manual to power steering 1966

The Big Comets
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lazer
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manual to power steering 1966

Post by lazer »

I have a 66 with a 390 and 4 speed. I want to put the borgenson power steering in. It calls for cutting 2 1/2 inches off of the bottom of the steering column. The engine is out so can I cut the steering column from the engine bay without removing it? Then pull the shaft out from the bottom, weld the coupler on the bottom of the shaft and re insert the shaft into the bottom of the steering column? Then i could attach the new box to the coupler and mount the box on the frame. Hope I explained what I'm thinking.

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poboyjo65
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by poboyjo65 »

gotta take the steering wheel off. gonna take the old sector box out too. so only thing holding the column in after cutting the shaft is 2 nuts at the dash & unplug the wire connector,,, am I forgetting something?I'm not real familiar with 66's .
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Johno

lazer
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by lazer »

Thanks. Does the steering shaft just slide out then? If it does is it from the bottom you pull it out or the top or either? Thanks

Caveman49
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by Caveman49 »

I haven’t messed with steering column or box in the 66 Comet, so am not sure on how it is attached. I don’t see a rag joint, and if it’s like the 66 Mustang, the box and column are basically one unit. It’s good you have the engine out, makes it a lot easier to work on. I believe you’d be better off pulling the whole unit and work on it, although I’m not sure how the borgenson setup will work.

Definitely would be interested in how it works out for you, I may want to convert our 66 manual to power.

Keep us updated if you can, thanks.

Motor Safe,
Lee
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Motor Safe,
Lee

lazer
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by lazer »

I think I will make the switch and will let you know how it turns out.

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poboyjo65
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by poboyjo65 »

lazer wrote:
Wed Mar 23, 2022 6:30 pm
Thanks. Does the steering shaft just slide out then? If it does is it from the bottom you pull it out or the top or either? Thanks
Yes if it is like 65's you take off the steering wheel & maybe a snapring behind it. when you pull the sector box out from the bottom the shaft comes with it, then you could saw it off close to the box as possible then reinstall shaft into column & s.wheel back on to mock it up & mark you shaft where you need it cut . That's what I'd do I would not trust other peoples measurements. you could probably make you first cut (close to the box,that way you can trim it later)in the car to make it all easier but since your motor is out might not need to.

I love my borgesen! :D
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Johno

Caveman49
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by Caveman49 »

This is what is in my 66 shop manual, may help.
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Motor Safe,
Lee

lazer
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by lazer »

Thanks for the printout. I just received the Borgenson pump today with the other parts coming. Not going to start for a week or so till the weather warms up, I live in Pa.

Caveman49
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by Caveman49 »

Hope it helps some. PA, brrrrr, 72 here today, nice day to work on the ride.
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Motor Safe,
Lee

Lou's Comet
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by Lou's Comet »

Oh yea, fun day in Pa today......snow

lol

Caveman49
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by Caveman49 »

Yeehaa, haven’t seen snow in years, thankfully.

I’m originally from Cleveland, I feel ya brother!
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Motor Safe,
Lee

lazer
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by lazer »

I cut the steering shaft at the manual steering box and the shaft slid out from inside the car with the steering wheel still attached. How do I get the top piece of the wheel off, the piece that you push to honk the horn? I tried pushing down on it and turning counter clockwise but when I push down you can't turn it because of interference.

Caveman49
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Re: manual to power steering 1966

Post by Caveman49 »

I believe the horn ring is clipped on, gotta sort of pry it or pop it off. Then you can work on the rest of it.
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Motor Safe,
Lee

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