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By Bruce Compton - 13 Years Ago
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What do I have to do to convert my '54 to power steering ? Does a donor car have to be a '54 Merc or will another year of Ford or Merc. be O.K.? Thanks : Bruce
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By YBLOCKMERC - 13 Years Ago
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I used a '55 Merc unit on my '54. Parts book showed the same numbers for the rack, tie rod to tie rod. The pump and rack bolted right up. If you use a later unit and have the control valve rebuilt, beware, there are a number of different iterations and something as small as an incorrect O-ring can cause leaks. If you need the hydraulic cylinder rebuilt, Straight Line Steering in San Jose does fine work for reasonable $$. Good luck, it's worth it!
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By Bruce Compton - 13 Years Ago
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Thank Marc. Can I still use my non-power box and idler arm? Bruce
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By oldcarmark - 13 Years Ago
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If you are not needing to go original 1975-1980 Ford Granada may be a possibility.I know that they have been used on 55-56 Ford as the draglink dimensions and ram are very close to the stock 55-56 parts.Someone on this site has done this swap.You would still need a pump and brackets etc and hoses.
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By YBLOCKMERC - 13 Years Ago
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Bruce Compton (12/12/2012)
Thank Marc. Can I still use my non-power box and idler arm? Bruce
The box and Pitman arm are the same. The idler arm from the '55 unit was different from the '54 and I used the '55 arm.
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By alanfreeman - 13 Years Ago
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If I were you, I would try to find a complete power steering setup from a parts car rather than try to piece it together with expensive and rare parts. You will save money and you will know that you have all of the right parts. Anyway you go , it is going to cost you as I think that I got $800.-$900. for the last complete setup I sold on Ebay. The idler arm is different on a power steering car so you cannot use the one from your manual steering. Good luck, Alan S. Freeman
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By YBLOCKMERC - 13 Years Ago
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alanfreeman (12/13/2012)
If I were you, I would try to find a complete power steering setup from a parts car rather than try to piece it together with expensive and rare parts. You will save money and you will know that you have all of the right parts. Anyway you go , it is going to cost you as I think that I got $800.-$900. for the last complete setup I sold on Ebay. The idler arm is different on a power steering car so you cannot use the one from your manual steering. Good luck, Alan S. Freeman
I agree with Alan about getting a complete unit. Make sure you get the cast bracket that attaches to the frame on the passenger side.
Adding power steering to a '54 Merc dramatically changes the driveability for parking and slow speed maneuvering while maintaining road feel at higher speeds. I upgraded to a 292 with Granada discs, radial wide whites, a C4 trans and the p/s. The car is now a dream to drive around town and road trips; very responsive and predictable handling for a 60 year old car.
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By oldcarmark - 13 Years Ago
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Theres a complete system for 55 Merc on Ebay right now.Search "1955 Ford Power Steering".i
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By YBLOCKMERC - 13 Years Ago
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oldcarmark (12/13/2012)
Theres a complete system for 55 Merc on Ebay right now.Search "1955 Ford Power Steering".i
Yep, that's what you need. You may need to rebuild the control valve and hydraulic ram, plus replace hoses, tie rod ends and bushings, but that's the basic set-up. Add a pump with bracket and you're good to go.
[url=http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-1955-complete-accessory-power-steering-linkage-1956-1954-Y-block-ford-/360530625197?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53f14cc2ad&vxp=mtr][/url]
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By oldcarmark - 13 Years Ago
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He has the bracket and pump on another listing.I dont know why he didnt put it all together.Worth more as a complete setup.
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