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By THRASHER - 14 Years Ago
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Anyone know of a kit to install a rack and pinion system in the 1955-56 Ford cars ?????
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By paul2748 - 14 Years Ago
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There are a couple of guys that make kits, but beware. I have heard that the rack and pinion conversion really screw up the turning radius so your turns have to be a lot wider than stock.
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By THRASHER - 14 Years Ago
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really ????any website address'.....?????
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By Rono - 14 Years Ago
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Thrasher; I bought a power R&P kit from "Wurthit Designs" (Rick Wurth) a few years back and it was a huge headache. He no longer sells those kits, but one problem that may occurr with any rear mounted power rack is interference with the oil pump. When I dropped my motor in the car, the oil pump rested right on top of the power rack dust boot. To get mine to work, I had to use spacers on the motor mounts (between the block and the mount) and the tranny. That wasn't enough so I also had to shim the rack itself where it mounts to the frame to move it downward. There was also an issue with fabricating a complicated bracket that held the steering shaft which had to clear the clutch hardware. I think there is another company out there that is making a power R&P conversion for 57 passenger cars, but I don't have their contact information. Rono
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By THRASHER - 14 Years Ago
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Very interesting RONO. I am planning on putting a 351 Windsor in my Victoria. Do you think the oil pan issues will be the same on this application ?
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By Rono - 14 Years Ago
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Thrasher; Since the 351 doesn't have the exterior oil pump, you shouldn't have any of the associated interference issues with the rear mounted power rack. Is the car automatic or standard? If it's standard, you could have similar steering shaft clearance problems with clutch linkage brackets unless you plan on some type of hydraulic clutch. Rono
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By THRASHER - 14 Years Ago
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It is a automatic from the factory,but I am unsure as to my choice of transmission as of yet. I am kinda leaning towards an automatic.
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By Richard Head - 14 Years Ago
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paul2748 (7/25/2011)
There are a couple of guys that make kits, but beware. I have heard that the rack and pinion conversion really screw up the turning radius so your turns have to be a lot wider than stock.
Hi, New guy here, didn't see a place for introductions. 
I've research this and I agree with Paul. I've heard a lot of stories about turning radius being increased and problems with installation and clearance problems.
I was talking to Dick Cohen of DC Enterprises (Drop'em and Stop'em) at the Long Beach Swap Meet and he told me once that a Granada Rack was basically a bolt in, but he has since past away and before I got the chance to get all the details. Don't know if the person that is running Drop'em and Stop'em (http://www.dropnstop.com/) know anything about it or not. They don't sell steering kits, just brakes. By the way, I see they still have a picture of Dick's panel on their web site. I think it may have had the Granada rack on it, don't remember.
Anyway, you didn't ask about Power Steering but Rack and Pinion, but I thought I would mention the way most that I have talked to seem to be going and the way I am going to go is this kit http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1952-53-54-55-56-FORD-MAINLINE-POWER-STEERING-KIT-/130459025630?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e5ff6c0de#ht_1604wt_938 or some thing close to it. It uses a power steering box from a Jeep Wagoneer and just about any pump that will bolt to your engine, including the original for a Y-Block. Check pressures though, your may need a restrictor.
Edit to mention I am NOT selling this kit or do I know this person.
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By Rono - 14 Years Ago
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I think if I had to do it again, I would definately go with the power steering box that Richard talked about. I didn't know about them or maybe they weren't on the market 4 years ago when I went with this power rack. Anyway, I did use the Drop em Stop em Granada spindles (2&1/2" drop) but the power rack (high ratio) I got from Wurthit Designs was for a Cavalier (sorry guys). Rono
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By Butch Lawson - 14 Years Ago
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I just bolted the Granada power steering components in my '54. Very easy install. I have the Granada spindles with disc brakes from the same donor car. Both practically a bolt in. I don't have it on the road yet, but don't anticipate any problems. If you decide to try this, send me a pm and I'll send you all the details.
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By THRASHER - 14 Years Ago
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Hey Butch this board will not let me send you a pm. It says your box if FULL.LOL
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By Butch Lawson - 14 Years Ago
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Ok. Send me an e-mail to lawson.butch@yahoo.com and I will send you the info. Sorry about the pm, didn't know I was full.
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 14 Years Ago
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Here is another option for rack kits http://www.ndgearheadscruiserproducts.com/ they also make kits to install Super Coupe independent rears on 55 / 56 frames.
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By paul2748 - 14 Years Ago
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If you are a member of CVA, they have a tech article regarding the use of Granada components. The Granada stuff is about the same as the stock 54-5? power steering set up.
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By The Master Cylinder - 14 Years Ago
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You can find a copy (tho pretty poor quality) of the article that Paul mentions and by Dick Cohen (mentioned by Richard Head) here; http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=21442. Click on the thumb nail to enlarge.
It is pretty interesting.
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