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

Was 1953 the first chevy to have pwr steering?I have a 51 metal body woody and am thinking about putting pwr steering from a 53 in it. Would this mess up the value of the woody? 1953 was the earliest yr I found pwr steering.

Yes,1953 was the first year for power steering in a Chevrolet.I think that most times it is best to keep the car stock,so modifying the steering on an earlier model may not be advisable.These cars drive/steer well with properly inflated bias tires.Are you running radials?

Power steering was introduced mid-year during the 1953 model year. In my opinion, adding a complete factory power steering from a 53 or 54 (they are almost identical and would both fit) would do nothing to detract from the value of the car, and might well add value. Not everyone cares about 100% correctness (look at the modified cars crossing the auction block at BJ and garnering big bucks), but most hobbyists appreciate vintage equipment. Again, just my opinion. An additional benefit is that the car would be more enjoyable to drive, which is probably why you are considering adding power steering in the first place.

If you do decide to add power steering, make sure you get ALL the parts required. There are some parts that are unique to power steering that you may not be aware are different, like all the shifting mechanism on top of the column, the fresh air ducting on the driver side, the idler arm, even the left motor mount tower is different.

Here's a complete power steering system for a 54 with Powerglide:

Some comments on the parts shown above
Note that the steering column is different and the 1953-54 column must be used. this then would require the use of a 1953 steering wheel and directional switch assembly. The balancer is changed to the two grove style. This would require a narrrow grove 1953 water pump and generator pulley to be used.
I f installed on a 1952 the motor mount bracket would be changed but not on a 1951. Due to the general differences in the lay out under the hood the left vent tube/hose may not require changing.

Gene, I can always count on you for detailed and practical information about these cars. I really appreciate your comments and input.

BTW, did you ever publish the power steering article you wrote? Was it for G&D?

It was in the G&D some time back. I remember you sending me some additioanl info but the article was already sent in so wasn't included. I have been keeping the info for future use.

OK, do you know what issue it was in? I'll look through my back issues. Thanks again.

I have a power steering unit which I believe is complete if anyone is interested

Quite some yrs ago, I picked up a ps unit from steering wheel to spindle and have considered it for my"woody"but I was not aware of the air duct and mount difference.I am a pack rat and get rid of nothing so I have lots of spare parts from these cars. That is a good pic. of the unit Thanx for quick response.

The motor mount bracket would not pertain to your 1951. The 1951 does not have the side motor mount brackets. That is a 1952-54 feature and all 1954's had the P/S brkt. even with standard steering.
The duct on a 1953-54 gets replaced with a 4" flexible rubber hose. The metal duct would contact the power steering. The duct is a little smaller and lower in a 1952 and MAY not need to be changed.
The shift linkage rods (standard shift or P.G) that run down to the transmission also must be changed as the lower suooprt on the column is up higher and longer rods are needed.

What is the location for the neutral/backup lights switch on 1953 chev belair with power steering? Note: This car has the integral system... If anyone has pictures of this.. Please email me at antiqueman90@hotmail.com Thanks!

Here's several views of the complete installation on a 53, it's the same on a 54, the gear itself is different. It's a fairly complicated assembly.

I need the neutral saftey switch assy bracket for pwr steering. Just need this bracket assy only, I have the switch. If anyone has one or any info on one. Please email me at antiqueman90@hotmail.com

I can send a picture of bracket assy I need... Thanks! LBL

I noticed your post on installing the PS on your 51. I just acquired a complete PS unit that I plan on installing in my 51 sedan this spring. I see no reason why it will not work on the 51, but a person should be aware of all the different parts involved. I beleive I have all of them so I will find out later as I progress. Donn

When installing the PS on the 49-52 you stated that because you have to use the 53-54 column you need to use the 53-54 steering wheel. Even though that would be a nice setup because of the turn signals, I disagree that you have to use that wheel. I plan on using a 49-52 Butterfly steering wheel and the optional turn signal lever mounted on the side like used on the 49-52.