56/57 shortened steering column

[Joseph T.]

Anyone out there have a 56/57 Corvette with the shortened steering column for racing?

If so..please e-mail me.

[John M.]

Re: 56/57 shortened steering column

Joe,
Did you know that you can pick up almost 2" if additional clearance just by using a 58-62 steering column?

Regards, John McGraw

[Joseph T.]

Re: 56/57 shortened steering column

The shortened steering column is in my original 57 racecar and I am trying to find out more about these early columns.

How many were made, when and where.

[Art A.]

Re: 56/57 shortened steering column

Joe, "The" Engineering Work Order calls for the removal of the production steering gear assy and installing shorter assys on two of the 1957 Corvette Nassau race cars, I wouldn't know if yours would be one of them unless I inspected the car.

Art

[Clem Z.]

Re: 56/57 shortened steering column

now days race cars have the wheel close to the driver to prevent arm fatigue cause by reaching out for the wheel

[Joseph T.]

Re: 56/57 shortened steering column

Art

Thanks..there are some numbers stamped into the gear box...and I do not see any welding on the column..so it was well done.

[Art A.]

Re: 56/57 shortened steering column

Joe, re your E-Mail to me:-----------" Re: 56/57 shortened steering column

Art

I was told that SR1's with shortened steering columns had #'s stamped in to the steering box.

At first I didn't see the #'s but after a little cleaning..this is what I found.

56 - 4 - 23 ( stamped )

5666151 * 1

146 ( maybe L46 )

Since the car had a June 1956 dated special generator I wonder if the steering box is also from the 56 SR program.

Not that the world will change much..but I am just curious if Frank Burrell or someone at the time ..tested a shortened steering column as a shop fabricated idea and then had Detroit Gear do a short run. Maybe the stamped #'s tell a story.

Joe"

--------------I thought I would reply here as some others may have some input.

I think the part number you found is just the part number of ONE of the parts that make up the Steering Assembly. The PRODUCTION Steering Assembly has a unique ASSEMBLY part number and it will NOT be stamped anywhere on the assembled parts.The WO shows the production assembly part number being replaced by another ( shorter)assembly part number. Again, I would have to check the WO with the car in order to verify.

The other thing you have to understand about the Chevrolet Engineering WO processed vehicles is that EVERYTHING was either made or modified,IN HOUSE, or ordered from outside sources and INSTALLED IN HOUSE. The Chevrolet Engineering Center had one of the most complete fabricating facilities in the world.

Art

[Joseph T.]

Re: Nassau/Daytona/Sebring steering box

Art

Below is a picture of the steering box from the Nassau/Daytona/Sebring 57 race car with shortened steering column.

Joe

[Bill H.]

Re: Nassau/Daytona/Sebring steering box

I found my note about the steering box of my old 56 SR-1 (#2823)...

56-4-22 (!)

[Joseph T.]

Re: Nassau/Daytona/Sebring steering box

Bill

Thanks for sharing...Joe