I have a 1950 Bel Air with PG transmission. I have reached the point where the steering is difficult for me. Anyone have any experience with electric power steering?
No direct experience with it but I have seen some conversions. What I have learned is that they are expensive and take a lot of effort to retrofit into a classic car. I have never seen one for a 6 volt system so there is the hidden cost of converting to 12 volts.
There seem to be 2 basic types of systems. One is a linear actuator intended for use with rack and pinion steering. The other is a rotary assist unit that is integrated into the steering shaft that goes from the steering wheel to the steering gear. That is probably the more likely candidate for your car.
There are few kits out there to add hydraulic power steering to Advanced Design trucks as well as late 40's/early 50's Chevy cars. Just Google 1950 Chevy Power Steering Conversion Kit.
. Francis W. Davis, an engineer of the truck division of Pierce-Arrow, began exploring how steering could be made easier, and in 1926 invented and demonstrated the first practical power steering system. He asked so much that US auto manufacturers waited till his patent expired in 1953 to offer it on mass. . . The 1953 accessory power steering is a bolt in for your 1950 PG. That's the closest to "Original Equipment" you'll be able to get. If you find a rack and pinion that is the same width as your tie rod, that will give a more positive feel than the sloppy center arm system. . , I've posted some pictures of the 53 system to view. . Lou ,
I talked to a fellow on the Fall SW tour at Williams AZ in September. He had installed electric power steering on his car and loved it. He said it took some trial and error to get all the bugs worked out but once he did it works great. On my wife's '40 sedan it might be a viable option.
