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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 128
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 128 |
Just completed 3000 miles in my 50 Fleetline with new 205 60 radials installed. Great on the highway but impossible in parking or slow speeds. Partially it is my arms but I wonder if anyone provides a power assist package. Car is basically original with 235 PG and 6v
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,194
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,194 |
You may want to consider putting on some tires that are narrower. Its going to steer hard with a 60 series tire.
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 604
Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 604 |
Loose, Radials put a bigger "footprint" on the ground than bias tires. That makes 'em harder to turn sitting still. Move the car slightly with the clutch while parking, etc. That'l help a bit.
Otherwise, IMHO, radials greatly improve drivability and safety. That is the first change I make when I aquire another ol' car.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 535
Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 535 |
I have two 1950's, a convertible with radials and a four door sedan with bias ply tires. There is a considerable difference in steering effort while parking due to the radial tires.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 799
ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 799 |
To answer 1 of your questions..Chevy came out in 54..maybe 53 with powersteering..My understanding is that p.s unit was not the greatest. they are still out there and rebuilders are still remaking them.. check ebay
Old cars have always owned me.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The 1953 and 1954 power steering units were good in their day but complicated. The 1953-54 steering column must be used.
If you have an early 1950 replacing the steering gear with one from a late 1950 or a 1951 or 1952 will help. There was a ratio change . The Power Glide adds more weight to the front end making it worse.
Try pumping the tires up to 40 pounds and see if that helps.
I tried 205 radilas on my 1950 and the hard steering is one of the reasons I went back to bias.
The late steering gear has a raised X on top of the steering gear housing .
Gene Schneider
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