordable, non-original options that you might prefer. Once I'm moving, I don't mind the original manual steering. I do admit that it would be nice to have light assist and a smaller steering wheel.
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By Florida_Phil - 4 Years Ago
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Thanks for the input. My car drives fine around town and at speed with arm strong steering. I'm not getting any younger and I can't help but think my car would be more enjoyable with power steering. $3,000 is a lot of money to invest in a car that is not appreciating. There is a complete set up on EBay right now for $2,500. This is a crazy price for used parts that need rebuilding. I offered $1,000 but the seller turned me down. As stated above, I did discover the 57 and up parts are different. All the modern solutions require cutting the car or making serious modifications. I have never driven a small TBird with power steering, so there's the unknown factor. The good news is the summer is almost over and we can get back to driving with the top down.
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By Lord Gaga - 4 Years Ago
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Spending ten bucks on a pair of 3# dumb bells and exercising your arm muscles is a cheap solution! 
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By 55blacktie - 4 Years Ago
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If you like to drive with one finger, go ahead and spend $3,000 on the kit. Personally, I like to keep both hands on the wheel. My wife uses 2 fingers at 7 o'clock. If she finds herself in a tight situation, she'll have little/no control of her car. 60+-year-old power steering does not feel like modern power steering. If you keep your manual steering, try to avoid u-turns and parallel parking.
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By Dobie - 4 Years Ago
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55blacktie (9/9/2020)
If you like to drive with one finger, go ahead and spend $3,000 on the kit. Personally, I like to keep both hands on the wheel. My wife uses 2 fingers at 7 o'clock. If she finds herself in a tight situation, she'll have little/no control of her car. 60+-year-old power steering does not feel like modern power steering. If you keep your manual steering, try to avoid u-turns and parallel parking.
Yup, early power steering was basically a hydraulic system added to manual steering. They made parking and tight turns easier but in normal driving they felt numb due to over boosting. I'll keep my manual steering; exercise is good for ya.
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By MoonShadow - 4 Years Ago
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For considerable less money you could install an electric power steering unit out of a modern car. I have a Toyota one for my roadster. It does require cutting the steering column to fit it but that's all it takes. That and 12v power.
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By FORD DEARBORN - 4 Years Ago
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Phil, I know $3000 is a good chunk of change but it will probably add that value to the car because it will look right and require no cutting or altering to install it if that's what is important to you. I was making the same decision about 4 years ago due to a worn out right shoulder. I was fortunate to have found a complete kit as sold by Ford in the day, for 61 through 64 F100s. It works great.
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By 55blacktie - 4 Years Ago
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Removing/replacing the steering column is not that difficult. I removed mine/w steering wheel still attached and the seat in place. You could start looking for another OEM steering column or aftermarket. Put one away and modify the other. It might not be any cheaper to go aftermarket, but you might prefer the results. I've not had firsthand experience with Borgesen, electric, or rack-and-pinion. Unless you do the work yourself, don't forget to add the cost of labor to that $3,000 price tag.
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By Florida_Phil - 4 Years Ago
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I've decided to buy a gym membership instead.
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By 55blacktie - 4 Years Ago
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Make sure you exercise both arms and drive with 2 hands; otherwise, one arm will be bigger than the other. Besides looking strange, it could affect your balance or have you walking in circles.
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