I have one of the big boob type on my car and it doesn't help the steering,but I have convinced my missus that it does.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Charlie, the larger steering wheels get combersome to work with, For instance my wife complained about the larger steering  wheel being somewhat harder to deal with because they seemed alittle slow in making turns and a little more movement with the hands in going straight. After installing the slightly smaller tbird steering wheel not only did the ratio seem to feel a little quicker but the size of the wheel felt better and A LOT BETTER to deal with when parking, driving straight, and felt better driving around our mountain curves. Maybe my cars just drive great. My 56 bird steers beautifully with the original wheel and no power steering, so if things are not wore out there seems to be no reason the other cars want do as well as mine. I'm not counting the 1955 model year because of there quicker ratio in the steering box. 56, 57, 58, 59s if things are right should'nt be a problem. I'm assuming the car in question steers fine but just wants alittle quicker ratio without having to change the steering box.

-Gary Burnette-

Only on low speeds.*Smileyface*


Hyvinkää, FI

Isn't faster steering inherently more difficult unless it's power assisted?


Lawrenceville, GA

I'm not sure the 56 steering box is interchangable with the 59 ford or not. I'm speaking about the steering being about one inch shorter which will help somewhat in the ratio being slightly quicker and not really changing much in the way it feels as being harder. I always thought the steering wheel in my 56 sunliner was too big so I changed too a smaller 56 tbird and what a pleasure to drive, it feels so much MORE normal. You might try a 57 tbird steering wheel to see if it helps. The bird steering wheel in the sunliner looks so natural you would'nt know it was'nt original because the horn ring fits perfectly and the bird wheel looks alot better than the passenger car style.

-Gary Burnette-

So '56 box is interchangeable and a little bit faster than '59?



Is there any aftermarket steering box for '59?



13" Wheel might look pretty funny in big cabin like mine so maybe I go for 15".



I got nothing against big boobs and steering knobs, but Finnish goverment got.

Knobs are illegal in here(luckily big boobs are not).


Hyvinkää, FI

Gary: I'm sure you are correct about changing to a smaller wheel for faster steering... however, I'm also pretty sure that it will build additional arm muscle when trying to park!

Paul

Steering wheel spinners were invented to speed up steering. Especially the ones with pictures of girls with big boobs.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

One way I helped the steering was go too a smaller steering wheel. Example> use a 56 tbird on a 56 ford, 58 tbird on a 56 mercury and you won't go back. The comfort level and the looks makes all the difference. The smaller steering wheel acts like a gear change.

-Gary Burnette-

Thanks for the ideas Paul.  My Fairlane is indeed an early one with the pre March side trim matching the corvette on the side.  I am beginning to think my car is a bit of a mix and match.  See my other posts as I get into it.

I do know a guy with quite of few 57, 59 parts for steering and I could ask around for that horn contact if any one wishes.

Gt

Gordie T           Long Point, Ontario