65' Steering Box - where to buy?

[Oliver S.]

Hello,

the steering box is leaking on my '65 Roadster. Which is the best source for buying a rebuilt one? Since I live in Germany and shipping and handling is expensive it may be cheaper not to sent my box back. Here're two source:
- Corvette Central offers a rebuilt box for $169 + $75 when you don't send your old one back.
- Paragon wants $145 + $130
But not only money counts. Thus, I'd like to have some opinions or alternatives.
Thanks in advance.

Regards
Oliver

[Joe L.]

Re: 65' Steering Box - where to buy?

Oliver-----

Why not save a lot on BOTH shipping and the cost of a rebuilt steering gear by just rebuilding it yourself? If the only problem with the gear is leakage, that's resolved by simply replacing one of the 2 seals or side cover gasket that is causing the leak (usually, the pitman shaft seal is the offending item). However, if you're going to replace the seals, you might as well rebuild the gear at the same time. Rebuild of the steering gear is well-covered in the Chevrolet Overhaul Manual and is really not all that difficult.

Doing it yourself, all you need to have shipped over to you is a rebuild kit and that's a LOT lighter than a complete steering gear. A complete kit is available from Dr. Rebuild and others