VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Power Steering

I am restoring a 1952 Chevy with Powerglide using a slave cylinder, I would like to put poweer steering on it using the same steering column. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I would do this.

Don't want to puncture your balloon, but a 1952, in good shape, and tires properly aired up, would not need a power steering assist.

Not sure I understand this statement.

this word to me means putting things back as it was originally delivered. With that definition, I can't relate to "a slave cylinder".

Everything is going to be original except for the steering, I guess you might call that a booster cylinder rather then a slave cylinder.

I am not sure what we are talking about is a restoration. And i must say that is what we are about here at VCCA. However, wanting to be helpful--you might check with a hot rodder. There are a number of kits (units) you can get that will work.

I think there could be a "semi-restored" like I did to my '31 chev which doesn't have the exact bumper bolts, upholstry, radiator, ect because if I tried to do that money would of run out and it would still be in the shed instead of on the road and my '49 which will have a '52 motor in it because that's what came with it along with the '49 motor which I'd have to overhaul to get it going and then the rest of the car would have to wait and not be on the road this spring. {Whew, long winded} Many people on this site are helping me with both of these and I'm more than grateful for thier help and not sending me some place else. Then there could be a "restored to originality". That way, I'll be able to drive one down to Mankato here in Minnesota for th 33rd VCCA Middle West Meet next year and feel good about myself. I saw a lot of cars back to "originality" and I admire those that do that. Man, now I'm in hot water.
I agree brownie: There is another site here that is also very helpful for questions like this.

When I was rebuilding my '52 (you notice I thoughtfully avoided using the term "restoring") I considered converting to the '53-'54 power steering system. After a lot of research and study, I came to the conclusion that the complete system could be transplanted to the '52. I located a PS equipted '54 and removed everything associated with the PS, steering column, steering box w/pump, dual belt vibration damper, center steering mount w/tie rods, etc. (I missed the left engine mount tower that I need to go back for or modify the existing tower) It appears that everything would install with no modification to anything else. Perhaps someone here has done this that could add to the process.
The simplist way to add power brakes seems to be with a GM "hydrovac" unit that can be mounted anywhere under the car. It requires minimal change to the brake lines and one vacumn line. I did this installation on a '48 p/u with good results.
I can understand that there is on occasion a reason for making a modification that improves drivability for a particular individual. I agree that under normal conditions, the stock systems are pretty good, but I have a personal situation that may lead me to pursue both these mods in the future. I don't consider either or both to be major modifications and are easily reversed.

Actually, another word to consider, and one that would probably be more correct, would be "modified".

We should not get too caught up in the technical definitions of "Only Original Once," "Fully Restored," "Frame off Restoration" and all those other terms that you hear on the Barrett-Jackson auctions. Sometimes bringing a car back on the road and driving to enjoy the car is the most important fact. A fact that our VCCA does now recognize with the various awards that are now available.

The comments of using later parts is a good way to go. It also works well when considering changes to your brake systems be they power, power-assist or disc. A lot of the newer parts bolt right up to old hardware. For me this process would naturally include the desire to keep things looking as original as possible. And that also has a term that goes with it: "Resto-Rod." Good luck with your project and we will see you on the open road....

I guess some of our views have been "Modified" along with some of our cars, when we start a "RESTORATION" which to me has a lot of meanings Back to exact original conditions matching the cars just as they left the dealers' showroom with the original owner.
Then we find out that the original tires, battery, sparkplugs, wires and upholsery, paint,isn't within our finincial or it won't fit into our priceline - timeline reach. So we do a tiny modification to the car but still say it has been Restored, everyone knows what Restored means, don't they? Yeah, I fixed it up some and painted it up and tuned it up got it running with a straight six of the same make, went to Discount tire company or Walmart and got some nice parts, tires, battery, wiper hose. fuel hose, hub caps, oil and filters, went to NAPA got some wheel cylinders and brake shoes and a fan belt and a rebuilt 6 volt generator and regulator. The guys here told me where I could find a light switch and the correct exhaust system made.

NOW, I am ready to go on one of them VCCA Tours I have been hearing about. The old car purrs, drives smooth and stops when it should. I love my old car! I got my first G&D and found out about that Southern Fall Tour up in Oklahoma.

Later, having fun and conversation with my new aquaintances.....

Newbie VCCAguy:
"Yes, Mr. Oldtime VCCA member this is our first tour."

Mr. Oldtime VCCAguy:
Well, young Newbie VCCAguy, let's look at your car and see what all you used that isn't EXACTLY ORIGINAL and just won't work if you want to be a real VCCA member"..

..That is probably what I would call a negative VCCA recruiting statement.

Heck guys, let's judge the cars when they are on the judging field, not while the new guy is enjoying the car on his first tour. Or here on the ChatterII trying to let us know that he is proud as punch after getting that old rust bucket all shiney and running after a long time of "fixing it up", so that now it is RESTORED!
Just my personal opinion.....