59 vette steering gearbox

[Jeff Adams]

I was wondering if someone can help me. I am looking for an experienced person in rebuilding these boxes. I have already installed brand new worm gear and shaft, bearing kit, selector gear and shim kit from corvette central. Have installed everything by the book but still have gear lash at the end of turning each way. Wondering if this is standard for this beast? Anybody have this same problem and how they have solved it please let me know what I need to do, I am getting tired of messing with it and want to get it back in the car. Thanks, Jeff

[Todd Robida]

Same problem with 1974 gearbox

I have the same situation with my 1974 gearbox. I am currently trying to decide whether to rebuild or replace. I don't want to invest time and money in rebuild parts only to find I still have this gear lash.

Todd Robida

[Jim Yount]

Got mine rebuilt at Guldstrand

...handling is really important to me, but I really debated before plunking down the $600 for a "blueprinting" at Dick Guldstrand's facility. I think it was Dick's personal reputation that finally sold me. I received the rebuilt box, and am amazed at the results. I've never driven a recirculating ball system that felt this tight. Jim Gassner at Guldstrand told me that they use the same box rebuilder that rebuilds NASCAR steering. Basically, you send them your unit, they send you the casing back with re-engineered parts.

I'm located in the Pacific Northwest, and if either of you is up this way, you would be welcome to try my '65... with manual steering, the difference is quite noticeable.

Good luck!

Jim

[Gary Geminn]

Re: 59 vette steering gearbox

Jeff,

Trust your rebuilding skills. If you have rebuilt the gearbox "by the book", and have the adjustments to specifications, then you should be okay.

These steering gearboxes do exhibit severe gear lash once over center as the steering wheel is turned to the right or left. This is of course experienced on the bench without a load. Once the box is installed in the vehicle, and all steering components connected, it will behave normally.

The experienced person to talk to about C1 steering gearbox problems is our own Joe Calcagno (813-475-4442 CA). Joe has wrtten many articles on Steering, etc. in the Restorer. He is remiss in the fact that he did not discuss this condition more thoroughly in his articles. He shared this thought with me when I asked for help and he said that he receives a call a day on the very condition you are experiencing.

You may want to consult Joe's articles prior to calling him or installing the box.

Hope this helps.

Gary