<VV> "Rat Rod" steering box in a Corvair ?

[Sethracer at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/27/2010 7:54:31 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
Chaz at ProperProper.com writes:

Can a  Corvair "Rat Rod" steering box be used in a Corvair  ?

Charlie
_______________________________________________



Charlie - 
The early Corvair box 60-63, was made of aluminum. These were the boxes  
that were recommended by the 1960/70 supplier of bucket T kits. To use them on 
 the T-bucket, you took them apart, punched a hole in the adjuster cap end, 
 turned around the input shaft and capped off the original hole. Unless you 
want  to reverse that procedure, you won't be able to use it in a Corvair. 
Chevy gave  up on the aluminum box after 63, because it was too weak. They 
have failed in  competition, causing crashes. The steel box is much heavier 
duty.
 
What are you  trying to do here? Did you find something on E-Bay and want 
to adapt it to the  67? Have you tried your adjustment to the point that you 
are pretty sure you  will have to get a replacement? If I might offer a 
suggestion. If your box is  absolutely beyond adjustment, you should look for a 
replacement. You have two  choices, a used stock 67-69 (Box is identical) or 
the Flaming River aftermarket  quick ratio box (interchangeable with one 
small mod.) You might also find a  rebuilt 67-69, perhaps at one of the 
vendors. 
If you  install a Flaming River quick-ratio box, you will not need to do an 
additional  alignment, because installing the box does not affect toe, 
caster or  camber. You just move over the pitman arm and bolt it in. The small 
mod involves  removing a couple of the splines. The 60-63 was fully splined, 
the 67-69 has a  flat on it to self-align into the coupling. It is easy to 
see - and  do.

Seth Emerson

C's the Day! -  Corvair, Camaro, Corvette
San Jose, CA