Trying to help a friend convert to PS He has some of the parts. But the PS gearbox is much longer and won't match up. Wrong gearbox, steering column ?? At his age he can't munever the car in tight spaces. Please help me to help him. Thanks Bob
You have to match up the steering column to the gearbox. Manual steer gearboxes require a longer steering column shaft. The power steering gearbox uses a shorter shafted steering column. The 61&62 steering columns didn't have a rag joint, but the 63's did. I'm not sure of the interchangeability between the two. Hope this helps and good luck! Keith
Thanks for the info, that heads me the right direction. Would I need to change the column or just the internal shaft? That is if I can find either. Me working on a Buick might be dangerous as I am 56 Ford guy. I have had some Buicks over the years. Good cars I thought. Thanks again Bob.
The only difference between the two is the length of the shaft. It would be way easier to just swap out the entire column. Since your swapping power for manual that means your steering column shaft is longer. Being that it's longer you maybe able to cut the end off, buy a new coupler (rag joint) and have the end of the shaft milled to fit the new joint. Keith
That sounds like a good idea. Machine shop I can find, shaft maybe not. Do you have any specs or part # to be sure I have the correct gear box before I start cutting? Thanks Bob
Sorry no I don't, the numbers on the gear box is on the bottom/back side and I have one bolted to the sub frame ready to go back in the car. My other one is stashed away somewhere and I'm not sure where it is at the moment lol. If the gear box fits and bolts in, I'm sure it is correct. They are a one of a kind fit pretty much. I'd purchase the new rag joint before I'd cut the shaft. Keith
I understand on the # and agree with having the rag joint first. Can you suggest a vendor for the purchase? Thanks, Bob
I have no suggestions or a part number for the rag joint. I thought I did but after some looking I don't see anything. Maybe start a new thread for a lead on a new joint. There's a lot of people here and someone will have a lead for you I'm sure. Keith
