Steering gearbox, 63 Riviera

[mrsuggestion]

In the event that mine needs to be replaced, any experience with Cardone and Lares to share?

 

Matt

[RivNut]

Lares is worth consideration IF it comes to having yours rebuilt, but check with Tom Telesco about the replacement boxes that he offers.,

[mrsuggestion]

Thanks Ed. Contact info for Tom?

[JanZverina]

I have Tom's quick ratio steering gearbox in my '63 and if there's one thing that truly transforms everyday driving, it's this invisible mod. Night and day difference and all for the better. Tom goes by 'telriv' on this forum and an absolute font of knowledge!

-Jan

[Riviera63]

I will second Jan on this. I have one of Tom's boxes in my car. An improvement I made that I do not regret. 

 

Bill

[RivNut]

Tom Telesco

   (Formally of Classic & Muscle Automotive)

  12 Cook St.

  Norwalk, Ct. 06853-1601

  Daytime phone number  203-324-6045

[mrsuggestion]

Thanks very much.

 

Matt

[XframeFX]

On 9/7/2023 at 7:41 PM, mrsuggestion said:

In the event that mine needs to be replaced, any experience with Cardone and Lares to share?

Yes, Tom T.

If not, do your Research! Consider No Core exchange, ridiculous shipping.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/saginaw-steering-boxes

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1904-we-test-four-different-ratio-saginaw-power-steering-boxes/

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/353094-quick-ratio-steering-box-for-my-63-riv/

 

Jim Shea PDF:

 

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/AF-CarFastRatioGearBeingRevised15AP2012.pdf

 

MY CHOICE TO SOURCE, CLOSE TO THE BORDER AND DEALER IN VANCOUVER (has 80mm piston):

https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/18500

 

Other good Sources:

Double T

https://leepowersteering.com

 

Enjoy browsing & screen time!

 

 

 

 

Edited September 10, 2023 by XframeFX (see edit history)

[1965rivgs]

  Do your homework, starting in '69 most if not all full size GM cars came with a variable ratio steering gearbox. The variable ratio box will bring down the standard first gen box from approximately 4.75 turns lock to lock to 3.25 turns...and you will get the benefit of the slowest ratio in the center position which speeds up as the box turns to left or right.

  At some point in time, maybe the early '80's, can't remember off the top of my head, the boxes switched to metric fittings. There are ways around this but if you want a clean, bolt in installation obtain a box before the early '80's time frame.

  This is a tip I posted for years which also appeared in The Riview several times...but I havnt posted it in a long time.

Tom Mooney

[BulldogDriver]

Gearbox out of a Cadillac would work fine. I did one from an Eldorado from the early 70’s and had it and the pump rebuilt. Definite improvement over the original box. 
 

Ray

[Matt56]

I have installed a Lares box in my '63.  Not driven yet, but number of turns lock to lock has reduced a little.  Steering effort is increased (assume the new Lares box has a stiffer torsion bar in the box).  It bolted in fine.