C1 Steering Overhaul

[Mark Radin]

Hi -

I plan to overhaul the steering column on my 59 next weekend. I have just bought Corvette Centrals overhaul kit, and would appreciate any tips. Anything I should be really careful with? Are any special tools needed. If all goes well - how long should the job take. All tips, advice and JOKES, appreciated.

Mark

[Russ U.]

Re: C1 Steering Overhaul

John Hinckley penned a how-to guide for rebuilding C1 steering boxes. The article (with plenty of pics and diagrams) appeared in the Corvette Enthusiast magazine, July 2007.

This is a must read item before you begin you rebuild.

Russ




Corvette Home

[Russ U.]

Re: C1 Steering Overhaul

John Hinckley penned a how-to guide for rebuilding C1 steering boxes. The article (with plenty of pics and diagrams) appeared in the Corvette Enthusiast magazine, July 2007.

This is a must read item before you begin you rebuild.

Russ




Corvette Home

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 Steering Overhaul

I did that a few years back on my 61 and If I remember correctly the toughest thing was getting some of the bearing races out. I think I left one original in because of this. I did'n have any special tools that are available from Eastwood or even sears. But that's what I remember. And it made a huge difference. I' have been told that I have the tightest, smoothest C1 front end that a few experts who should know, have driven. Fo course that was after a COMPLETE rebuild, not just the steering box. Other tip, make a cover bolt with a hole drilled and tapped for a zerk (grease) fitting and use front end tupe lube NOT oil. Once it's loaded, put your "factory" bolt back in and "fagettaboutit"!
Good Luck!
Jim

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 Steering Overhaul

I did that a few years back on my 61 and If I remember correctly the toughest thing was getting some of the bearing races out. I think I left one original in because of this. I did'n have any special tools that are available from Eastwood or even sears. But that's what I remember. And it made a huge difference. I' have been told that I have the tightest, smoothest C1 front end that a few experts who should know, have driven. Fo course that was after a COMPLETE rebuild, not just the steering box. Other tip, make a cover bolt with a hole drilled and tapped for a zerk (grease) fitting and use front end tupe lube NOT oil. Once it's loaded, put your "factory" bolt back in and "fagettaboutit"!
Good Luck!
Jim

[Michael L.]

Re: C1 Steering Overhaul

Mark, I'm with Russ, read John's article and you'll do well. I had to have my races removed at a machine shop, no amount of prying or banging would budge them. The shop shrunk the races by welding them, they just popped out. That added an extra $80 to the project but I couldn't proceed with old races in place.The time to clean, replace and close up is about an hour and a half. Be careful with the upper column bearing, it can come apart and you'll lose ball bearings. Once that is in place, handle carefully. This was a task I did not look forward to,once I read John's article it was much clearer than the ST10 and going forward was a snap. Worst part was cleaning out the old grease. Good luck!

[Michael L.]

Re: C1 Steering Overhaul

Mark, I'm with Russ, read John's article and you'll do well. I had to have my races removed at a machine shop, no amount of prying or banging would budge them. The shop shrunk the races by welding them, they just popped out. That added an extra $80 to the project but I couldn't proceed with old races in place.The time to clean, replace and close up is about an hour and a half. Be careful with the upper column bearing, it can come apart and you'll lose ball bearings. Once that is in place, handle carefully. This was a task I did not look forward to,once I read John's article it was much clearer than the ST10 and going forward was a snap. Worst part was cleaning out the old grease. Good luck!

[Ted S.]

Anyone have a copy of John's article....

that I could get a copy of? I'm facing that pretty quick on my '58 also.

Thanks, Ted

[Ted S.]

Anyone have a copy of John's article....

that I could get a copy of? I'm facing that pretty quick on my '58 also.

Thanks, Ted

[John H.]

Re: Anyone have a copy of John's article....

Ted -

I don't have a .pdf of it with photos to send you, but if you call the "Corvette Enthusiast" Customer Service desk (800-448-3611), you can order a back issue.

[John H.]

Re: Anyone have a copy of John's article....

Ted -

I don't have a .pdf of it with photos to send you, but if you call the "Corvette Enthusiast" Customer Service desk (800-448-3611), you can order a back issue.